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. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek