The highs and lows of crystal meth

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Title – The highs and lows of crystal meth
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 22nd May 2006

Since this report Crystal Meth has been reclassified as a Class A drug, the category where it truly belongs. An uneasy balance prevails about the right way to avoid the UK falling into the same situation the USA and Australia have with the drug usage spreading like an epidemic, authorities struggle with the best way to approach the subject and making it a Class A drug is just the first step. Highlighting the problems associated with the use of Crystal Meth should make most people aware of the devastation it has already caused in many parts of the world and should convince them that there is simply no way to take this drug in a ‘recreational’ way.

Crystal Meth is an all or nothing kind of drug and the devastation can be clearly seen in the effects it has had in other parts of the world and on users.

The examples of users in this article are certainly not something most people would like to experience, but maybe they don’t go far enough, the really frightening effects of this drug are the physical dependence that is developed before users even realise it and the physical degradation they experience. Crystal Meth users in a short period of time start to look 20 years older than they really are, to the point where friends and family can barely recognise them or for that matter want to recognise them. Ravaged skin, blackened and dissolved teeth that fall out are physical symptoms that most would want to avoid; paranoia and violent aggressive mood swings make others avoid users.

This drug is still relatively unknown in the UK but like many of its predecessors it is creeping in and if it takes hold will have devastating effects on some communities. Drugs awareness is vital in many sectors and drugs awareness training may not be the solution that will stop the spread of Crystal Meth, but it will be part of the process and at a local level it will protect you, your employees and customers.

Beyond The Blue run the National Certificate for Licensees - Drug Awareness (NCLDA) as well as bespoke drug awareness courses designed for specific client

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk

Battling an addictive newcomer

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Title – Battling an addictive newcomer
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 22nd May 2006

Methamphetamine otherwise known as methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine and under the street-names crystal meth, tina, krank, tweak, and ice has reached epidemic levels in many parts of the world including the USA, Australia and South East Asia. In the UK steps have now been taken to re-classify it as a Class A drug before what is currently a small user group, expands to the almost pandemic proportions of other countries.

The addictive properties and devastating side effects caused to users of this highly addictive drug, has already ruined millions of lives around the world and every effort should be made to ensure that the plague does not spread to the UK. We can learn from those countries already affected, that if the use of crystal meth is not tackled now, the outcome will be terrible suffering and social erosion will be felt in any community that it is delivered to.

We run In-House Security Induction Courses (IHSI) that cover all aspects of the role and responsibilities and key skills of those working within the Security Industry and the licensed retail sector specific to their venues. These courses consider the current situation from a legal standpoint as well as the signs and symptoms of use and users. We examine the particular demographic of the venues customers to enable us to focus on the most relevant information.
We also run BIIAB National Certificate for Licensees Drug Awareness Course (NCLDA) and the National Certificate for Door Supervisors Courses (NCDS) which also cover aspects of illegal drug awareness and understanding.

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk