THE CRYSTAL METHOD

Crystal meth is the latest designer drug of choice for North Shore teens.
"The last couple of years it has increased in popularity," said Donna Baird
of West Van's Seaview Alcohol & Drug Services Society. "It's highly addictive."

In fact, according to Seaview counselor Keri-Lyn Bjornson, the drug
produces such a euphoric high that first-time users can become addicted.

"I think it's replaced the crack-cocaine frenzy," said Bjornson, noting
drugs are cyclical, and crystal meth appears to be the latest drug fad."
And it's very available," added Bjornson, who has several clients currently
battling addiction to the drug.

Crystal meth, a methamphetamine, costs $20 a dose. A white-coloured
crystallized powder, the drug is commonly smoked. Users also inject and
snort the drug.

The consequences of using the drug are severe. "Kids end up on the street
very quickly," Baird said.

Baird, formally a drug counselor in the U.S., said crystal meth was popular
among teens in the States in the 1990s.

"We're usually about 10 years behind the States," she said of drug fads in
Canada.