Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jun 2006
Source: Orangeville Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 Orangeville Citizen
Contact:  http://www.citizen.on.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2529
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG INFORMATION SESSION SET FOR NEXT WEEK

Evidence of one of the most highly addictive and  destructive street
drugs was found recently at Centre  Dufferin District High School, and
Shelburne Police  Service is hosting a special information session
next  week to educate parents and young people about the  deadly
effects of crystal methamphetamine.

Sgt. Mark Bennett with the police service said usage of  the drug is
sweeping across the province like an  epidemic so it shouldn't come as
a surprise that police  have discovered traces of it in Shelburne.

"Though we held out no illusions that it wouldn't  eventually arrive,"
he said during an interview last  week, "our hope is that if we can
make people aware of  its presence and effects it will have a minimal
effect  on the families in this community."

The police service will host a free information session  at the Grace
Tipling Concert Hall on Thursday, June 29,  from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Officers will be available to  discuss the dangerous effects on the
community along  with information about marijuana grow houses. Parents
  and teenagers are invited to attend the session.

Crystal meth, as it is known, is one street form of the  drug
methamphetamine hydrochloride. It comes in clear,  chunky crystals
which are then inhaled, ingested or  smoked. It is also called ice,
crystal, glass or tina.  The drug can be easy to produce in kitchens
or  bathrooms by mixing a cocktail of about 15 ingredients,  mostly
the cold remedy pseudoephedrine, along with  toxic substances like red
phosphorous, iodine, ammonia,  paint thinner, ether, Drano and lithium
from batteries.  It is reported that for an investment of about $150
drug manufactures can make up to $10,000 worth of the  drug on the
street.

Sgt. Bennett said that one of the most frightening  aspects of crystal
meth is that it is so highly  addictive. Experts say addiction can
occur after just  one use and it is one of the hardest addictions to
treat. The relapse rate of 92 per cent is worse than  that for cocaine.

The drug stimulates brain cells creating a rush and  euphoric mood.
The intense pleasure lasts only a few  minutes, and users can become
addicted and dependent  quickly, needing more and higher doses as the
addiction  progresses.

Besides the euphoria the drug also causes irritability,  insomnia,
confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia  and increased
aggression. In higher doses, hypothermia  and convulsions can cause
death.

The drug can cause irreversible damage. The increased  heart rate and
blood pressure damage blood vessels in  the brain, which can cause
strokes, or irregular heart  beat, which can cause cardiovascular
collapse and  death.

Sgt. Bennett said the service's main goal is to reach  people before
they experiment and become addicted. He  said parents should watch for
any unusual behaviour  such as weight loss, increased high energy and
inability to sleep.
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MAP posted-by: Derek