I recently heard horrible news that I wanted to share. An old dear friend of mine passed away from an overdose of methamphetamines (crystal meth). She was only 32 years old with a long history of drug abuse that consumed her lifestyle.
Crystal meth is a Schedule 1 drug since it is highly addictive. Methamphetamine affects the brain and can create feelings of pleasure, increase energy and elevate mood. Abusers may become addicted quickly, needing higher doses more often. Adverse health effects include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and a variety of psychological problems. Long-term effects may include severe mental disorders, memory loss and severe dental problems.
It is certainly important to notice the warning signs if you think someone you know may be using, please click here to see the warning signs of crystal meth use provided by drugfree.org http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/MethResources/is_my_child.html.
Crystal meth use is also very common in rural settings and is also called the ‘soccer mom’s drug’. Here is a link to commonly asked questions regarding crystal meth use that is pretty interesting to read http://www.raconline.org/info_guides/meth/methfaq.php.
One of the main indicators is horrible face lesions that could certainly be misconstrued as severe acne but should not be ignored. See the faces of meth use here http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/MethResources/faces/index.html.
If you know of anyone who has a problem with drugs or alcohol, here is a list of hotlines. Let’s help before it is too late.
Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse
Sends out information on drug abuse and publications on national drug policies.
Voice: 1-800-666-3332
Website: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
Verified: 10/14/2008
National PRIDE Youth Programs
Trains youth volunteers on how to conduct drug prevention education.
Voice: 1-800-668-9277
Website: http://www.prideyouthprograms.org
E-mail: info@prideyouthprograms.org
Verified: 10/14/2008
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Advocates for children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies. Helps children hurt by parental alcohol and drug abuse. Newsletter, advocacy, policy making, literature, videos and educational materials.
Voice: 1-888-554-2627
Website: http:www.nacoa.org
E-mail: nacoa@nacoa.org
Verified: 10/17/2008
National Inhalant Prevention Center
Provides information and referrals to persons concerned about inhalants. Literature, training, quarterly newsletter, technical assistance, conducts national inhalant and poisons awareness week.
Voice: 1-800-269-4237
Website: http://www.inhalants.org
E-mail: nipc@io.com
Verified: 10/14/2008
Addiction and the Family
Provides general information on drug abuse and treatment. Brochures and referrals to crisis counseling. Publications. Affiliated with Phoenix House.
Voice: 1-800-488-3784
Verified: 10/14/2008
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Information on alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. Information on prevention, referrals to treatment centers, research, groups, drugs in the work place, community programs, AIDS, addiction and drug abuse.
Voice: 1-800-729-6686
TDD: 1-800-487-4889
Website: http://www.ncadi-samhsa.gov
E-mail: ncadi-info@samhsa.hhs.gov
Verified: 10/14/2008
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Provides information on counseling and treatment services for alcohol or drug abuse. Prevention and education programs. Newsletter.
Voice: 1-800-622-2255
Website: http://www.ncadd.org
E-mail: national@ncadd.org
Verified: 10/14/2008
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Add a Comment1 Comments
Loca
I'm very sorry about the loss of this woman.
Meth really is the scourge of so many communities, particularly rural ones, like you said.
What is also so terrible is that so many are affected. Meth is easy and cheap to make, yet very dangerous to cook up. Any kitchen can be turned into a meth lab and everytime we see meth labs being taken apart by authorities, we often see children's toys, bottles, stuffed animals and other effects. These children are not only exposed to the ingredients and burners used to make meth, but also do the fumes and gasses.
Not only that, but when a meth lab explodes (and they often do), they are usually deadly to anyone in the building.
Addiction aside, having kids in these homes is such an ultimate abuse. There is absolutely no excuse for it. I don't think a life sentence is enough for meth manufacturer's who do this to children. They are undeserving to be parents.
Everyone knows that meth is highly addictive so why they take it in the first place is a head-scratcher. I know so many are addicted to something else before they take it, but why take that first puff, knowing it will ruin you?
Law enforcement officers and specialists used to clean up these death traps have also been killed by the labs - they cause disease and conditions directly linked to methamphetamine and there are several documented cases of these people dying as a result of trying to get rid of these labs. There is always the risk of these labs blowing up as they clear them out. It's a highly dangerous job. Even when these places have been cleaned out, some have to be condemned due to the permanent danger left. Now imagine raising children in these places.
Anyway you look at it, it's a devil of a drug.
I've seen the "Faces of Meth" website before and it's unbelievable to see how quickly meth destroys the body. And if often takes just a couple of hits to become addicted.
Thank you for this share and for all the great resources you listed and again, condolences on your friend's death.
May 2, 2009 - 11:10amThis Comment