Pubdate: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2005, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Beth Blackburn, RCMP Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) CRYSTAL METH GROWS IN POPULARITY WITH TEENS Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine and a powerful stimulant drug. The term "crystal" refers to the drug's appearance which usually looks like clear shards of glass that are then crushed. The form of methamphetamine used today can be crushed, heated and smoked having a more potent effect on the brain. A 2002 study comparing high school and vulnerable youth (average age 17) in Victoria and Vancouver found that: - - 18.7 per cent had tried crystal meth - - 14.5 years - average age of first usage Preliminary date from a 2003 survey of youth in Vancouver and Victoria comparing high school youth and vulnerable youth, show that overall: - - 70 per cent of street involved Vancouver youth have used crystal meth - - 10 per cent of Victoria high school youth have tried it - - 19 per cent of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgendered youth have used it - - 19 per cent of Aboriginal youth have used it - - 43 per cent of youth attending the Victoria Youth Empowerment drop-in reported using crystal meth. Youth detox in Victoria saw a yearly doubling of admissions for crystal meth from 2001 to 2003 and continue to see an increase with 67 per cent of admissions now for crystal meth detox. Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant which can be injected, snorted, smoked or swallowed. Crystal meth stimulates the body's adrenalin system, raising body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Immediate dangers of intoxication with crystal meth may include heart attack, stroke, seizures and even death. Signs of use: dilated pupils, sweating and flushed skin, dry mouth, tremors, increased energy or hyperactivity General effects: elevated heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate, decreased appetite, alertness, aggression, paranoia, depression and irritability. High doses: hallucinations and delusions Long-term effects: psychological dependency, malnutrition, skin abscesses, mood disturbances and psychosis; kidney and other tissue damage, cardiac and neurological damage including irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, inflammation of the heart lining and stroke producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek