Pubdate: Tue, 07 Nov 2006
Source: Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal
Contact:  http://www.ash-cache-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3157

HARD TO SHAKE HABIT

Street Names: Speed, Meth, Chalk, Ice, Crystal, Crystal Meth, Jib

Methamphetamine belongs to a family of drugs called amphetamines - 
powerful stimulants that speed up the body's central nervous system. 
In the 1930s methamphetamine was marketed as a nasal decongestant. 
The medical usefulness of methamphetamine is limited by the severity 
of its adverse effects, and by its high addictive potential.

Methamphetamine is not legally available in Canada.

The meth that is produced for recreational use is made in illicit 
labs with fairly inexpensive, and often toxic or flammable, 
ingredients. The chemicals and processes used vary from lab to lab, 
affecting the strength, purity and effect of the final product.

Crystal Meth is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder 
that dissolves easily in water or alcohol and may be snorted, 
swallowed, smoked or injected. In its smokable form, meth is called 
"ice," "crystal," "crank" or "glass" because of its transparent, 
sheet-like crystals. It is smoked in a pipe like crack cocaine.

The availability of meth has led to a rise in use among a variety of 
people. These users include young people at raves, nightclubs and 
parties, and cocaine users who substitute meth for its cocaine-like effects.

Tolerance to the effects of crystal meth builds up quickly in regular 
users, meaning they need more and more of the drug to achieve the 
desired effect. When dependent users stop taking meth, they have 
strong cravings for the drug, and within a few days will experience 
withdrawal symptoms, including stomach pain, hunger, headaches, 
shortness of breath, tiredness and depression.

When meth is used regularly over a long period of time, people can 
develop amphetamine psychosis. The symptoms include hallucinations, 
delusions, paranoia and bizarre and violent behaviour.

Research in animals and humans suggests that meth may cause long-term 
damage to cells in those areas of the brain associated with thinking, 
memory and movement.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine