Pubdate: Sun, 18 Sep 2005
Source: Burlington Post (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Burlington Post
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/bp/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1528
Author: Melanie Hennessey, Special To The Post
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH TRENDS CONCERN OFFICIALS

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

This is one of the findings of a recent informal study conducted by the 
region's public health nurses to determine the scope of crystal meth use in 
Halton.

Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal reported to the health and 
social services committee recently that while a majority of the 
professionals questioned aren't seeing much crystal meth use in the region, 
there's a general belief that the number of users will soon increase.

He said this sentiment is largely based on what these individuals are 
hearing from their counterparts in Hamilton and Toronto where meth use is 
up, since trends usually spread.

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

The study consulted school officials, addictions treatment staff, community 
youth workers, emergency room staff and employees with the Centre for 
Addiction and Mental Health and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The survey found some Oakville service providers, who work with high-risk 
youth, believe there is an increase in crystal meth use.

Nosal's report said there is concern for youth who attend raves, homeless 
youth and the gay population, all groups with higher rates of use.

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

The professionals questioned also said they're troubled by an increase in 
the use of cannabis, crack and cocaine by local teens.

The study went on to reveal that some Halton service providers think 
changes in substance use trends in the region originate in Oakville.

Nosal pointed out this is an opinion, not something the health department 
endorses. He wouldn't comment on possible reasons for the trend, saying any 
answer would be pure conjecture.

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 in a method similar to that used with crack cocaine.

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

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

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

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

This was similar to 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 Nosal said 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.

The health department also plans to continue to:

- - support healthy decision making by youth by providing public health nurse 
services and comprehensive school health programming to high schools

- - continue providing support and positive parenting education to parents

- - support clients who contact the health department by providing 
information about substance use and access to treatment services

- - maintain relationships with key community stakeholders that deal in 
enforcement, prevention and treatment.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman