THE DANGERS OF CRYSTAL METH

In central and northern Alberta, 'Crystal Meth' (methamphetamine) has
emerged as a major problem in many communities contributing to
increases in crime and hospital admissions.

According to the RCMP in the Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek,
feedback from the community is that Crystal Meth is around and being
used, but none has been seized - yet. No one knows if or when this
may change. Crystal Meth is one of the most dangerous and addictive
drugs that have emerged in the last few years. It has low costs,
lasts for a long time and can be made locally. This makes it
attractive to many users. We can all play a part in preventing the
spread of this drug.

If you smell a strong odour of ammonia (like cat pee) coming up from
a building, or if you see a house that seems closed up, but has a
number of people coming and going, report your suspicions to the RCMP.

Some communities are forming Community Drug Coalitions; groups of
citizens who get together to learn about drugs and put together
strategies to prevent drug abuse from taking over their community.

The most important part each parent can play is to know where their
children are, and what they are doing, not just check if they are
using drugs, but also let them know you are interested in them and
want to be a part of their life.

There is no evidence one-time use of methamphetamine will lead to
dependence, but the truth is, Crystal Meth is a highly addictive
substance with a real potential for dependence. For some users, the
first high is so pleasurable they return to the drug a second and
third time trying to recapture that feeling.

The more meth is used, tolerance increases and more of the drug is
needed more often to get the same effects. Methamphetamine is a
white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystallin. It can be eaten, snorted
or injected, but is most commonly smoked using small glass pipes.

Immediately after smoking or injecting the drug, the user experiences
an intense rush that lasts only a few minutes, but is extremely pleasurable.

This is followed by a prolonged period of feeling high which lasts
anywhere from four to 12 hours, depending on the amount and quality
of the drug. In small doses, the drug creates alert and energetic
feelings with an increase in breathing and heart rate. A person on
meth may be talkative, jittery and dizzy. They often pick at their
face and body until they develop acne-like sores. It is wise to keep
your distance from someone on meth as their mood can change quickly.

Short-term effects of meth include restlessness, irregular heartbeat,
chest pain, increased sex drive, feelings of power, and increased
hostility and aggressiveness.

Long time meth can use can lead to chronic sleep problems, mood
swings, sexual dysfunction, weight loss and the feeling there are
bugs under the skin, resulting in increased itching, sores on the
skin, and addiction.

Someone who is in withdrawal after a period of heavy use is usually
tired and depressed. Crystal meth is manufactured using ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine (found in many cold medicines) and a variety of
household products and poisons including (but not limited to)
anhydrous ammonia, phosphorus, lithium, brake fluid and drain cleaner.

If you would like more information about drug abuse or Community Drug
Coalitions, contact the local AADAC office at (403) 562-2966.