As social-service ministries change, the need is greater than ever for Salvationists to get involved. Salvationist spoke with members of the territorial social services department to discern how these issues are impacting front-line services, and what Salvationists can do about them.

Crystal Meth and New Drugs
Another alarming new trend is the rise of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth. Its street names are crank, sketch, jib or tina. It’s a popular drug among teens because the ingredients are found in common household items such as cough medicine, paint thinner and drain cleaner, and it can cost as little as five dollars per hit.

“Some dealers are now selling low-grade cocaine spiked with crystal meth,” notes Major Tom Tuppenney, social services consultant for addictions. “People are getting hooked on a more damaging drug, and don’t even realize they’re taking it.”

With crystal meth, the “high” can last for more than eight hours. Effects include hallucinations, paranoia, rages, extreme weight loss, brain hemorrhage and cardiovascular shock.

The Army has a new six-bed shelter in Victoria specifically for crystal meth addicts. When it opened, the Crystal Meth Victoria Society received over 150 calls from parents wanting to know how to get their kids in.

“In Vancouver, the problem is rampant,” notes a social services consultant. “They’ve pulled cold medication off the drugstore shelves because it contains pseudoephedrine, the main ingredient in crystal meth. Someone only needs to get involved with meth once and it’s over-they’re hooked.

“Our shelters are not equipped for this kind of problem. The level of violence involved in crystal meth use and the age of addicts-generally young teenagers-means that they do not mix well with our traditional treatment clients. The older men who are battling traditional addictions to alcohol and other drugs are scared to death of these kids because they are so unpredictable.”

“It’s a faster addiction,” agrees Mary Ellen Eberlin, territorial social services secretary. “Lives are destroyed within minutes. As drugs change, so must our ability to respond. The detox period for crystal meth is much longer. It impacts the brain earlier. Traditional treatment methods do not work.”

“In an insidious way, drug use is becoming a more accepted part of the youth culture,” says Major Tuppenney. “Even energy drinks with high caffeine content are being marketed to young people to give them a buzz. In some cases, chemicals are added to drinks to produce a numbing sensation in the throat that simulates drug use.”

“The profile of movie stars in and out of rehab almost glamourizes the issue,” continues Eberlin. “It’s sending the wrong message to youth. We are seeing a rise in the use of recreational drugs and in new drugs that devastate young lives.”

by Geoff Moulton
Managing Editor, Salvationist and Faith & Friends

Excerpt taken from Salvationist April 2007