RCMP WARN STUDENTS ABOUT CRYSTAL METH

To some people it is more valuable than diamonds, more precious than gold.

You can smoke it, snort it, or inject it.

It goes by several street names - Jib, Meth, Ice, Crystal, Chrissy,
Shards, Grit or Speed. But no matter what street name you prefer,
methamphetamine or 'crystal meth' is an extremely dangerous and addictive drug.

Even though methamphetamine has only been around since the early
1990s, the drug has grown in popularity across Canada since that
time, and, like all other drugs, has made its way to Newfoundland and Labrador.

RCMP Constable Norma Francis, in partnership with the Harbour Breton
Community Youth Network, was at King Academy on March 1 to talk to
the senior student body about the all-too-real dangers of this powerful drug.

"One of the key points I wanted to get across to the students is that
crystal meth is a very dangerous drug. It is very addictive in that
you only have to use it once to become addicted," Cst. Francis said.
"Becoming addicted to this drug causes an extreme problem as repeated
use will lead to, among other things, psychotic behaviour and
suicidal tendencies. A number of Canadians have died from this drug
at a relatively young age."

Cst. Francis explained that to gain relief from the effects of drug,
users have to consume more.

"There is a high chance of overdosing if you take this drug while
still under its influence."

Another key point students have to realize Cst. Francis noted is they
don't have to take crystal meth directly in order to become exposed
to the potent drug.

Students can be using marijuana or ecstasy pills which can be laced
with crystal meth. She said that not all marijuana joints or all
ecstasy pills are laced with crystal meth but it has happened.

"We're sure marijuana and ecstasy pills are here in Harbour Breton
and the Coast of Bays. We have not found traces of crystal meth in
this area yet, but that's not to say it's not here. We do know that
this drug is becoming popular across Canada and, like other drugs, it
has found its way to Newfoundland and Labrador. It will eventually
find its way down in this area."

Cst.Francis said she will be bringing the topic of crystal meth to
other senior students in the Coast of Bays region before the end of
the current school year.

Effects of Crystal Meth (Source: Cst. Norma Francis, RCMP)

Effects of Methamphetamine: Very Addictive. Creates a feeling of
endless energy, crash at end of "run", anxiety, depression, mental confusion.

Physical Reactions: Increased respiration, hyperthermia,
restlessness, delusions and hallucinations- Relief: More Meth

After Effects: Crash 1 - 3 days (lethargic, sleepy); Normal 2 - 14
days (slightly deteriorated "normal" state), Withdrawal 30 - 90 days
(Depression, lethargy, craving, suicidal, psychotic behaviour) relief
is more meth.

Long-term Effects of using crystal meth can include any or all of the
following: Dependence and addiction psychosis - paranoia,
hallucinations, mood disturbances and repetitive motor activity;
stoke, seizures, malnutrition and extreme weight loss, disturbed
sleep, loss of pleasure, social isolation and withdrawal, extreme
depression and suicidal ideas, violent and/or paranoid behaviour,
skin lesions and significant dental problems.

Cardiovascular Effects: changes in heart rhythm, increased heart
rate, increased blood pressure, chronic heart failure, inflammation
of the heart lining.

Although little is know of the long-term impact of methamphetamine on
the body, the user, even after successful treatment, can suffer from
permanent change in the brain.