Nova Scotia RCMP uncovered the first known meth lab in the province on Dec. 12. But, methamphetamine use and trafficking of the drug is on the rise in the Maritimes and across Canada. Global News takes a look at the illicit drug and its effects.
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a part of the same family of psychostimulant drugs as MDMA (ecstacy), GHB, ketamine and amphetamine — all of which are commonly found in, but not limited to, the club or rave scenes.
Meth is commonly consumed by smoking it in a crystal form (known as crystal meth), but it can also be taken by injection, snorted (as a powder) or taken orally (as a tablet or in a capsule).
It can take anywhere from seconds to 20 minutes to feel the effects — depending on a number of factors, including how a user takes it — and the effects can last as long as 12 hours.
Meth is highly addictive. RCMP say people who use meth can become dependent on it in a matter of weeks.
“The desire to consume more of it then becomes a constant preoccupation and eventually an obsession. The only way to satisfy this obsession is to go on another binge,” the RCMP website reports.
Methamphetamine is a Schedule I drug in Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which also includes drugs such as opium derivatives, Oxycodone and cocaine.
(Source: Dept. of Justice Canada, Health Canada)
What is methamphetamine made of and how dangerous is it?
Meth can contain any number of chemicals that are commonly found in household products, but the main ingredient is pseudoephedrine — a component of many cold medications.
The U.S. Department of Justice lists paint thinner, ammonia, drain cleaner, battery acid and lithium among the products used to make meth.
Although it can be produced in sophisticated facilities, it’s often “cooked” in makeshift labs — in homes, garages or trailers.
Nova Scotia RCMP Staff Sgt. Roddie MacDonald says such production centres are volatile and unsanitary.
“The potential there for explosion and/or fire is huge,” MacDonald says. “There’s just any number of ways this can go badly, badly wrong.”
The actual production of methamphetamine causes hazardous and flammable vapors to be released, which can pose a huge safety risk. According to the RCMP, there is about five to six kilograms of toxic waste that comes out of the production of only one kilogram of meth.
The chemicals released also leave residue on the surfaces and walls of the meth lab, which requires significant clean-up measures. In some come cases countertops, floors, wallboards and even plumbing fixtures may need to be removed to decontaminate a former meth lab.
(Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice, RCMP, Illinois Dept. of Public Health)
What are the narcotic effects of meth?
According to Health Canada, meth causes dopamine and serotonin to be released in parts of the brain that regulate pleasure, while RCMP say the effects on the nervous system provide a sensation of “euphoria so intense if feels orgasmic.”
It can also make people energetic, talkative, to have “a rapid flow of ideas and a sense of increased mental and physical strength.”
After repeated use of the drug, it takes longer to feel the “rush” associated with meth and addicts begin to “binge” in order to reach that same sensation.
It can also cause anxiety — particularly when coming down off of the effects — loss of appetite, paranoia, hallucinations and confusion.
Health Canada also says, in the short term, users can experience dizziness, muscle twitches, shakiness, dilated pupils and teeth grinding.
(Source: RCMP, Health Canada, National Institute on Drug Abuse)
What are the long-term effects of abusing meth?
People who abuse meth for a long period of time can suffer drastic effects to their appearance and physical and mental health.
These can include severe tooth decay (called meth mouth),violent behaviour, weight loss and rapid heartbeat. One of the significant effects to the body is the appearance of lesions on the skin.
Health Canada says this happens because of “compulsive picking at ‘meth bugs’ on their skin.”
Meth addicts may suffer from hallucinations that cause them to think bugs are crawling under their skin.
Users are at risk of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C because of sharing needles, pipes and other items used to consume the drug.
People can overdose from meth, resulting in death from physical effects or suicidal behaviour.
(Source: Health Canada)
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