With everything else happening these days, it is indeed alarming to imagine that a drug epidemic may be enveloping Pakistan. Our country is a resilient one and we’ve proven time and time again that when we are faced with adversities, we tackle them and rise up again. It’s sadder still, that children have been targets for a while, now and as of late, there has recently been another drug scare in our part of the country.

But here’s the actual truth about this drug scare:

This circular was sent out on Friday, February 17 by a leading private school network warning parents about a drug “Strawberry Quick” that may be sold to their kids in the school’s yard.

The drug scare is not a new one. It’s been circulating all over the world for over a decade now, surfacing every now and then. However, it is just that: a drug scare. Law Enforcement Agencies from different parts of the world have assured people time and time again that Strawberry Quick Meth is a fake drug and the fact that it is being disguised as candy and given to children is untrue.

What is Strawberry Quick Meth?

Breaking Bad fans would know a little bit about what the Meth is. Unfortunately, ,meth or methamphetamine, is becoming a common drug all over the world, with its use spreading to certain areas in Pakistan, as well. It is an extremely powerful central nervous system stimulant that is used, mainly, as a recreational drug, and less commonly to treat ADHD and obesity.

The effects of administering Meth may include a loss of appetite, hyperactivity, perspiration and palpitations, grinding of the teeth (which also leads to the users losing their teeth very quickly), irregular heartbeat (slowed down or accelerated), stomach problems, fluctuations in blood pressure, acne, tremors, numbness, and dizziness, among a list of other effects. If administered during pregnancy, there’s a high risk of giving birth to psychologically and physically disabled children. It can also lead to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Moreover, it can also have extremely negative psychological implications on the user

Along with causing euphoria, changes in libido, dysphoria, paranoia, hyper-alertness, fatigue, insomnia or hypersomnia, extreme self-confidence paired with a delusion of grandiosity (which may lead the user into doing irrational things), irritability, and repetitive obsessive behaviors. It also has the ability to trigger depression, anxiety, violent behaviors, psychosis and in even more extreme cases: suicide.

Strawberry Quik Meth (named after the powdered milk flavour), is rumored to be a form of Meth made to look, smell, and taste like strawberries, making it resemble the powdered milk product, pop rocks (the candy that sizzles in your mouth) and other forms of candy.

Why there is a cause for concern if it actually is being sold at school premises across Pakistan:

The scare is, essentially, that drug peddlers and Meth distributors are giving this form of the drug to school-going children to get them hooked onto it. Children, being children, have the tendency of accepting candies and chocolates from strangers, which makes it all the more alarming for parents and guardians.

However, the drug “Strawberry Quick” actually doesn’t exist

Yes! You can heave a sigh of relief now.

There haven’t actually been any such cases coming forward in any part of the world where the scare was spread. Law Enforcement Agencies from all over the world have verified the fact that while different colored Meth does exist and is being distributed among people, but the coloring comes from the manufacturing process of the drug and is not actually a mock food item that could be confused for children’s candy, as commonly.

There have not been any cases surfacing in any part of the country regarding consumption of “Strawberry Quick”, neither has anyone been apprehended while doing so.

Moreover, the drug is not being manufactured in order to appeal to young children.

Having said that, please tell your children never to accept candy or anything to eat from strangers.

Because it goes without saying, there is always a threat of someone giving your child something inappropriate to eat. Drug dealers are the kind of humans that don’t care much for the safety and security of the society, so it is very much possible that they will give children drugs in order to keep their cash flow going strong. Thus, it never hurts to be careful.

Always listen to your children, take them seriously, and watch out for any odd signs and behaviors they might be exhibiting.

Cover image via: gagdaily.com