Crystal meth, increasingly popular in Canada, is a highly addictive drug that can be made in clandestine labs, often located in homes. Its short-term effects include euphoria and increased energy, while long-term use can lead to severe health issues including memory loss and organ failure. The emergence of strawberry-flavored variants, resembling candy, poses additional dangers for unsuspecting parents and communities.

1. Crystal Meth http://www.narconon.ca/images/articles_crystal_meth.jpg

2. Dark Crystal Crystal meth, sometimes known as speed, chalk, ice, or glass 1 , is becoming very popular in Canada. This is because it is so easy to find. It is sold on the streets and in some cases even sold as ecstasy pills 2 . It affects people of all ages and it can take over a community very quickly because of the ease at which it can be created. It is usually cooked in clandestine labs, which can be found in a bathroom or a kitchen. 1 Crystal meth is highly addictive, and person can become addicted even after one use 2 . It provides extra energy and removes the need to sleep or eat, and it gives them a feeling of increased euphoria 2 . The after effects are opposite, usually the person feels depressed or angry 2 , and what could help to remove that feeling? More crystal meth, which is why this drug is becoming such a big problem.

3. Before And After This is a before and after picture of a person who has been using crystal meth for four years. You can see the effects it can cause on a person. The short term effects that you might notice woul be numbness, confusion, panic and agitation. The long term effects would include memory loss, blurred vision, loss of coordination, and kidney, liver, and lung failure. Sometimes the effects could even be deadly. http://adultaddstrengths.com/wp-content/meth3yearslatercjtheresabaxterafter.jpg http://adultaddstrengths.com/wp-content/methjune01cjtheresabaxterbefore.jpg

4. Drug Use In Teens This is a chart of drug use in teens. It shows that 34% of teens have tried marijuana, 3% have tried cocaine, 4% have tried ecstasy, 2% have tried crystal meth, and 1% have tried heroin. 3 Right now the population using crystal meth is not very high but it is growing.

5. http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A2232/223221/300_223221.jpg

6. Clandestine Labs This is a picture of a Clandestine lab. This shows how easy it is to create crystal meth because you can have a lab right in your own home. A big problem with these labs is that families and children are living right next door to them, eating and breathing the chemicals all the time. 2 http://www2.kapoleims.k12.hi.us/campuslife/teams/03-04/g71/iceweb/one/canteroa/meth_lab.jpg

7. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/drugs/crystalmeth.html

8. Strawberry Quick Strawberry quick is the term that is used to describe the strawberry flavoured crystal meth. This has been created to make the drug more appealing. It looks like pop rocks candy, and his has the scent and flavour of strawberries 4 . This is dangerous because it will make it harder for parents to notice what it is due to the fact that it looks and smells like candy. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/487773422_18e1e03ccf.jpg

9. Number of Labs Found in Canada This is a chart that shows the number of Clandestine labs found in Canada each year. The numbers are rising because the use of crystal meth in increasing. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/drugs/crystalmeth.html 37 2003 25 2002 13 24 14 2 2001 2000 1999 1998

10. References Information References: 1.http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/crystal_meth_information.html 2. http://www.narconon.ca/meth_addiction.html 3. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/drugs/crystalmeth.html 4. http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/candymeth.asp Picture References: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/487773422_18e1e03ccf.jpg http://www.narconon.ca/images/articles_crystal_meth.jpg http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A2232/223221/300_223221.jpg http://adultaddstrengths.com/wp-content/methjune01cjtheresabaxterbefore.jpg http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/drugs/crystalmeth.html http://www2.kapoleims.k12.hi.us/campuslife/teams/03-04/g71/iceweb/one/canteroa/meth_lab.jpg