Crystal Clear
The Pride Center's Crystal Clear program focuses on raising awareness around the negative effects of crystal methamphetamine in order to stop its growing popularity within the LGBT communities of WNY. The Crystal Clear program, funded by the NYS OASAS grant.
The Crystal Clear program provides:
- Referalls to LGBT affirmative resources & treatment
- Community outreach & education
- Training on Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Individuals
- S.U.G.A.R. (Substance Users Group; An Avenue to Recovery)
- Queer Edge Summer Arts Project
What is “Methamphetamine”?
Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant. Meth is synthetically made from household ingredients including over-the-counter cold medications, battery acid, antifreeze, drain cleaner, hydrochloric acid, anhydrous ammonia, and many other toxic products.
In comes in many forms that can be smoked, injected, snorted, or orally ingested. Common names of methamphetamine are crystal, crystal meth, hurricane tina, crank, meth, ice, glass, speed, chalk, and tweek.
How can I tell if someone I know is using methamphetamine?
- Signs of agitation
- Decreased appetite
- Increased physical activity
- Excited speech
- Dilated pupils
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Elevated body temperature
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Sudden and violent behavior
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Bouts of insomnia
- Intense paranoia
- Compulsive behaviors
- Withdrawal
- Sores that do not heal
What are the risks?
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe dental problems
- Dilated pupils
- Severe weight loss
- Tremors
- Heavy sweating
- Body odor
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Increased blood pressure
- Stroke
- Inflammation of the heart lining
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Delusions (i.e. “meth bugs” creeping under your skin) leading to extreme scratching and sores
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Increased wakefulness
- Hyperthermia
- Long-lasting psychotic symptoms
- Contraction of HIV, Hepatitis B&C, and other blood-borne viruses
- Heart attack and death
Pride Center of Western New York, Inc.
206 S. Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14201
P: 716-852-PRIDE
F: 716-847-0418
For more information please contact:
Frank Goldberg
fgoldberg@pridecenterwny.org
852-PRIDE (7743)
