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Coming in a rush: The rise of crystal meth in the UK
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| Taking its toll: Crystal Meth tends to ravage the appearance and especially the teeth of regular users of the drug |
Although the problem of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, is not yet as prevalent in this country as in places like America, Australia, New Zealand and south-east Asia, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Ashwood, a member of the National Methamphetamine Working Group and the crime manager for Streatham police, said this may not be the case in a few years time.
"Since two-and-a-half years ago, when the first UK lab making the drug was found on the Isle of Wight, about 10 more have been discovered in the country," said D Chief Insp Ashwood.
"According to reports by charity Coca, methamphetamine is now prevalent at low levels across all parts of England and Wales."
The drug, which was reclassified from Class B to Class A in January, is made from a concoction of household chemicals and substances and comes in tablet, powder or crystalline meth form. The latter one looks similar to shards of glass or ice crystals and is often the most harmful and addictive form of the drug, as it tends to be the purest.
D Chief Insp Ashwood said there are many reasons why use of meth is increasing. "It's one of the few drugs people can make easily at home," he said. "It's highly addictive - after taking it just once or twice there's a good chance you will get hooked."
He also said costs of the drug were falling, with prices similar to crack cocaine and heroine. And the Coca report said a rock of crystal meth cost between £10 and £20, with a gram of the powder at £35 to £75.
Because the drug can be taken in several ways also adds to its appeal, according to D Chief Insp Ashwood. "Meth can be swallowed as a tablet, snorted as a powder, dissolved and injected or smoked," he said. "This makes it accessible to many different types of users."
He said all types of people are taking meth, from those in poverty and rural areas to people in high society.
"It can be used as a club drug and is often seen in gay community scenes. It heightens libido and lowers inhibitions. It also appeals to existing users of other drugs, who are looking for a bigger high - while crack cocaine can give a 20 minute high, the buzz given from meth can last for 12 hours."
But being made from so many destructive chemicals, the side effects of the drug are disturbing. On a mental level, users can become agitated, paranoid, confused and violent. They can hallucinate and are likely to become insomniacs. It can also cause extreme psychotic behaviour.
And the physical effects are even clearer to see. After a short time using meth, it causes dramatic weight loss, drawn, aged skin and "meth mouth", where teeth rot because of the chemicals in meth which dry your mouth.
Meth also heightens the risks of stroke and causes skin sores, which feel like insects are crawling under the skin.
"In America, New Zealand and Australia, which are the countries who most recently had meth epidemics, within five years of the drug emerging it has created a massive problem," said D Chief Insp Ashwood. "We could be on that sliding scale in Britain and see a significant rise here in the next few years."
To find out what you would look like on crystal meth, upload a digital photo of yourself at the Crystal Meth Drugs Mug at talktofrank.com where you can find more information and advice about the drug.
5:02pm Friday 8th June 2007
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CommentPosted by: Hank, France on 5:45pm Sat 9 Jun 07
Meth is ace - I just dropped a fat crystal and havent come down from it yet!
Meth is ace - I just dropped a fat crystal and havent come down from it yet!
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