JUST WHAT IS CRYSTAL METH?

Crystal meth or methamphetamine is a highly addictive amphetamine and
has effects similar to that of cocaine.

Methamphetamine is usually a white, odourless, bitter-tasting
crystalline powder which dissolves easily in water or alcohol. It can
be swallowed, smoked, injected or snorted.

It is an synthetic (man-made) drug, and can be manufactured locally
using ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine (the active ingredient in cold
medications) and other chemicals, including acetone, drain cleaner,
lithium, iodine, paint thinner, kerosene, red phosphorous and muriatic acid.

Methamphetamine acts on the area of the brain that regulates feelings
of pleasure.

Methamphetamine causes the brain to be flooded with the
neurotransmitter dopamine, producing feelings of euphoria which last
from two to 24 hours. The drug may also produce feelings of increased
energy, heightened concentration and alertness, suppressed fatigue
and hunger, as well as feelings of confidence, anxiety, aggression,
depression and paranoia.

Tolerance to the effects of methamphetamine builds up quickly, and
users need more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect.

Brain imaging studies have found that continued use creates damage to
the brain that is similar to that caused by strokes or Alzheimer's
disease. In addition, the drug can produce psychotic symptoms, such
as paranoia and delusions, in a user that persist for months or years
after a person has stopped using the drug.

Significant adverse effects also come with methamphetamine use. These
can include minor physical effects such as irritability, nervousness,
insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, heart palpitations and hypertension -
or more severe effects including seizures, convulsions, extreme
anxiety, repetitive compulsive behaviours, hallucinations, paranoia,
violence, psychosis, cognitive impairment and changes to brain
chemistry and structure. In extreme cases methamphetamine can cause
hyperthermia, cardiovascular system collapse, stroke, coma and death.

Similarly, as dosage and quality control are absent in production,
there is a greater potential for overdose with the drug.

Crystal meth users are also at risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B
and C and other blood-borne viruses if they inject the drug intravenously.

Due to the corrosive nature of the chemicals used in the production
of the drug, users also may suffer severe tooth decay and loss or
irreparable damage to the lining of the nose if they smoke or snort
the drug. Despite the potentially serious health conditions that
result from use, people continue to be attracted to crystal meth and
there are reports that use of the drug is on the rise.

The combination of the effects of methamphetamine and the fact that
it is much cheaper than other illicit drugs, make it a drug of choice
for street-involved youth, gay men and young adults in the party/rave scene.

Source: Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General