Symptoms such as blood pressure problems, stroke, and hallucinations, are not the only thing Cocaine users must worry about; they must also be concerned with rotting flesh.

In a publication of Annals of Internal Medicine, doctors discussed two cases of women with a history of Cocaine abuse who both suffered symptoms consisting of purple lesions on the face, ears, legs, and other parts of the body.

Doctors claimed that these symptoms are common for toxicity with Levamisole, an approved anti-worming agent used for veterinary purposes typically used to treat cattle, sheep and pigs. The substance was once used to treat autoimmune diseases, kidney disorders, and cancer in humans in the U.S. but since has been banned for its side effects.

These effects, doctors claim, are being seen in Cocaine users, ranging from a variety of symptoms. The least serious being skin lesions, which are easily treatable and go away in time The most serious side effect being Agranulocytosis, a disease that effects white blood cell content and which requires hospitalization to cure.

Diagnostic Laboratory Services released its year-end numbers for 2009 and found that crystal meth use rose 33 percent from 2008.

According to the laboratory, which conducts tests for companies and those seeking employment, the biggest rise came in the fourth quarter. The lab conducts 7,000 to 10,000 drug tests each quarter, and in late 2009, meth use was up 57 percent from the year’s average rate.

“We don’t know if it’s attributed to the economy, perhaps, or if it is a one-quarter anomaly,” Carl Linden of Diagnostic Laboratory Services said.

Drug prevention groups like the Hawaii Meth Project said it’s common to see increases in substance abuse in a bad economy.

Jang was referring to a study published last month in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that revealed a spike in HIV rates among the city's crack smokers. The researchers recommended opening a supervised inhalation room and conducting a scientific trial to see if HIV rates would decrease. Dr. Perry Kendall, the province's chief medical health officer, supports the recommendation.

Nanaimo's Ryan Glover credits Vancouver Island University's Adult Basic Education program and a counsellor at a local recovery centre for getting him off the street and keeping him away from the drug use that almost ruined his life.

The former crystal methamphetamine addict will graduate from VIU this summer and wants to help others kick their addictions and become contributing members of society.

What he was cooking was crystal meth, a scourge drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in Toronto.

"Unfortunately, crystal meth is here," says Staff-Insp. Mario DiTommaso, head of the drug squad. "It is becoming prime time in my morning reports (from officers in the field.)

"Not only is it dangerous to make because of the volatility of the chemicals used, it is also an extremely addictive drug, more so than crack cocaine."

While hazardous chemicals were indeed discovered at the scene of the Craven Rd. fire, necessitating a hazmat team being called in to both tame and contain the chemicals, the actual drug being manufactured was not revealed.

At just $5 a pill, the drug promises a cheap and easy way to loosen up, but it nearly cost one Airdrie girl her life.

On May 1 at about midnight, Airdrie RCMP assisted Airdrie Emergency Services ( AES ) in an emergency response to a 17-yearold female who overdosed on methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ), commonly known as ecstasy.

The teenager ingested four tablets in a relatively short period of time prior to attending a dance at George McDougall High School. The drug is often used before a party or dance, and causes users to lose their inhibitions. In this case the tablets were white and had the Transformers logo stamped on each of them.

"The individuals who manufacture these products gear them specifically to target children," said Airdrie RCMP Cst. Francine Hennelly.

Perinatal Addiction Treatment of Hawaii, observing its second anniversary, has had 52 births, including two sets of twins, said Wright, founder and medical director of the program.

The clinic's pre-term birth rate is 7.7 percent -- well below state and national averages of 12 percent, she said.

Advocates say the government-funded program is money well spent.

"Given that each pre-term birth costs taxpayers in excess of $56,000, we as taxpayers are getting our money's worth," said Wright.

An assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Wright developed the clinic as a pilot program on the grounds of the Salvation Army Family Treatment Center in Kaimuki.

The unique program combines prenatal care with substance abuse treatment and counseling and offers parenting workshops, hands-on care with children and classes on healthy habits, nutrition and sewing.

She said 75 percent of the women show up after making the first phone call, and 90 percent stay with the program. "Some women who delivered 20 months ago still call us and keep in touch."

Results are "unbelievable," said Executive Director Renee Schuetter, explaining that 81 percent are drug-free within three months. She said 97 percent have maintained custody of their children eight weeks after birth, and 94 percent have retained custody after six months.

"The secret seems to be that the staff is small and very consistent, open and not judging of them at all, and we allow them to set their goals," said Schuetter, a registered nurse.

When you look at Brittney McGee, you see a confident, well-groomed 23-year-old woman who is optimistic about the future. What you don't see is the ravages that a 10-year relationship with crystal meth and other drugs has left.

McGee is on her way to graduating from a 13-month rehabilitation program at New Life Home for Girls in Consecon, not far from Belleville. She spoke with The Post recently after her poem, "Crystal Death" reappeared in the opinion column Shades of Grey.

Her journey to New Life was a long and tumultuous one.

We talked for an hour and a half. I'm not sure either of us fully understood the other's points by the end of it all. But at least we heard each other out, and I appreciated his frankness.

As the director of addiction services for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Dr. Laurence Bosley is an important man when it comes to addressing some of the immense problems on our streets.

Paulette Walker is sure she'd be dead today were it not for the saving grace of a drug treatment court.

Strung out on crack cocaine for 20 years, homeless and depressed, she tried to get clean time and again --to no avail.

Then, in 2002, busted for drug possession and sitting in an Etobicoke detention centre, an inmate told her there was another way.

Drug treatment courts offer addicts arrested for crimes an alternative to the regular court process by putting in one year of serious treatment instead of jail time.