News (Media Awareness Project) - CN BC: Column: Crystal Meth, Depression Can Often Be A Deadly |
| Title: | CN BC: Column: Crystal Meth, Depression Can Often Be A Deadly |
| Published On: | 2005-07-16 |
| Source: | Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-16 00:02:39 |
CRYSTAL METH, DEPRESSION CAN OFTEN BE A DEADLY MIX
Today's youth are being exposed to the drug crystal meth at an alarming
rate. The supply of crystal meth on the streets seems to be everywhere.
The question that parents need to ask is not will my child be exposed to
this drug but when.
Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about crystal meth and
the dangers of this drug.
There is an endless supply of information on this drug and the local media
are doing an awesome job of reporting on crystal meth to bring awareness.
One thing I have noticed when speaking to youth is that one of the common
themes is that they feel an overwhelming sense of depression when
attempting to detox from the drug.
Since crystal meth is a strong stimulant drug it affects the pleasure
centre of the brain.
After using the drug for a period of time, or maybe even one time, this
pleasure centre is affected. When the user is attempting to detox from
crystal meth that is when depression will set in.
At times it is so severe that as one recovering addict stated, "You will
never feel happy again."
I located some interesting stats on youth depression and suicide rates in
Canada (Canadian Mental Health Association website).
Ten to 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or
disorder.
Today approx five per cent of male youth and 12 per cent female youth 12-19
years have experienced a major depressive episode.
The number of 12 to 19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing
depression is a staggering 3.2 million.
Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children.
Youth suicide rate in Canada is the third highest in the industrialized world.
Crystal meth is not the sole source of depression among teens but it is a
contributing factor to the problem and the suicide rate.
For more information on drug use and mental illness go to www.cmha.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association, or contact the local office Mid-Island
Branch Mental Health at 716-8823.
Const. Beth Blackburn is with the RCMP's drug awareness service.
Today's youth are being exposed to the drug crystal meth at an alarming
rate. The supply of crystal meth on the streets seems to be everywhere.
The question that parents need to ask is not will my child be exposed to
this drug but when.
Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about crystal meth and
the dangers of this drug.
There is an endless supply of information on this drug and the local media
are doing an awesome job of reporting on crystal meth to bring awareness.
One thing I have noticed when speaking to youth is that one of the common
themes is that they feel an overwhelming sense of depression when
attempting to detox from the drug.
Since crystal meth is a strong stimulant drug it affects the pleasure
centre of the brain.
After using the drug for a period of time, or maybe even one time, this
pleasure centre is affected. When the user is attempting to detox from
crystal meth that is when depression will set in.
At times it is so severe that as one recovering addict stated, "You will
never feel happy again."
I located some interesting stats on youth depression and suicide rates in
Canada (Canadian Mental Health Association website).
Ten to 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or
disorder.
Today approx five per cent of male youth and 12 per cent female youth 12-19
years have experienced a major depressive episode.
The number of 12 to 19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing
depression is a staggering 3.2 million.
Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children.
Youth suicide rate in Canada is the third highest in the industrialized world.
Crystal meth is not the sole source of depression among teens but it is a
contributing factor to the problem and the suicide rate.
For more information on drug use and mental illness go to www.cmha.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association, or contact the local office Mid-Island
Branch Mental Health at 716-8823.
Const. Beth Blackburn is with the RCMP's drug awareness service.
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