Methamphetamine is a controlled substance in Canada, and activities such as sale, possession or production are illegal, unless authorized for medical, scientific or industrial purposes. Possession of methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine and heroin is a prosecutable crime under the Drugs and Controlled Substances Act (CDSA) and carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years. Trafficking in these drugs carries a minimum sentence of two years and a maximum of life imprisonment. Adults may have a combined total of 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
An increase in the use of crystalline methamphetamine (“crystalline methamphetamine”) has been observed in North America and international jurisdictions, including a notable increase in the presence of methamphetamine in deaths due to illicit drug toxicity in British Columbia (British Columbia), Canada. A two-stage convenience sampling approach was used to identify participating sites for a cross-sectional survey and urine toxicological test to report the prevalence, correlations, and validity of self-reported use of crystalline methamphetamine among clients at harm reduction sites in British Columbia. The results showed that those who used crystalline methamphetamine were relatively younger than those who didn't (P). The majority of participants who reported using crystalline methamphetamine also reported using opioids in the past three days; opioid use was significantly higher among those who used crystalline methamphetamine compared to the rest of the participants (67.7% versus).
The study provides three important insights. First, it provides a comprehensive, contemporary and more generalizable estimate of crystalline methamphetamine use in British Columbia, based on previous work that has focused on young people and urban populations. Second, it provides evidence on usage patterns among all clients of harm reduction services, not limited to those who use opioids. Third, it reports on the accuracy of the self-reported use of crystalline methamphetamine, which may be useful for doctors and patients when providing health services.
It is necessary to invest in harm reduction services and health services for the prevention and management of harm that may result from the use of crystalline methamphetamine, in addition to prospective epidemiological research to better understand consumption patterns, dependence and social and health outcomes. The authors wish to express our gratitude to the participants, the staff of the harm reduction site and the regional harm reduction coordinators for participating in the study and for their tireless efforts at the forefront of community harm reduction work. In conclusion, crystalline methamphetamine is an illegal drug in Canada with serious consequences for possession or trafficking. It is also the most commonly used drug among harm reduction clients in British Columbia and its use has increased over time. Its use is very common among the homeless and is often closely related to opioid use, increasing the risk of overdose and other sequelae associated with multiple substance use.
It is essential to invest in harm reduction services and health services for prevention and management of harms associated with crystal meth use.
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