Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Source: Independent & Free Press, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.thebramptonguardian.com/br/gi/home/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3144
Author: Melanie Hennessey, Special To The Independent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH DRUG INCREASE WORRIES HEALTH OFFICIALS

Health and social service providers in Halton say they expect to see an 
increase in the rate local residents are using the dangerous illegal drug 
crystal meth.

This is one of the findings of a recent informal scan conducted by the 
Region's public health nurses to determine the scope of crystal meth-- 
formally called crystal methamphetamine-- use in Halton, resulting from a 
concern raised at a recent regional committee meeting and the media 
attention the drug has received lately.

Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal reported to the health and 
social services committee recently that the majority of professionals 
questioned currently aren't seeing much crystal meth use in the region, but 
there's a general feeling that they expect an increase.

He said he thinks this sentiment is largely based on what these individuals 
are hearing and seeing from their counterparts in Hamilton and Toronto, 
since trends usually spread.

"If things (trends) happen in the GTA, they tend to start in the bigger 
centres," Dr. Nosal said.

Nurses consulted with school staff, addictions treatment staff, community 
youth workers, emergency room staff, the Centre for Addiction and Mental 
Health, the Canadian Mental Health Association and relevant Regional 
program staff to gather the information.

The informal survey found that service providers in Oakville who work with 
high-risk youth are sensing an increase in crystal meth use.

And throughout Halton, Dr. Nosal's report said, "Concern was noted for 
youth that attend raves, homeless youth and the gay population related to 
higher rates of use."

Users were said to be typically those over 16 who use multiple substances.

The professionals questioned also said they're troubled with the increased 
rate local teens are using cannabis, crack and cocaine.

Crystal meth is a crystalline form of methamphetamine-- which was 
originally used in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers-- and is 
usually smoked in a pipe like crack cocaine.

Nosal said the big problems with crystal meth are that it's not all that 
expensive, gives "an immediate rush" and creates a quick addiction. He 
added tolerance to the drug is also built up quickly, making it necessary 
to take higher doses to achieve the same effects.

An overdose of the drug can lead to a seizure, heart attack, stroke or even 
death.

"This (drug) is something you do not want to get into. It causes real 
problems," Nosal said.

He noted crystal meth has become a big problem in communities throughout 
the United States, and there've also been significant reports of its use in 
rural Ontario.

While the health department doesn't have any current numbers related to the 
rate crystal meth is used locally, a Halton Student Drug Use Survey that 
was conducted in 1999 showed 1.2 per cent of students had used the drug in 
the past year.

This was pretty much on par with the findings in the Ontario Student Drug 
Use Survey from the same year, which said 1.4 per cent of youths across the 
province used the drug. The 2003 survey saw that number drop slightly to 
1.2 per cent.

While Dr. Nosal said clearly the health department would prefer that youths 
don't use any drugs, he highlighted the positive in the low numbers seen in 
the surveys.

"We just want to make sure it doesn't get higher," he said.

Another Ontario survey is set to be released in November and will be 
reviewed by Regional staff for local trends.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman