The Emerging Issue of Crystal Methamphetamine Use in First Nations Communities A Discussion Paper

First Nations Centre
May 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION PART I CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE: WHAT IS IT? WHO USES CRYSTAL METH HOW CRYSTAL METH IS USED HOW CRYSTAL METH IS MADE HOW CRYSTAL METH AFFECTS THE BODY, MIND, RELATIONSHIPS AND
THE ENVIRONMENT

PART II GOVERNMENT, ORGANIZED CRIME AND THE PHARMACEUTICAL
INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES CRYSTAL METH AND ILLEGAL DRUG STRATEGIES IN CANADA FIRST NATIONS AND CRYTAL METH TREATMENT STRATEGIES

PART III TALA TOOTOOSIS’ STORY CRYSTAL METH ON …show more content…

While it is important to focus on the 1 In this paper, crystal methamphetamine is be referred to as: “crystal methamphetamine”, “crystal meth” or
“meth”.
2 Please see Appendix A for the full content of this resolution.
3
This includes input from First Nations leadership. 2specifics of how to most effectively deal with meth production and use, it is also just as important not to overly focus on it. For instance, Michael Siever of the Stonewall project in San Francisco notes that even with the introduction of crystal methamphetamine into the addiction picture, the crack cocaine problem is still as prevalent as ever (Huff, 2005).
Thus, just because crystal methamphetamine is now part of the ‘addictions picture’ does not mean addictive behaviours with regard to other substances will magically go away.
Thus, effective holistic substance abuse strategies should be taken into consideration.
One such example is the work undertaken by the First Nations and Inuit Mental Wellness
Advisory Committee of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch - Health Canada. This committee has developed a Strategic Action Plan for First Nations and Inuit Mental
Wellness (includes Mental Health and Addictions). PART I CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE: WHAT IS IT? Historical