Ellen Campbell-Grizzle
THE AMPHETAMINE class is a large family of drugs with many chemical cousins. Crystal methamphetamine, a.k.a. 'ice', 'crystal' and 'tina', has become the most widespread and popular form that is abused in the United States because it is easy to concoct, using such ingredients as paint thinner, psuedoephedrine (from cold remedies), iodine, and lithium from batteries.
Crystal meth comes as chunky, clear crystals which are either inhaled or smoked. The cheapest form of the drug is called 'crank' and is usually snorted. The drug is impure and dangerous. Despite this, crystal meth continues to be abused by young people, particularly at raves and dances.
CONSEQUENCES OF AMPHETAMINE ADDICTION
Amphetamines increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to hyperactivity, nausea, delusions of power, increased aggressiveness and irritability. Long-term negative effects include heart, lung, kidney and liver damage. According to the United States National Institutes of Health, the chemical variation, methamphetamine (meth), releases much higher levels of dopamine than the original drug, with a stronger effect on the central nervous system. In smaller doses, it is used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
The addict experiences a great 'rush' (also called a flash) for a few minutes followed by increased agitation and possible violence. Users can become addicted and dependent quickly, needing more and higher doses as addiction progresses. Amphetamines cause irreversible damage to major body organs. Increased heart rate and blood pressure damage blood vessels in the brain. The strong surges of dopamine release appear to damage brain cells, eventually reducing the amount of dopamine available to the brain, causing symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, severe depression or both.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ICE AND ECSTASY
Ice and ecstasy (XTC) are chemical cousins as they both belong to the amphetamine family. Ice is usually cheaper than ecstasy. Dealers make super profits from crystal meth when compared to ecstasy, and may attempt to switch addicts by handing out 'free samples' of ice. There have been no reported seizures of ice in Jamaica, however, the police are confiscating ecstasy from vendors. The first reported seizure of 5,070 tablets was in the year 2000.
AMPHETAMINE USE AND JAMAICAN YOUTH
In 1987, a study conducted by Dr. Carl Stone for the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) revealed that 3.1 per cent of the youth population age 10-21 years old had taken prescribed amphetamines, while 1.7 per cent had used non-prescribed amphetamines. Ten years later, another study conducted by Dr. Garfield Douglas found that 2.6 per cent had taken prescribed amphetamines and 1.5 per cent had taken non-prescribed amphetamines. The study also showed use of amphetamines increased among Jamaican adolescents who were using either alcohol or tobacco. However, the use of amphetamines in Jamaica has remained consistently low.
CONTROLLING THE PROBLEM
The increased seizures of caches of ecstasy indicate that the drug is available and accessible in Jamaica. Newer studies conducted by the NCDA are showing familiarity of Jamaica youth with ecstasy. It is well established that the drug market is dynamic and pushers develop ways to hook new customers.
It is important to educate our young people to reject the offers of drug pushers. Young people need to understand the dangers that they face from abusing the amphetamine family. Parents must have conversations with their children about sensible choices, including the drug-free lifestyle.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, information and research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
