News (Media Awareness Project) - CN AB: Meth Popularity Becoming Crystal Clear |
| Title: | CN AB: Meth Popularity Becoming Crystal Clear |
| Published On: | 2004-05-14 |
| Source: | Leduc Representative (CN AB) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-18 10:12:51 |
METH POPULARITY BECOMING CRYSTAL CLEAR
Leduc Representative -- Crystal Meth is becoming a drug of choice for the
younger crowd, and meth use is steadily growing in Leduc. In 2003, 11 cases
of Crystal Meth were reported. As of March 2004, the Leduc RCMP had already
reported 11 cases.
"It's easy to make, therefore easier to sell and get a hold of," said
Const. Rich Graydon of the Leduc RCMP. "Meth does not have to be imported
from the U.S. either."
Crystal meth is a stimulant synthetically produced in labs. It is a
smokable form of methamphetamine and is made from ingredients bought in
local drug and hardware stores.
Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug and it is reported that 80 per cent
of first time users become addicted said Graydon.
The prolonged high compared to other stimulants makes meth a popular choice
of drug. Desired effects of meth users are high energy, feelings of joy,
high self-esteem, wakefulness and increased sexual desire and interest.
Chronic behaviour problems while under the influence of Crystal Meth include:
*Disturbed sleep.
*Social isolation and withdrawal.
*Paranoid and violent behaviour.
*Irritability, nervousness, distractibility, difficulty focusing and
remembering.
*Extreme depression and suicidal ideation.
*Nerve pathways have changed and youth are confused.
At the end of a high, users are miserable and sometimes paranoid.
When responding to someone under the influence of this drug you should:
*Maintain a safe distance (seven to 10 feet); closeness may be threatening.
*Calm things down, lower your voice, speak clearly but slowly, and reassure
the person (things are normal, this is part of the withdrawal).
*Make no jerky movements, keep hands visible, and keep room light dim.
When aiding a meth user in their recovery, you should:
*Provide a simple, repeated and predictable structure.
*The person needs to sleep and drink fluids for at least the first 48
hours. This should be planned: e.g. sleep for three hours, wake up and
provide fluids, then allow them to sleep again.
*Move towards nutritional meals.
*Stabilization may be needed for two to three weeks.
*Provide clear, simple instructions and simple repetitive tasks.
*Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission pamphlet.
Leduc Representative -- Crystal Meth is becoming a drug of choice for the
younger crowd, and meth use is steadily growing in Leduc. In 2003, 11 cases
of Crystal Meth were reported. As of March 2004, the Leduc RCMP had already
reported 11 cases.
"It's easy to make, therefore easier to sell and get a hold of," said
Const. Rich Graydon of the Leduc RCMP. "Meth does not have to be imported
from the U.S. either."
Crystal meth is a stimulant synthetically produced in labs. It is a
smokable form of methamphetamine and is made from ingredients bought in
local drug and hardware stores.
Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug and it is reported that 80 per cent
of first time users become addicted said Graydon.
The prolonged high compared to other stimulants makes meth a popular choice
of drug. Desired effects of meth users are high energy, feelings of joy,
high self-esteem, wakefulness and increased sexual desire and interest.
Chronic behaviour problems while under the influence of Crystal Meth include:
*Disturbed sleep.
*Social isolation and withdrawal.
*Paranoid and violent behaviour.
*Irritability, nervousness, distractibility, difficulty focusing and
remembering.
*Extreme depression and suicidal ideation.
*Nerve pathways have changed and youth are confused.
At the end of a high, users are miserable and sometimes paranoid.
When responding to someone under the influence of this drug you should:
*Maintain a safe distance (seven to 10 feet); closeness may be threatening.
*Calm things down, lower your voice, speak clearly but slowly, and reassure
the person (things are normal, this is part of the withdrawal).
*Make no jerky movements, keep hands visible, and keep room light dim.
When aiding a meth user in their recovery, you should:
*Provide a simple, repeated and predictable structure.
*The person needs to sleep and drink fluids for at least the first 48
hours. This should be planned: e.g. sleep for three hours, wake up and
provide fluids, then allow them to sleep again.
*Move towards nutritional meals.
*Stabilization may be needed for two to three weeks.
*Provide clear, simple instructions and simple repetitive tasks.
*Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission pamphlet.
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