Life with jib: A snapshot of street youth's use of crystal methamphetamine

Crystal methamphetamine ( CM) is a psychoactive form of methamphetamine whose effects include euphoria, alertness, restlessness, feelings of endless energy, sleep deprivation, depression, paranoia, acute psychosis, and malnutrition. CM use among street-involved youth is high, yet little is known about their patterns of use, the side effects they experience, and the ways in which they manage their drug use and survive on the streets. We undertook a small qualitative study among inner-city, street-involved youth to explore the social context of their CM use. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve youth. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and four key themes were identified: Patterns of Jib Use, Reasons for Using Jib, Downside of Using, and Managing Jib Use. Each theme revealed interrelationships between drug use and street-involvement. The youth used CM to stay awake to protect belongings, to enhance social interaction, to cope with negative emotions, and as an alternative to psychiatric medications. The negative consequences of CM use included deteriorating physical and mental health, exploitation, isolation, and physical harm. These youth were knowledgeable about their drug use and capable of creatively adapting to many of the related consequences. Social service agencies and health care professionals were not identified as helpful in managing their drug use and its side effects. Although the sample size was small, this data gives insight for policy and program planning aimed at providing treatment and support for street-involved youth using CM.