The use of crystalline methamphetamine is becoming an increasingly concerning issue in Canada. From the escalation of gang violence to the difficulty of treating those under the influence in hospital trauma settings, the effects of this drug are far-reaching. Drug abuse, including methamphetamine use, has broad negative consequences for society, families, and communities, contributing to social disorder, health risks, and safety concerns. Chief Bray of Regina Police has noted that crystalline methamphetamine has become the dominant problem of gangs and violence, and New Brunswick’s RCMP has seized nearly 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) of what is believed to be crystalline methamphetamine in what could be the largest methamphetamine seizure crystalline in the history of the province. This seizure highlights the broader issue of methamphetamine production in clandestine labs across Canada, where most methamphetamine is produced illegally using precursor chemicals. Methamphetamine is one of several illegal drugs involved in property crimes, violence, and other criminal activities reported by law enforcement. The quantity of drugs seized serves as an indicator of drug trafficking trends, and the BC Coroners Service plays a key role in reporting drug-related deaths linked to methamphetamines. Organized crime and drug trafficking are central to the distribution of crystal methamphetamine, with increasing involvement of these groups in British Columbia contributing to violence and social disorder. In terms of the total Canadian population, the reported level of consumption of crystalline methamphetamine seems relatively small.
Methamphetamine is classified as a controlled drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and the federal government has implemented various drug policy measures to address the crisis, including law enforcement strategies and regulatory changes. However, this does not mean that people are absolved of personal responsibility for their actions. While Canada is concerned about opioid addiction, crystalline methamphetamine is on the rise and threatens to aggravate the country’s drug emergency. Increasing crystal methamphetamine use among street youth and injecting drug users is associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission and other health harms. The organization has also developed learning modules posted on YouTube to educate healthcare and service providers across the country about crystalline methamphetamine and techniques for working with users, such as de-escalation. Urine samples provided by a subgroup of participants were used to determine the validity of the three-day self-reported use of crystalline methamphetamine compared to toxicological urine tests. In recent studies, the median age of methamphetamine users has been reported, providing important demographic context. Certain methodological details have been described in greater depth in earlier reports (detail previously).
When discussing methods of use, it is important to note that some users inject drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine injection, and that injection drug use is linked to higher rates of blood borne infections. Methamphetamine is often used with other drugs and other substances, including synthetic opioids, which increases overdose risk and complicates harm reduction efforts.
At the same time, 48 percent of young people seeking pharmacological treatment for addiction cited crystalline methamphetamine as the main drug they used. Part of the problem in treating methamphetamine addiction is that, unlike opioid replacement therapy, which uses suboxone or methadone to relieve withdrawal symptoms, methamphetamine does not have a pharmaceutical solution to reduce cravings. However, contingency management has shown promise in systematic reviews for stimulant use disorder, offering incentives to support abstinence. The effects of methamphetamine include increased body temperature, elevated blood pressure, decreased appetite, psychological symptoms such as paranoia and agitation, and the potential for brain damage, all of which contribute to the significant health burden of methamphetamine consumption.
There is reason for a certain degree of optimism in the fact that progress has been made in mobilizing people and resources to address the social challenge posed by the rise of crystalline methamphetamine. Understanding the changing patterns of substance use, including the increasing involvement of stimulants in drug poisoning deaths, will be imperative to adapt harm reduction and substance use services to people who use crystalline methamphetamine. Studies examining risk factors for methamphetamine injection often use odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio to quantify associations between behaviors and health outcomes. National institutes, such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Canadian Institutes, and the Canadian Centre have played a significant role in supporting health research on methamphetamine, with NIDA serving as a primary source for scientific data and research findings on methamphetamine, and with funding from organizations such as the US National Institutes.
Introduction to the Issue
The increasing use of crystal methamphetamine—commonly known as crystal meth—has emerged as a pressing public health concern in Canada, particularly among injection drug users in urban centers like Vancouver. Methamphetamine use, especially in its crystalline form, is associated with a range of severe health consequences, including decreased appetite, elevated blood pressure, and a host of psychological symptoms such as paranoia and agitation. The Canadian Community Epidemiology Network has documented a troubling rise in illicit drug toxicity deaths, with crystal methamphetamine playing a significant role in this evolving overdose epidemic.
Research from the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS) has shed light on the shifting patterns of drug use among local populations. The study found a marked increase in crystal methamphetamine injection among drug users, particularly among younger individuals and those of Caucasian ethnicity. This trend is alarming, as methamphetamine injection is linked to an increased risk of HIV transmission and other blood borne infections, compounding the already significant health risks faced by this community.
The production and distribution of methamphetamine in Canada are closely tied to organized crime, with the drug often produced illegally using precursor chemicals. Despite federal government efforts to restrict access to these chemicals and disrupt trafficking networks, the impact of these measures remains uncertain. In British Columbia, the effects of methamphetamine use are evident in the rising number of deaths reported by the Coroners Service, underscoring the urgent need for effective substance abuse treatment and harm reduction strategies.
A systematic review of the literature highlights the importance of behavioral interventions, such as contingency management, in reducing methamphetamine use and its related harms. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse have supported studies exploring these approaches, but further health research is needed to fully understand the effects of methamphetamine and to develop comprehensive solutions.
Addressing the increasing involvement of young people in crystal methamphetamine use requires targeted interventions and a commitment to involving drug users in the design and delivery of services. By prioritizing evidence-based substance abuse treatment, expanding harm reduction initiatives, and supporting ongoing research, Canada can better respond to the complex challenges posed by crystal meth and protect the health of its most vulnerable populations.
Alcohol Dependence Review and Treatment
Alcohol dependence remains a major public health issue in Canada, and its intersection with illicit drug use—particularly methamphetamine use—poses unique challenges for both individuals and healthcare systems. According to the Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use, there has been a notable rise in substance abuse treatment admissions involving people who struggle with both alcohol dependence and drug use. This trend is especially evident among drug users in urban centers, where methamphetamine use and injection drug practices often overlap with problematic alcohol consumption.
Research conducted among Vancouver injection drug users has revealed that a significant proportion also contend with alcohol dependence, compounding the risks associated with methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. This dual burden increases the complexity of substance abuse treatment, as individuals may require integrated care that addresses both alcohol and drug dependence simultaneously. The presence of multiple substance use disorders can lead to more severe health outcomes, including heightened vulnerability to blood borne infections, mental health issues, and social instability.
Given these realities, public health experts emphasize the need for comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs that are equipped to manage the intertwined challenges of alcohol and methamphetamine use. Such programs should offer tailored interventions, including counseling, harm reduction strategies, and support for both drug and alcohol dependence. By addressing the full spectrum of substance abuse, Canada can better support those affected and reduce the broader impact of methamphetamine and alcohol on communities.
