Pubdate: Thu, 27 Oct 2005
Source: Napanee Guide (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 OSPREY Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.napaneeguide.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3980
Author: Jane Brunton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH STILL CAUSING THE SAME OLD PROBLEMS

Ice is not a lot of things. It is not the sparkly, cold cubes you put
in your drink. It is not new. It is not good for you. It most
definitely is not cool.

Ice, sometimes known as crystal meth, meth, speed, chalk, fire or jib,
is crystalline and ranges in color through white, yellow, brown and
red.

Its technical name is methamphetamine or MA. But ice by any other
name, unlike the rose, is not sweet.

Amphetamine-type stimulants were first synthesized in the 1880s. In
1919, the Japanese added a methyl group to the amphetamine and this
combination became known as methamphetamines. MA is twice as toxic as
the original amphetamine and its effects last longer -- sometimes for
24 hours.

Some say the Kamikaze pilots used these drugs: it is almost certain
that Hitler's erratic behaviour stemmed from his heavy usage of them.

What ice is, is cheap, rapidly stimulating, appetite suppressing,
sleep depriving and, oh, so very versatile.

Ice or crystal is a more potent re-crystallized powdered form of the
drug. Base, paste, wax or point is a waxy form. Yaba, available in
tablet form is MA combined with caffeine.

Depending on the form, the user can snort it, smoke it, inject it, or
pop it.

By releasing large amounts of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, MA usage
enhances mood and body movement. New users feel euphoric and
intellectually expanded.

It appeals to intravenous drug users, party drug users, students,
athletes, waiters, long-distance drivers, software programmers and
others who wish to stay awake for extended periods while sustaining
their ability to perform.

It can heighten sexual experience, encourage weight loss and support a
hip anti-social image among users.

If it is sounding like pretty attractive stuff you should know that it
can kill you.

Before the dangers were known, Canada marketed it in the 1930s as a
decongestant. Even in the 1950s and 60s amphetamines were available by
prescription for appetite suppression. Although it is no longer
legally available, it is widely available illicitly.

Because ice can be made with common ingredients a mom-and-pop lab
operation might be producing it right next door to you. These
operations often go undetected until a fire or an explosion occurs.

A small lab can produce about an ounce from a single cook. It may not
sound like much but it is equal to about 110 hits. The cost varies
depending on where you live.

MA use can become chronic because of its accessibility and the way it
makes the user feel initially.

At first, it produces a positive reaction but depression sets in due
to the suppression of normal production of dopamine. The user
physically requires more of the drug to return to normal.

This binge/crash cycle leads to loss of control over the drug and the
addiction.

The most comprehensive and current Canadian study, the 2004 Canadian
Addictions Survey (CAS), paints a portrait of alcohol and other drug
use among Canadians 15 and older.

It revealed that 6.4% have tried amphetamines (the study did not
measure MA specifically) at least once.

The overall feeling is that MA usage is growing. In Canada, it is
spreading from west to east. It is already here in Napanee.

Next week a recovering user will tell her story. Another upcoming
article focuses on meth from a drug enforcement point of view.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake