STOP METH'S DESTRUCTION

The reason crystal meth absolutely must be stopped is because it will
completely destroy the lives of its users and dramatically change the
fabric of your community. Crystal meth distributors are destroying the
lives of their victims; the deadly chemical completely damages the
body and the mind.

It also has a devastating effect on society, addicts are experiencing
severe health problems, psychological problems and mental illnesses.

There is an increase in property crimes as users fall deeper into
their addiction, families are watching in horror as this vile and
disgusting chemical destroys their children and tears their family
apart.

Most drugs don't affect a user's body the way crystal meth
does.

Meth literally changes the way the brain functions by significantly
damaging the brains ability to produce dopamine. As much as fifty
percent of the dopamine producing cells can be permanently damaged to
the point where the person can no longer function without crystal meth.

The long-term damage is cause for great concern as well because long
after someone has stopped using meth they can still be prone to wild
mood swings, violent outbursts and suicidal depression. Many meth
addicts end their own lives because they are so depressed and appear
to be in such a hopeless situation that suicide seems to be the only
way out for them.

In the crazy world of meth addicts there are no rules and there are no
boundaries; there is nothing they won't do to secure their next fix.
Shoplifting, break and entries, car theft, prostitution and a host of
other crimes can cause serious problems for the community. Some
communities that are plagued by meth addiction are reeling from the
amount of criminal activity that is taking place every day.

Many young people are introduced to meth between the ages of 12 to 15
and most of the young addicts I've spoken to state they were
introduced to it in grades eight and nine. I have had many young
addicts tell me they were offered it at parties where it was being
passed off as ecstasy and cocaine.

In Massett an adult was offering the youth the first hit for free,
knowing there was the distinct likelihood they would become seriously
addicted to meth.

How do we as a society stop meth from destroying our children and our
community? Keep an eye on your children and your neighborhood; learn
the telltale signs that your child or someone you know is using
crystal meth.

The following is a list of symptoms that parents can watch for which
could indicate that their children are using crystal meth. Please
remember that if you see these symptoms it does not necessarily mean
that your child is using crystal meth.

It simply indicates that there is a strong possibility. Look for:
increased heart rate, blood pressure and respiration, flushed or tense
appearance, dilated pupils, excessive sweating, rapid speech,
inability to sleep or eat, severe weight loss, rotting teeth,
unsightly scabs and open sores, paranoia, hallucinations (often times
auditory), repetitive behavior, memory loss, depression, psychosis,
teeth grinding, restlessness, tremors, a strong chemical odor on their
breath or body.

Meth cooks and dealers don't care about you or your children, they
only care about money. There are no meth cooks or pushers on my street
because we as a neighborhood simply will not allow it to happen.

We exercise our rights as adults in a caring society; we watch over
all the kids that live here, the young ones and the older ones, we
treat them all as if they were our own. We provide them with a safe
and caring environment and we share our knowledge with them about
crystal meth and other dangerous drugs so they can make wiser
decisions for themselves.

Article by Lee Mason. Lee is an addictions recovery specialist and
founder of the young warriors network. To contact Lee for crystal meth
updates and additional information please visit www.youngwarriors.net

Information from last week's article on crystal meth was taken from
Mr. Mason's meth workshop materials. The Gazette apologizes for
neglecting to credit his work.