Pubdate: Fri, 06 Aug 2004
Source: Chilliwack Progress (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 The Chilliwack Progress
Contact:  http://www.theprogress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/562
Author: Julia Caranci, MetroValley News
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

FHA NUMBERS FOR AMPHETAMINE ABUSE HIGH

More people have sought help for amphetamine abuse in the last five years 
in the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) than any other region in B.C., 
according to a provincial report.

Methamphetamine, known on the street as crystal meth, crank, glass or zip, 
is the strongest amphetamine and the one causing serious concerns in the 
Lower Mainland.

One health official estimates that up to 20 per cent of drug abusers are 
hooked on meth, with an increasing number of young women in the clutches of 
the drug.

This week, Victoria announced a new strategy to deal with the potentially 
deadly drug.

In just two years, crystal meth has overtaken cocaine as the third 
most-popular drug (after alcohol and marijuana) in the FHA.

The report, released this week, revealed that the use and related deaths 
from this toxic drug are increasing, and the number of people who seek help 
for addictions to amphetamines in B.C. has climbed - from four per cent of 
those seeking help for addictions five years ago, to 11 per cent today.

Victoria's figures suggest 934 people in the FHA sought help for 
amphetamine use in 2001, 825 in 2002 and 766 in 2003. Every year since 
1999, the FHA has had higher numbers of people seeking help from community 
addictions workers for amphetamine abuse than any other health authority in 
B.C., the report indicates.

Addictions leader Sherry Mumford said the FHA is the largest health region 
in the province (serving 1.44 million people) and has the highest 
percentage of youth in B.C.

"You would expect numbers to be comparatively higher here."

The overall numbers for amphetamine abuse in the FHA are probably 
comparable to the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, she said. Ms. Mumford 
said addictions workers in the FHA have seen an increase in drug users 
seeking help for crystal meth abuse - she estimates up to 20 per cent of 
clients are using meth, more than provincial numbers suggest.

Sherry Mumford said street youth, the gay and lesbian population, rave 
participants and women of child-bearing age have been identified as 
potential high-risk groups.

"Women , especially young women, are certainly a high-risk population, 
specifically because of crystal meth's ability to curb the appetite for 
weight loss. Certainly women are starting to come to the forefront of what 
you would call meth users."

Methamphetamine releases a rush of chemicals into areas of the brain that 
control feelings of pleasure. It increases wakefulness and physical 
activity and decreases appetite. It can be snorted, swallowed, injected or 
smoked. It's cheap to buy and easy to make using over-the-counter 
ingredients in at home labs and by organized crime groups.

While no one municipality in the FHA stands out as a hotbed of crystal meth 
use, Mumford said certain areas do have more problems with the drug, 
including Fraser East (Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Hope, Mission), Whalley, 
parts of Langley and pockets in the Tri-Cities area.

This week, the provincial government unveiled a new strategy to combat 
crystal meth addiction, promising to inform the public, make communities 
safer, identify high-risk populations, reduce harm and increase the skills 
of service providers.

B.C. Minister of State for Mental Health and Addiction Services Susan Brice 
said initial discussions have begun with retailers and pharmacies to limit 
access to medications that can be used in at home labs to produce crystal meth.

Pharmacists and several large retail outlets in Alberta recently placed 
cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind the 
counter to better control monitor the sale of these products.

Victoria also plans to implement an education program for women of 
child-bearing age. There is concern pregnant women who use crystal meth may 
unknowingly harm their unborn children, Brice said.

Elementary and secondary high schools will also step up education programs 
directed at preventing drug use.

A recent survey of more than 30,000 B.C. students found about four per cent 
had used amphetamines. However, authorities believe the drug is far more 
problematic in street youth than in those who live at home and attend 
school regularly.

Overall, the strategy aims to integrate services between the province's 
health authorities, the police, the justice system and the community.

As for crystal meth use in the FHA, Mumford says, "I think it will 
eventually wane, but it won't be without its casualties." Methamphetamine 
use - a deadly game:

Overdose deaths attributed to methamphetamine use have been steadily 
increasing province-wide, from two deaths reported in 2000 to 12 
mortalities last year and six in the first five months of 2004.

Methamphetamine is exceptionally toxic. High doses can elevate body 
temperature to lethal levels, and can cause convulsions.

There is a unique danger in using crystal meth because it leads to 
psychosis in some users. This can take the form of paranoia, hallucinations 
and delusions, which in turn can lead to homicidal and suicidal thoughts.

Some rehabilitated users continue showing symptoms of psychosis years after 
quitting methamphetamine. Studies suggest the damage is permanent for some.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager