What is Meth?

 

Pure methamphetamine, a colorless crystalline solid or a paste, is sold on the streets as crystal, crystal meth, glass, ice, Tina, jib, white cross or g. It is also sold as less pure crystalline powder called crank or speed, or in rock formation termed dope, raw or tweak

Meth-users often become agitated and feel "wired." Their behavior is unpredictable. They can be friendly and calm one moment, and then suddenly become angry and terrified. Some have the urge to repeat meaningless tasks, such as taking apart and reassembling bits of machinery. Others will pick at imaginary bugs on their skin.

Meth doesn't only affect the users: it effects family, neighbors and those that effected by the crime that arises from meth use.

Meth labs regularly blow up in ordinary neighborhoods, damaging ordinary people who may not even know what meth is.

You don't necessarily have to be involved with meth to feel its effects.

 

Some of the symptoms of methamphetamine use are:

  • Compulsive fascination with useless repetitive tasks (punding)
  • Increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
  • Fast breathing
  • Tooth decay
  • Dilated pupils
  • Tremors
  • Sleeplessness
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Skin ulceration and infection
  • Paranoia
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • For pregnant women - premature labor detachment of the placenta, and low birth weight babies with possible neurological damage.
  • For intravenous (IV) users -AIDS, hepatitis infections and sores at the injection site, and' infection of the heart lining and valves.
  • Erectyle dysfunction
  • Long-term cognitive impairment (= Deficiency in ability to think, perceive, reason or remember)
  • Damage to the immune system
  • Persistent anhedonia with chronic use (= Failure to enjoy positive emotional experiences)
  • Death

Is methamphetamine cooking in your neighborhood?

Signs of a meth lab
(any single activity may or may not be sole proof that drug dealing or methamphetamine manufacturing is occurring. However, a combination of the following may be reason of concern)(1)

  • frequent visitors at all times of the day or night
  • activity at the hosue is usually at odd hours or late at night
  • occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money and pay bills with cash
  • occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive about activities
  • occupants watch cars suspiciously when they pass by
  • occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior
  • extensive security at the home or signs that indicate "private property" or "beware of dog", fences, large shrubs, bushes and trees
  • windows blackened or curtains always drawn
  • occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes
  • chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached buildings
  • garbage contains numerous bottles, containers, and materials such as the pictures shown below
  • coffee filters, bed sheets or other material stained from filtering red phosphorus or other chemicals
  • occupant sets his garbage for pick up in another neighbor's collection area
  • evidence of chemical or waste dumping (i.e. burn pits, or "dead spots" in the yard)

Click on image for larger view

 

Children

  • Children who live at homes where laboratories are present often inhale dangerous chemical fumes or gases or ingest toxic chemicals or illicit drugs. Exposure to these substances can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and skin.

 

  • Children engage in behavior that can lead to increased incidents of exposure such as placing their hands and objects in their mouths and playing on floors, tabletops, and countertops or outdoors in the dirt. Methamphetamine is made with common household items including kitchen utensils, dishes, appliances, sheets, etc. These items, as well as the food or beverages that are prepared with them, may become contaminated. Toxic chemicals also frequently are discarded outdoors near areas where children play.

 

photo: This toddler was rescued during a raid on a meth lab and was found covered in battery grease from playing with an old car battery. Both inside and outdoors, laboratory paraphernalia and chemicals were found within the child's easy access. Outside, she and her brother, both barefoot, played among more hazards. The toddler tested positive for meth.(2)
  • Children whose parents or guardians produce or abuse methamphetamine also are likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems stemming from abuse or neglect. In addition, inhaling or ingesting toxic substances such as those present at methamphetamine laboratories may cause cancer or death.

 

Sources:

(1)Publishers Group. Methamphetamine Labs - Neighborhood Resource Guide. 2003 (2)http://207.32.116.97/justthinktwice/costs/DrugEndageredChildren.cfm

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