a A10 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, November 1, 2006 ‘The following behaviors and physical’ signs might indicate crystal meth abuse, especially -when_ several are. present at once. When in doubt, seek the advice of a professional. Behaviors: Lack of sleep ~ Meth highs can last for several hours, and an abuser.can stay awake’ and active for up to fifteen days. Hyperactivity — Users experience bursts of energy, talkative- ness, excitement, increased alertness, increased ; heart rate and uncontrollable. -move-. ments. Change. in speech: —_ | + Users'often speak quickly, ro uncontrollably and with a | ~ quiver. They twitch, their 7 " eyes dart and they have. _ trouble. focusing With- 0 3 c “[The ingredients] are legal but in the wrong combination and sold: in great quantities,. ‘they could be a sign . of someone mak- ° ing crystal meth,”.. - RCMP Const. |. Rochelle - : . Patenaude told - _.:. Terrace and District * "Chamber of Com- drawal -— While high and recovering from a high, users abruptly distance themselves from friends and from activities they normally en- . joy.-Compulsions ~ Some abusers will com- pulsively clean and room, and repetitively .disassemble and sort objects. Mood changes - Users can become moody, hypersensitive ‘and irritable, and may quickly change from hostile. Psychosis - Some experience | para- Moia, haillucina- tions, “” and a psycho- ' sis similar to “schizophre- ~ nia. Aggres- sive behavior ~.Users may have.a false sense of con- idence j:and friendly. to: ’ industrial chemicals, Meth’s main delusions ° + Users’ often don’t eat during their -extended highs, resulting in sudden : ye or delusions of grandeur, sometimes leading’ to aggressive and violent behavior. Physical. Signs: Tooth decay ~ Methamphet- amine deprives the body of saliva, so users may ‘experience rapid tooth and gum. decay. Poor hygiene - During an extended high, users of- ten don't bathe or take. care of themselves. Dis- tinct smell — Users might smell of components. Sores — Abusers of- ten pick at their faces and get skin rashes, acne and sores. Weight loss weight loss and poor nutrition. Other physical signs to look out for: Extreme ‘rise in body tempera- ture; uncontrollable: movements, like. twitching or jerking; dry, itchy skin; numbness; dilated pupils. Drug Paraphernalia: Users may have some of the following -items.on hand: rystal meth use and production from gaining a hold in Terrace and the northwest.” — Meth Watch response committee, in- f methamphetamine. In Terrace it's happening through nembers ° ‘of -the- Terrace and District : merce members recently. COP CHO ORE OOH OEE CEES EHO ESEHEESEDEEHOSECHN HOE SEES are are expected to join in. pears :innocent enough. It includes over. 4 he counter cough, cold and flu medicines, aX You've had a lifetime to talk to your kids about crystal meth. 4 What are you waiting for? Crystal meth is not an easy subject to discuss with your kids, But experts agree parents play a crucial role in preventing kids from taking meth. That's why the provincial government is introducing new tools and resources to help families fight this devastating drug. Together, we can stop meth from ruining a lifetime of memories. “A project of the regional crystal meth . “The crystal method ingredient list ap- light bulbs, glass straws or short straws, tubes, . razor blades, mirrors, syringes, smoking devices. Items containing white, beige, pink or brown powder or crystalline substances. drain cleaner, coffee filters, starter fluid, paint: thinner and glassware among other things.: What police warn is that the individual items can be lethal when merged. “[The ingredients] are legal but in the wrong combination and sold in great quanti- ties, they could be a sign of someone making . crystal meth,” RCMP Const. :Rochelle Patenaude told Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce members recently. : Large and repeated purchases of items on the list should set off alarm bells for retailers and prompt them to alert police, Patenaude added. “We want to! "prevent future . labs,” ; Patenaude said. seecereceesceseeenecnsceseaseereesscenaseeerneeeeneeeeeneesaneseeeeseees Black Press eae sinh For the facts on crystal meth and-tips on how to talk to kids about it, visit www.no2meth.ca BRITISH COLUMBIA The Best P Best Place on Ea. on Earth