Information for Parents
Crystal Meth, is a chemical stimulant, similar to amphetamine (controlled substances, rarely prescribed today), that belongs to the group of chemicals that are called "speed" on the streets. It is highly addictive, and is quickly and more completely absorbed by the brain than amphetamines, causing the high to be faster and more intense.
Crystal Meth can be found in either a powder or crystalline form. It can also be found in different colours, such as white, blue-white, pink, yellow, depending on how it was manufactured.
If you think that your child is using Crystal Meth, then watch for the following physical symptoms:
- stimulated, jerky movement; rapid speech; hyperactivity
- behaviours that indicate feelings of intense excitement or euphoria
- lack of sleep, insomnia
- increased energy
- dilated pupils even when exposed to light
- mood swings, irritability, nervousness
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
- unusual sweating, dry mouth, or hot flashes
- chest pain or heart palpitations
Crystal Meth can be taken orally, smoked, snorted or injected. Look for drug paraphernalia such as spoons (often bent unto a U-shape), syringes, straws cut into short sections, small metal, clay or glass smoking pipes or small plastic baggies.
Long term use of Crystal Meth can cause:
- mental confusion
- deteriorating school grades
- aggressive behaviour
- dramatic weight loss
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- hallucinations or paranoia
- tremors, shaking, or convulsions
- hypertension
- cardiac arrhythmia
- dental decay
- open sores from constant picking and scratching the skin, which is caused by a reaction to the chemicals used to manufacture Crystal Meth
If you feel your child may be using Crystal Meth, or any other drug, confront and ask! Your child's health is at stake and you must do something before its too late. A drug test (urine being the best) could be ordered by your family doctor, and it might clear up any suspicions. However, note that Meth stays in the system and is, therefore, detectable only for approximately 72 hours.
For more information on the harmful effects of Crystal Meth, click on the following links:
- Methamphetamine (Health Canada)