Pubdate: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 Source: Johnson City Press (TN) Copyright: 2002 Johnson City Press and Associated Press Contact: http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1983 Author: Micah McCrary Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) BIGGEST 'BUSINESS' EDITOR: To most people, Johnson City is filled with locally owned businesses and some larger chains, but this is not by far the most successful business ventures in the area. It seems that the underground drug culture in this area has grown vastly over the past two years. With illegal drugs varying from marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroin, crack, and now crystal methamphetamine. This is by far the most growing drug, with everyone from students in middle school to working adults using it. One dealer, who asked his name to remain anonymous, says that he can bring an ounce into the Tri-Cities which he pays close to $1,300 for and break it down into quarter grams (that is 112 quarters) and sell them anywhere from $40 to $60 apiece depending on the location in the Tri-Cities. He also commented that he usually makes a out-of-town trip biweekly to pick up anywhere from an ounce to an ounce and a half. The high from this drug will last from 8 to 24 hours. This most common form of meth in this area seems to be known as "ice" or "shards," which looks like slivers of ice. This type of meth is usually crushed into powder and snorted or smoked thru a glass piece. A few of the short term effects of ice is "increased alertness," "sense of well being," and an "intense high." Some of the more hazardeous effects would include "paranoia," "convulsions," "violent behavior," and "uncontrollable movements." On a personal note, some of the long-term effects I still experience from it is "formication," which is where it feels like there are bugs crawling on the body, but nothing is there. Being a former meth user I know the mental addiction to this drug. I feel it's a duty for our D.A.R.E. programs to really push this drug. Parents should also speak with their children regarding this drug before someone else has them try it. MICAH McCRARY, Johnson City - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl