What is Meth?
An illegal, highly addictive, manmade synthetic CNS stimulan that is inpredictable, dangerous & deadly. A Schedule II substance under the Federal Controlled Substance Act. With over 300 different street names, this drug has destroyed rural areas across the country. Meth comes in many forms/colors (rock, powder, crystal-like substance or liquid) and can be used in many ways (smoked, snorted, ingested or inhaled). Depending on the potency the price will vary, 1 gram runs about $100. 1 pound of meth on the streets equals about 2,000,000 person hours of being ‘high’! This drug is not new, although the drug continues to ‘morph’ with each passing day.
To see what Meth looks like click here.
Who Uses Meth?
“Methamphetamine is an equal opportunity destroyer; it does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race or economic status”
Meth defies the usual trend…coming first to rural areas. Use spans all socio-economic backgrounds. Last year about half of Meth users in MN were females (Dr. Harris, 2006). The average tends to be about 20 years old, majority of those seeking treatment are Caucasian. Additionally in 2005, Meth was reported as the primary substance of abuse reported at treatment admissions in 12% of admissions in MN.
Users often begin for practical reasons and then soon fall into the dark trap. Attaining alertness, increased energy, relief from depression and anxiety, to lose weight, are just some of those reasons we know why people go down this path. Common responses from users in recovery explain it as ‘falling in love’ with the drug after their first use.
We must understand those things and properly apply these true consequences in all our prevention efforts aimed at children, athletes, parents, professionals, etc… from mistakenly thinking that Methamphetamine will fill those voids. All too often the reasoning behind why people use drugs makes those problems much worse, creating a whole list of other problems in the process.
Predictable’ Signs of Meth Use
“Eyes are so dilated they look like saucers”
Due to users often beginning their abuse due to the false perceptions, a user will often exhibit weight loss, suppression of appetite, immediate boost of self-esteem/false sense of security. In the beginning a feeling of euphoria and energy can last for several days, but depression & exhaustion quickly follow, driving the addicts need to find the next fix. With extended use the person may become an insomniac, abusing multiple drugs at once (poly-drug use). Physical symptoms to be aware of if you suspect if someone is using; dilated pupils, skin rashes, sores & infections due to poor circulation, black & yellow teeth, extreme weight loss. Users often experience ‘hyperthermia” which is excessive sweating due to the sudden rise in body temperature.
To see what Meth abuse does to people check out, http://www.facesofmeth.us/main.htm
Why is Meth so Dangerous?“Meth is the bull-riding of drug use – it’s so intense it makes people psychotic”
Often users begin for ‘practical reasons, only to fall a victim to this extremely addictive drug. Those who end up using meth tend to have started smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol at a very young age. The impairment this drug can have on ones body is extremely serious. A false sense of power may overcome those when high, which can lead to dangerous behaviors and situations. The profound destruction of the brain leaves long term users often severely depressed, lacking skills to care for themselves. One’s decision to abuse methamphetamine will often impact many others who are not using meth. Families, friends & communities are often left with the burden of picking up the pieces when one fall’s victim to methamphetamine. Violent crimes are being committed throughout our communities which we can directly link to the use of meth.
Victories in the fight against Methamphetamine are being won everyday:
- Treatment admissions for people reporting methamphetamine as the issue, in the Twin Cities have dropped considerably since the beginning of 2006.
- According to the 2007 MN Student Survey, fewer students are reporting ever having tried Methamphetamine.
- Clandestine Methamphetamine Lab seizures continue to drop (70-80%) due to the state law passed in 2005 putting pseudoephedrine behind the counter. For 2007, 1 meth lab was busted in Wright County.
- Mexico continues to produce and traffic the majority of the Methamphetamine that is in the United States
- Children are still being taken from homes where parents choose Meth (or other drugs) over what is best for their children.
- From law enforcement’s perspective, they see that still a large percentage of crimes are being committed with Methamphetamine being a common denominator.
For additional information on Methamphetamine, visit these websites;
Minnesota Methamphetamine Resource Center
www.dhs.state.mn.us/methresources
Minnesota Department of Health
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/meth
Frontline: The Meth Epidemic
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth
Meth Action Clearinghouse, National Association of Counties
Meth Action Clearinghouse, National Association of Counties
