Crystal methamphetamine addicts can spend hours tweaking things, dismantling televisions or staring at an object.
“Addicts will spend hours taking stuff apart when they’re up, they will pick at themselves and their skin, they will doodle on walls, paper and do journaling,” const. JoAnne Smallbones of the Saskatoon Police recently told a support group for families affected by the drug.
Telltale signs of use include a loss of weight, mouth sores, skin scabs, rotting teeth, paranoia, hallucinations, fidgetiness, dark circles under eyes, the smell of urine and insomnia.
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The drug, snorted, ingested or injected, is becoming more common on the Prairies. Crystal meth is easy to make with ingredients commonly found in cold remedies and hardware stores.
The drug, also known as ice, crank, jib and mye, sells for about $15 for one-tenth of a gram, enough for a weekend high with friends, said Smallbones.
Ninety percent of users will become addicted after just one use of the highly toxic chemical, said Smallbones.
She added that the life expectancy of a heavy user from first to last use is estimated at seven years.
Saskatchewan health minister John Nilson released a 30 page strategy Feb. 9 designed to address the growing problem of crystal meth.
In addition, Saskatchewan NDP MLA Graham Addley, recently appointed legislative secretary on substance abuse and prevention, will review existing services and look at possible improvements.
Nilson acknowledged much of the strategy represents actions already being taken by the government and that no new money has been pledged.
Initiatives include additional stabilization services to provide a safe haven for youths, more brief detox services for addicts to stabilize from serious drug use, mobile treatment operations for northern communities, community outreach centres for youths and a meda campaign to raise public awareness.
Nilson noted many communities are grappling with the effects of crystal meth use, the human cost on addicts and their families, increases in poverty and violent crimes and in suicide rates.
Saskatoon police reported 58 arrests related to seizures of crystal meth in 2003, compared to none in 2000.
Prince Albert mayor Jim Stiglitz said the problem is getting worse in his city and in the broader community. He was part of a 13-mayor committee that presented a resolution calling for more enforcement and treatment for crystal meth at the recent Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention.
“I used to see it with kids in trouble with the law. Now we are seeing it in regular families,” said Stigliz, who has worked with young offenders. “It’s hitting everybody now.”
Labs that make the chemical are likely popping up in rural areas because there are fewer residents and police around to notice the telltale yellow frost on the windows typical of an operation.
Stigliz called for stricter sentences for traffickers, rehabilitation as part of sentencing and more treatment beds to stabilize recovering addicts.
“Thirty days (of treatment) may not be sufficient,” he said.
He also wanted more funding for preventive education among the province’s youth.
“We’ve got to get it out to them what this stuff does to them and how quickly you can become addicted to it,” he said.
David McKinnon, regional manager of addiction services with the Prairie North Health Region, said the number of crystal meth users has risen in the last two years in his area and represents a “significant but small amount of users.”
Most abuse both alcohol and drugs, with those seeking help beginning in detox, then often moving into treatment programs that run from 30 to 90 days.
“We’ve had good success in dealing with it,” he said.
McKinnon does not expect crystal meth to become an epidemic, noting it has been around for years in other parts of the world.
“Kids will eventually pass the word it’s not as good as advertised,” he said.
