Pubdate: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 Source: Westender (Vancouver, CN BC) Copyright: 2004 WestEnder Contact: http://www.westender.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1243 Author: Julia Caranci Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) VICTORIA TO TACKLE CRYSTAL METH ISSUE Methamphetamine-known on the streets as crystal meth, crank, glass or zip-is the strongest amphetamine, and the one causing serious concerns in the Lower Mainland. More people have sought help for amphetamine abuse in the last five years in the Fraser Health Authority, which stretches from Burnaby to Boston Bar, than any other region in B.C., according to a provincial report. One health official estimates that up to 20 per cent of drug abusers are hooked on meth, with an increasing number of young women in the clutches of the drug. This week, Victoria announced a new strategy to deal with the potentially deadly drug. The report reveals that the use and related deaths from this toxic drug are increasing, and the number of people who seek help for addictions to amphetamines in B.C. has climbed, from four per cent of those seeking help for addictions five years ago to 11 per cent today. Victoria's figures suggest 934 people in the FHA sought help for amphetamine use in 2001, 825 in 2002, and 766 in 2003. The overall numbers for amphetamine abuse in the Fraser Health region are probably comparable to the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, says addictions leader Sherry Mumford. Every year since 1999, the FHA has had higher numbers of people seeking help from community addictions workers for amphetamine abuse than any other health authority in B.C., the report indicates. Mumford said addiction workers in the area have seen an increase in drug users seeking help for crystal meth abuse; she estimates up to 20 per cent of clients are using meth, more than provincial numbers suggest. Street youth, the gay and lesbian population, rave participants, and women of child-bearing age have been identified as potential high-risk groups "Women, especially young women, are certainly a high-risk population, specifically because of crystal meth's ability to curb the appetite for weight loss," she says. "Certainly women are starting to come to the forefront of what you would call meth users." Methamphetamine releases a rush of chemicals into areas of the brain that control feelings of pleasure. It increases wakefulness and physical activity and decreases appetite. It can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked. It's cheap to buy and easy to make using over-the-counter ingredients in at-home labs and by organized crime groups. There is a unique danger in using crystal meth because it leads to psychosis in some users. This can take the form of paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, which in turn can lead to homicidal and suicidal thoughts. Last week, the provincial government unveiled a new strategy to combat crystal meth addiction, promising to inform the public, make communities safer, identify high-risk populations, reduce harm, and increase the skills of service providers. B.C. Minister of State for Mental Health and Addiction Services, Susan Brice, said initial discussions have begun with retailers and pharmacies to limit access to medications that can be used in at-home labs to produce crystal meth. Pharmacists and several large retail outlets in Alberta recently placed cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind the counter to better control and monitor the sale of these products. Victoria also plans to implement an education program for women of child-bearing age. There is concern pregnant women who use crystal meth may unknowingly harm their unborn children, Brice said. To get help, call Narcotics Anonymous at 604 873-1018. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin