IASP Alert: News Release-Old Drug, New Twist
This information comes from the Indiana School Safety Academy.
You
may find it interesting.
Steve
Dr. Stephen Heck
Executive Director
Indiana Association of School Principals
317 891-9900
Fax 317 894-9807
www.iasp.org
Specialists:
See announcement from the Indiana State Police about "Strawberry
Quick".
Clarissa
Old Drug, New Twist
Parents should be aware of a new twist added to an old drug.
Methamphetamine now has a new appearance with a flavor that may
be
appealing to young children. The street name for the new drug is
"Strawberry Quick." Strawberry flavoring and red coloring are now
being added to crystal meth to make the drug more appealing to
younger children. The new coloring gives the drug the appearance
similar to that of other popular children's candy such as "Pop
Rocks"
and the strawberry flavoring takes the normally bitter taste out
of
the drug. Parents should warn their children against accepting
candy
from strangers and stress to them that strangers can include
other
children.
Strawberry Quick made its first appearance in Nevada in January
2007.
The drug seems to be making its way east as it has been
discovered
within the last couple of months in Missouri and Arkansas. It is
very
likely we may be seeing this form of methamphetamine in Indiana
by
the end of the year or even sooner. As methamphetamine dealers
attempt to expand their customer base, the new marketing strategy
may
focus on younger children.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
methamphetamine is
a very addictive Schedule II stimulant drug that can be taken
orally,
it can be snorted, injected, or smoked. Abusers can become
addicted
very quickly and need higher doses more often. Even when used in
small amounts, methamphetamine can result in increased
wakefulness,
increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased
respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased
blood
pressure, and hyperthermia. Other effects of methamphetamine
abuse
may include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, tremors,
convulsions, and cardiovascular collapse and death. Long-term
effects
may include paranoia, aggressiveness, extreme anorexia, memory
loss,
visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and severe dental
problems.
Anyone with information concerning the manufacturing or sales of
methamphetamine should contact the Indiana State Police
Connersville
Post at (800) 437-7159, the Indiana State Police Methamphetamine
Tip
Line at (800) 453-4756 or their local police or sheriff
department.
Callers can remain anonymous.
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