Pubdate: Mon, 06 Nov 2006
Source: Gabriola Sounder (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Gabriola Sounder
Contact:  http://www.soundernews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2350
Author: Lee Horner, Gabriola Sounder

CRYSTAL METH

The use of crystal meth is fast becoming an epidemic across our 
province. Whether you choose to call it by one of its street names - 
jib, ice, glass, or tina (to name only a few) the facts remain the 
same; it is a drug that uses cheap, volatile and highly toxic, over 
the counter ingredients that have resulted in the most potent grade 
of this drug being manufactured in clandestine labs. Super labs are 
set up in apartments and sheds, barns, basements and hotel rooms, 
however this drug can also be made in makeshift labs called 'Mom and 
Pop' or 'Beavis and Butthead' labs; these smaller labs fit into 
vehicle trunks, picnic coolers and suitcases.

The base ingredients for this horrific drug can be found in common 
cold medications - ephedrine or pseudoephedrine which is combined 
with such noxious ingredients as ammonia, brake cleaner, lithium 
batteries, rat poison, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, antifreeze and alcohol.

Approximately fifteen substances are used in the 'cooking' of meth 
and results in dirty white shard crystals being produced.

The method of entry into a persons body varies; it can be smoked, 
snorted, injected, swallowed or administered as a suppository, and 
depending upon which method the drug is introduced to the body, the 
effects can last as long as a day, with the initial rush or high 
occurring shortly after use. It's cheap (as little as $5 for a hit), 
accessible and plentiful.

Crystal meth stimulates the hypothalamus, which chemically regulates 
emotions, and organizes feelings, mood and energy levels by releasing 
high levels of dopamine.

Up to fifteen times the amount of dopamine released during normal 
pleasurable situations occurs, inciting an unprecedented euphoria 
while its intensity permanently rewires the brain chemistry and can 
cause irreversible damage.

It affects the central nervous system, causes respiratory problems 
and can result in cardiovascular collapse; it is also personality 
altering and causes violent, bizarre behaviour that can lead to drug 
induced psychosis.

The first hit of crystal meth induces the most powerful rush or high, 
which can never be repeated, but the user continues to strive to 
regain that initial feeling, and users can become addicted and 
dependent very quickly.

Use of this drug allows the person to stay up for days at a time, but 
will eventually result in a crash and burn state. This state is just 
as intense as the 'high' however it is extremely unpleasurable, so 
the person continues on the cycle of using. Meth users will 
ultimately suffer from what they call 'crank bugs'. Because the 
ingredients of meth are highly toxic to the human body, after the 
drug is taken, the chemicals remain; the body's natural reaction is 
to try to eliminate them. Users then itch and scratch at themselves, 
causing open weeping sores.

These sores are often then used as a site for injecting the same drug.

Crystal Meth knows no social or age boundaries; it is used by young 
girls (as early as grade 5 and 6) to pursue their idea of the 
'correct body image' displayed by many facets of the media, and as a 
stimulant in colleges to 'cram' for exams and write papers.

Middle age women trying to regain their 'figures of youth' are among 
the target groups, and are using this drug on a regular basis, as are 
our youth.

The health and social costs of this drug on our communities is 
devastating and it's our responsibility to educate ourselves about 
the consequences of using crystal meth, and disseminating the 
information amongst our own community.

A good place to start would be accessing "The Faces of Meth" (just 
search for "faces of meth") on the web (be prepared, the visuals are 
shocking) and learning more about this issue through: www.no2meth.ca 
and www.crystalmethbc.com. There is plenty of information out there; 
let's stop the use of this drug - together we can make a difference.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine