Dear Editor, I was happy to read that the government is going to support broad education on the dangerous effects of ICE (a purer form of methamphetamines also called Crystal Meth, Glass, etc). Working with the Drug Free Ambassadors, started by the Church of Scientology, for many years now, I've seen the effects these drugs have in the community and on individuals. Speed and its purer forms, base and Ice, have serious short and long term effects. Yet I saw one website give weak advice on it, saying that you don't know what is in the stuff you are buying, so best to try a little first. Sheesh! Meth can cause depression, psychosis, brian damage similar to stroke and epilepsy, hallucinations and violence, as has been reported by hospitals and police. Do people know you get a rush, high, then a binge, where you want more, tweaking, where meth doesn't give you any more high--but it can cause you to feel like bugs are crawling under your skin, then a terrible crash and hangover and finally withdrawl which brings on a bad depression amongst other things. Let's be real. People need to know the truth of this terrible drug. My best wishes goes out to those trying to get off, or helping others about this. A drug free life isn't just a trite phrase. It's a worthwhile goal. Sincerely, Cyrus Brooks Drug Free Ambassadors Coordinator

17 Sep 06 Let's look at the facts: Drugs cost us billions of dollars in lost work from those effected, in drug enforcement, in medical treatment, and so on. The human cost in lost loved ones and heartbreak, is uncountable. In musicland we know the stellar fallen stars of Kurt Cobain or in times past, Jimi Hendrix, both died due to drugs and their effects. Fashion icon, Kate Moss almost lost her whole career due to drugs. So what is the solution? At the Mount Druitt Festival, the Church of Scientology's initiative Drug Free Ambassadors, released 10 new booklets to educate and prevent youth from taking drugs. "Prevention is the key," said spokesperson Cyrus Brooks. "The cost for handling drugs after the fact is so much greater; plus the person is influenced by the drug itself and may not be able to see for himself it's terrible effects until they are irreversible. And the biggest enemy the youth have is no or mis-information. Let me tell you, drug dealers (even if they are 'friends') won't give them straight facts." Drug Free Ambassadors released booklets on Speed, Marijuana, Ecstasy, Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, LSD, abuse of Painkillers (like in Marylin Monroe's case) and Ritalin and The Truth about Drugs, summarizing it all at the festival. "They were very popular," quipped Cyrus, "and teachers took them for their students, Scouts and others got involved and interested. One off-duty Federal policeman noted that he was involved for 20 years and it was a never ending battle for them. It shows that as long as there is demand, someone will give the supply. Thus this campaign is key as education and prevention will cut the demand." The Drug Free Ambassadors is based on drug research by L. Ron Hubbard on the effects to the mind as well as the body, and this is the new thing. Cyrus summed it up, "When youth know that the effects of the drug aren't fully eliminated after a month or two, but go on for years, and it makes you mentally sluggish and hazy, they think twice before doing it. When they get the full data, they make better decisions. We can deliver that." For more information contact 02 9692 7308 or see www.drugfreeambassadors.com.au.