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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0522.017 2000-2002 q~qL ~4 s~ ~,e/ April 1, 200? Hawaii County Council c~~~~, 25 Aupuni Street "/\``"'t Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Ilri}._±,ii9 11 .°..i E::I is (i~ " „ RE: "Effects of ice„ a~."'`'"~~~ Dear County Council members, ~1~;~ s n.r--r Proir.::~ As the Chief Executive Officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse f,, ~ ; Council, I feel it is extremely important and informative far you to read the enclosed information on the life threatening drug "ice". :""~":r L~~i~,i~ h',",,,. Some of the short-term effects of "ice" are violent and aggressive behavior, convulsions, loss of appetite, acne and sores and an extreme rise in body temperature (as high as 108 degrees which can cause brain damage and death). A person who uses "ice" has disturbed sleep and °`,.,~~seutic ~ivitk~: P-;:~.'a~o : ~ ~ experiences panic, anxiousness, nervousness; moodiness and ' ` irritability. They also feel a false sense of confidence and power. p j.; , : ,„~,a,,y,~, The long-term effects of using ice are fatal kidney and lung disorders, possible brain damage, depression, hallucinations, ` ` disorganized lifestyle, permanent psychological problems, violent and ~ja~ ~ ~ ~ ~,X,.: aggressive behavior, weight loss, insomnia, behavior resembling ~ paranoid schizophrenia, decreased social life, malnutrition, poor coping i , . ; - ; ~ abilities, disturbance of personality development, lowered resistance to illnesses, liver damage, stroke and even death. ~<<3~. ~~,~s.,;=~~~ ~r,~~~,°-~~~ Babies who are born positive for "ice" tend to be asocial, incapable of tz ad A.f~ s~~u „ ; r bonding, have tremors and birth defects and cry for 2~-hours without stopping. There is also an increased risk of child abuse and neglect of " ` children born to parents who use methamphetamines. 1' _,'-4 _ The benefits to an individual who stops using the dntg "ice" greatly outweigh an addiction to methamphetamines. The benefits include f`"°~°~~~~~~.z return to a positive community involvement, decrease in arrests and hospitalization costs and an increase in those who are employed and ~ _ , ~ ~ enrolled in school. Sin erely, ~ ~ . (~-C-,~-~ Cc~ ~ , . ~ gym. iV®~ . Gloria J. Egle- s Chief Executive Officer File IlTo. Ref, To: ~~r ~ • ~ e 4f a ~ . i METIIAMPI-IETAMINL Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder, and chunks. Two such Methamphetamines are crank and ice. Crank refers to any form of methamphetamine. Ice is a crystallized smokeable chunk form of methamphetamine that produces a more intense reaction than cocaine or speed. Ice has an appearance that is clear and crystal-like, and resembles frozen ice water. Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. Crank and ice are extremely addictive and produce a severe craving for the drug. SlEIOIZT-TER1dI EFFECTS • increased alertness • sense of well-being • paranoia • intense high • hallucinations • aggressive behavior • increased heart rate • convulsions • extreme rise in body temperature (as high as 108 degrees which can cause brain damage and death) • uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking, etc...) • violent behavior • insomnia • impaired speech • dry, itchy skin • loss of appetite • acne, sores • numbness EFFECTS ON TIDE 1dIIND • disturbed sleep • excessive excitation • excessive talking • panic • anxiousness • nervousness • moodiness and irritability • false sense of confidence and power • delusions of grandeur leading to aggressive behavior • uninterested in friends, sex or food • aggressive and violent behavior • severe depression LONG-TERM EFFECTS • fatal kidney and lung disorders • possible brain damage • depression • hallucinations • disorganized lifestyle • permanent psychological problems • violent and aggressive behavior • weight loss • insomnia • behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia • decreased social life • malnutrition • poor coping abilities • disturbance of personality development • lowered resistance to illnesses • liver damage • stroke • death Methamphetamines cause a severe crash after the effects wear off. The crash, or low feeling is more intense and longer lasting than both speed and cocaine. The effects are not only long lasting, but continue to cause damage to the user long after use has stopped. Methamphetamine abuse can also lead to legal, financial, and social problems. Addiction to methamphetamine can be very strong, therefore withdrawal symptoms are likely when use of the drug is discontinued. WITIIDRAV6~AL SYMPTOMS • severe craving • insomnia • restlessness • mental confusion • depression Although a person addicted to crank or ice may experience withdrawal symptoms for a short time, the benefits to a person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an addiction to methamphetamines. These benefits include a longer, healthier life and greater enjoyment of everyday activities. EFFECTS ON SOCIETY • car crashes • crimes • fires due to explosions from the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines • hazardous waste PREGNANCY AND METIIAMPI~ETAMINE If methamphetamines are used during pregnancy, babies tend to be: • asocial • incapable of bonding • have tremors • have birth defects • cry for 24 hours without stopping There is also an increased risk of child abuse and neglect of children born to parents who use methamphetamines. UND~Ia~TANDING MET~IAMI'IIETAMINE A~US~ AND ADDICTION Methamphetamine is a manmade drug that affects brain function. Over time, it can change the way you think and act. Some of these changes can cause you great distress. And they can disrupt your life. But methamphetamine addiction can be treated. If you or a loved one has a drug problem, tell someone you trust. That is the first step in getting help. What Does Methamphetamine Do ? Some drugs slow down your system. But methamphetamine speeds it up. In fact, methamphetamine is often known as "speed". Users have increased energy. Some may go days without food or sleep. The drug comes in many forms that users inject, smoke, inhale, or eat. Methamphetamine causes an intense rush that may last from minutes to hours. What Are the Risks? Methamphetamine triggers your brain to release large amounts of the chemical dopamine. This causes feelings of extreme well being. If may also damage the cells that produce dopamine. This can make it harder to feel pleasure over time. Using methamphetamine may also lead to these problems: *Addiction This means you are Bevel- * Exposure to HIV. Using shared op a strong need for the drug. And you needles to inject methamphetamine may not be able to stop taking it on your can spread the virus that causes AIDS. own. A potent form of methamphetamine * Hallucinations (hearing and seeing known as "ice" is even more addictive. things that aren't there). *®verdose. You may need more and * Paranoia (intense feelings of fear) more methamphetamine to feel good. * Violent actions But taking too much can lead to coma * Bleeding in the brain. or death. * Severe dental problems. How Can You Get Help? In many cases your health care provider can help. Or, check your phone book for mental health centers and drug treatment programs. You can also try the resources below. Resources: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Helpline 1-800-662-4357 National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686 www.health.or~ The National Institute on Drug Abuse 1-888-644-6432 www.nida.nih.gov .