Crystal
meth use (also called crystal, crank, jib, meth, speed, or kiddie crack, to name
a few) is on the rise in our communities. Crystal meth is a central nervous system
stimulant. It is sold in pills, capsules, or powder and can be taken orally, injected,
snorted, or smoked. It is cheap to buy, available, and highly addictive. Some
users get hooked the first time they use crystal meth. One of the tempting effects
of crystal meth for our youth is that users experience a heightened sense of well-being
and experience feelings of elation and euphoria that last anywhere between 4 to
12 hours (depending on the dose). In comparison, a single dose of cocaine lasts
only about 8 to 20 minutes. This makes crystal meth very appealing to our youth.
It is a cheap and long lasting high. Crystal meth can
be made in many diverse locations, even the house next door. Over-the-counter
cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudo ephedrine, red phosphorous,
hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel, and antifreeze
are among the ingredients most commonly used in manufacturing crystal meth. Because
of this there is a greater danger of users suffering a heart attack, stroke, or
serious brain damage. As parents, it is important to be
aware of some of the signs that your child may be using crystal meth. Some "tell-tale
signs" are: | Rapid
heart rate | Heightened sense of "well
being" | | Euphoric
"high" state (excessively happy) | Decreased
appetite/weight loss | | Decreased
sleep time | Anxiety, shaking hands, nervousness |
| Increased physical activity | Dilated
pupils | | Incessant talking | Irritable
| | Sweating not related to physical
activity | Poor hygiene and self-care |
| Aggressive or violent behaviour | Dizziness
or confusion | | Mood changes are
common | Dental problems |
| Nasal perforations and nose bleeds (among snorters)
| If you are suspicious that your
child may be using crystal meth do not ignore the warning signs. Crystal meth
addiction is considered to be extremely difficult to treat and people addicted
to crystal meth have one of the highest relapse rates. As parents you need to
be vigilant about recognizing these warning signs in your child and seek treatment
for your child at the earliest possible time. There is help out there. You may
be saving your child's life. Treatment is available
in Strathcona County Bosco
Homes offers a 6 to 9 month treatment program for adolescents dealing with
an addiction to crystal meth. Our Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment
(ADAPT) Centre is located approximately 16 km outside of Sherwood Park.
The actual length of treatment for each youth is determined by the severity level
of their substance misuse/abuse at intake and their willingness to address their
addiction. Youth at the ADAPT Centre are assessed and monitored regularly to determine
their level of risk, medical impairments, and progress in treatment. Individualized
treatment plans, interventions, and treatment strategies are comprehensive to
include all areas of the youth's life. Activating hope and strengths in youth
is a central principle at Bosco Homes' ADAPT Centre.
A highly structured
program is offered which assists in maintaining consistency and predictability
of the client's environment. The program includes psycho-educational, cultural,
and recreational group activities on a regular basis. We view all aspects of an
average day for the client as effective tools for teaching positive social skills,
life skills, positive behaviour, and for dealing with the emotional trauma that
many of our clients have experienced. Some of the treatment
components include: Individual Therapy
Individual therapy focuses on psychological aspects of the substance misuse/abuse
and personal barriers to recovery such as depression, traumatization or problem
avoidance. Family Therapy Family
involvement and family therapy is an integral component of the ADAPT program.
Family members are encouraged to participate in their child's treatment. Group
therapy Groups have the benefit of connecting with
others having similar problems, thereby overcoming feelings of isolation. Groups
provide clients with an opportunity to learn from, and give support to, each other.
They can instill hope, encourage information sharing and provide role models.
The group allows clients to find new ways to express themselves, or to review
old conflicts in a supportive environment. Some of the
therapy groups offered at the ADAPT Centre include:
Drug and Alcohol
Education Early Recovery/Relapse Prevention
Smoking Education, Prevention,
and Cessation Parent Education
Social/Life Skills 12 Step Meetings
Overall, the focus of groups at the ADAPT Centre includes learning about what
is a healthy, well-balanced and happy life, and learning about health hazards
of addictive behaviors. There is help for addicted
teens.
For more information about the ADAPT Centre, call the Bosco
Homes Central Intake Coordinator at (780) 440-0708 ext. 259. |
