Pot times July 17, 2005

Crystal Meth, Depression Can Often Be A Deadly

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1128/a03.html
Newshawk: Herb

Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jul 2005
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005, BC Newspaper Group
Contact: edit@nanaimo.vinewsgroup.com
Website: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948
Author: Beth Blackburn, RCMP
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH, DEPRESSION CAN OFTEN BE A DEADLY MIX

Today's youth are being exposed to the drug crystal meth at an alarming rate.  The supply of crystal meth on the streets seems to be everywhere.

The question that parents need to ask is not will my child be exposed to this drug but when.

Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about crystal meth and the dangers of this drug.

There is an endless supply of information on this drug and the local media are doing an awesome job of reporting on crystal meth to bring awareness.

One thing I have noticed when speaking to youth is that one of the common themes is that they feel an overwhelming sense of depression when attempting to detox from the drug.

Since crystal meth is a strong stimulant drug it affects the pleasure centre of the brain.

After using the drug for a period of time, or maybe even one time, this pleasure centre is affected.  When the user is attempting to detox from crystal meth that is when depression will set in.

At times it is so severe that as one recovering addict stated, "You will never feel happy again."

I located some interesting stats on youth depression and suicide rates in Canada ( Canadian Mental Health Association website ).

Ten to 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder.

Today approx five per cent of male youth and 12 per cent female youth 12-19 years have experienced a major depressive episode.

The number of 12 to 19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million.

Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children.

Youth suicide rate in Canada is the third highest in the industrialized world.

Crystal meth is not the sole source of depression among teens but it is a contributing factor to the problem and the suicide rate.

For more information on drug use and mental illness go to www.cmha.ca Canadian Mental Health Association, or contact the local office Mid-Island Branch Mental Health at 716-8823.

Const.  Beth Blackburn is with the RCMP's drug awareness service.