CRYSTAL METH CALLED LATEST DRUG SCOURGE

The lab to manufacture it fits into a suitcase. All ingredients needed to
make it are available at a drug store. One hit costs between $5 and $10.
And, depending on the grade, the high can last for hours, sometimes as long
as an entire day.

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, chalk or crystal, is a cheap
and dangerous drug that is becoming ever more popular with Quesnel's high
school population.

"It started about two years ago," said Tracy Telford, who works with youths
using drugs. "It's been increasing ever since."

Crystal meth, Telford said, has not yet reached the popularity of marijuana.

"Pot will always be number one," she said. "But crystal meth is right up
there."

Part of the drug's appeal is the ease with which it can be bought.

"It is easier to get than alcohol," Telford said.

Parents and teachers should watch out for physical signs such as dilated
pupils, muscle twitches or increased irritability.

Other signs are similar to mental illnesses such as manic depression or
paranoid schizophrenia - users will experience euphoria or anxiety, start
distrusting people, even friends, or become more aggressive.

"[Crystal meth use] could be misdiagnosed because it has the same signs as
mental illness," Telford said.

Also, Telford said she was shocked to learn that no age limit exists to
sell items at pawn shops. To finance their habit, Telford said, students
with low budgets will attempt to sell things like snowboards or video games.

Telford said that the disappearance of such items is something parents
should be mindful of - it could be a sign that their child is taking drugs.

To make parents and teachers aware of the drug and the dangers associated
with using it, Telford is currently trying to raise awareness at the schools.

"It is important to inform parents and teachers of crystal meth," she said.
"It is important to talk about it."

Crystal meth is a synthetic drug that is sold in pill form, capsules,
powder and chunks. It can be smoked, snorted or ingested.

Like ecstasy, another synthetic drug, crystal meth interferes with
dopamine, a neurotransmitter also known as a "feel-good chemical."

Crystal meth causes the body to produce too much dopamine, producing an
inhibition-dropping high as a result.

Crystal meth also produces hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD. People
experiencing a high can feel stronger and will have heightened senses -
unusual rubbing of the hands can be a sign.

"Their senses will be three times as intense," Telford said.

Because crystal meth heightens sensitivity and increases alertness, various
military powers have in the past experimented with the drug, giving
soldiers low dosages before battle.

Prolonged use of the drug, however, can lead to heart failure, irreparable
brain damage and strokes.

Also, crystal meth induced paranoia has led to several instances of murders
and suicides.