Not in my neighborhood: The Facts of Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine, is it just a trend or an epidemic? Unfortunately, statistics show that meth isn’t just a passing trend. The average age of new users is 18.4 years and meth lab seizures have gone up 577% nationally since 1995.

Dangers Associated with Meth Use

Meth is inexpensive and relatively easy to make using household products. Labs can be easily set up in barns, houses and even in cars. 

Meth is highly addictive. Often people become physically and psychologically dependent after just one use.

Meth produces a high similar to that of cocaine, but while cocaine’s high lasts up to one hour, meth’s can last up to 24 hours.

Users are predisposed to becoming violent as a result of the aggression that meth can cause. This violence can spiral and lead to domestic and child abuse. Users may have homicidal or suicidal thoughts while using the drug. Health: Meth is especially damaging to a user’s brain because the drug remains in the system for such a long period of time. Damage to brain cells increases the risk of stroke, epilepsy and memory loss.   

Who’s at Risk?

Meth has no boundaries, however, women and children are at a higher risk. Women are attracted to the drug because it suppresses their appetite, making it easier to lose weight. It also increases their energy level so that they can care for their children and work long hours. Young people are often introduced to meth at raves (all-night parties) or by observing their parents.  The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reports that children are present in more than 20% of seized meth labs.   

Facts

Speed, meth, crystal, ice, crank, jib, poor man’s cocaine

Often distributed as a capsule, powder, or in chunks resembling pieces of ice.

Inability to sleep, sensitivity to noise, nervous physical activity, scratching, irritability, dizziness, confusion, extreme anorexia, tremors /convulsions increased heart rate and blood pressure 

What to Do?

Please get help before meth destroys your family or your life. 

To schedule your confidential appointment, call (402) 354-8000 or (800) 801-4182, or send an email.

Source: www.heatlh.org