Pubdate: Tue, 04 Jul 2006 Source: Langley Advance (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.langleyadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248 Author: Matthew Claxton DRUGS: THERE'S NOTHING NEW ABOUT METH Methamphetamine Has a Longer History Than Its Current Status As A Leading Street Drug Would Suggest. Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan in 1919, and its first widespread use took place during the Second World War. Both the Allies and the Axis forces gave methamphetamines to their soldiers to keep them alert and energetic for longer periods of time. In the 1950s, doctors prescribed it for a variety of medical problems, including alcoholism, obesity, narcolepsy, and certain forms of depression. It remains available, including in the United States, as a prescription medication for a few illnesses. Called Desoxyn, the drug is used in small doses as a treatment for obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The criminal use of methamphetamine, and its secret manufacture by criminals, began in North America in the 1960s, and increased in the 1980s. Like heroin and cocaine, it can be taken in a wide variety of ways, including smoking, injecting, and swallowing in pill form. Longterm meth use takes a toll on the body. A depressed immune system, acne, and teeth-grinding are typical side effects. "Meth-mouth," in which a victim's teeth rot out within a few years of heavy use, is also becoming well known. The exact cause isn't known, although it's thought that the acids and byproducts found in clandestinely produced meth may be eating the enamel off addicts' teeth as they smoke it. Abusers of the drug also suffer from psychological problems, especially paranoia while they take the drug. Psychotic episodes and delusions are not uncommon. The fact that an addict can go days without sleeping while on a meth binge doesn't help. Unlike cocaine or heroin, meth doesn't have to be grown in a distant country and smuggled into Canada. Labs have been found in urban areas of the country, including in Langley. The labs often contain hazardous chemicals and acids, and have to be dealt with by hazardous materials crews when discovered. Meth is one of the cheapest drugs. A single dose of meth, called a point, can cost as little as $10 in the Lower Mainland. Addicts use several points a day. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake