THE CRYSTAL METH MENACE

I was fortunate enough this week to learn something new. Actually
every week I learn a plethoria of new things about this community,
province, country and world. But something stuck a little more with
me and that is the whole issue of Crystal Meth (crystal methamphetamine).

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the drug, let me tell you
the skinny. Crystal Meth is a destructive drug that is composed
mainly of household cleaning supplies. It's also called jib, crank,
meth, crystal, ice, and speed.

Meth is made of highly volatile, toxic substances that are melded in
differing combinations, forming what some have described as a "mix of
laundry detergent and lighter fluid." Imagine the high you get when
scrubbing out that old bath tub with Javex, well Meth is a similar
high. But it comes with catastrophic consequences and it's a big killer.

The drug can either be snorted or injected, or in its crystal form
smoked in a pipe, and brings on a feeling of euphoria which lasts for
2-16 hours depending on dose and other factors.

Results vary depending on the person. Some obsessively clean, but for
many it causes sexual liberation which can result in mad, abandoned
sex for hours - sometimes days - on end.

It has been reported in the United States that in almost half of the
new AIDS cases, crystal meth has been a factor, because safe sex
isn't practiced while on the drug.

Smoking Meth results in body temperature rises and rapid cardiac and
respiratory rates developing as the blood pressure increases. The
drug can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, and bizarre, aggressive
and psychotic behavior.

The effects and dependence potential of Meth are similar to that of
amphetamine misuse, although Meth is a lot stronger, the dangers
involved are greater with an increased chance of overdose.

Overuse can bring on paranoia, short term memory loss, wild rages and
mood swings as well as damage to your immune system. As far as we
know, it is not physically addictive, although many have quickly
developed a very strong psychological and damaging dependence for the drug.

Overdosing can lead to severe convulsions followed by circulatory and
respiratory collapse, coma and death. Some people have died after
taking small doses.

Meth is easy to make, and it changes from one bach to another. It's
extremely dangerous for a number of reasons. Aside from the fact that
it's composed of toxins, it's also deadly to mix with alcohol and can
be lethal if doses are taken too closely.

Unfortunately Meth is spreading because it's nearly impossible to
prevent the creation of the drug. Canada is working on making key
ingrediants of Meth kept behind pharmacy counters rather than over
the counter. As of April B.C. is the only province that hasn't gone
on board with this. My question is why? Obviously this is a serious
problem. All drugs are bad for you in one way or another but Meth is
simply a receipe for death. And an easy one to follow at that.