DRUG HAS BECOME AN UNRECOGNIZED NATIONAL TRAGEDY

Methamphetamine, known by street names such as "meth," "speed," "chalk,"
"crystal," "crank," "fire" and "glass," is a highly addictive central
nervous system stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked or ingested
orally. The user feels a short yet intense "rush" when the drug is first
taken. The effects are increased activity, decreased appetite and a sense
of well-being that can last from 20 minutes to 12 hours.

In the words of one user, "You feel like you can do anything and everything
- -- like you're on top of the world."

Since methamphemine is a highly addictive drug, the user has to have more
and more of it to achieve that "top of the world" feeling. All too soon
more and more is needed to just achieve baseline.

As one recovering person explained, "I didn't have the energy I was born
with and had to have more to just try to feel normal.

"I started 'cooking' and selling. At that point, cooking, selling and using
became my way of life," she said. "I had no other life. I looked like a
skeleton, had sunken eyes, decayed teeth, and hair and nails that did not
grow."

With this level of tolerance and addiction, there is an intense craving
that cannot be satisfied. Chronic use can cause violent behavior, anxiety,
insomnia, irritability, paranoia and weight loss. It can also cause cardiac
damage and brain damage similar to the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease
- -- memory loss, decreased ability to learn and impaired judgment.

Due to the ease of manufacturing methamphetamine, it has become the most
prevalent synthetic drug manufactured in the United States. According to
the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Oklahoma ranks fourth in
methamphetamine production in the nation. Ten years ago, in 1994, there
were only 10 meth labs in the entire state.

However, in 2003, there were 1,235 labs statewide. This represents a 1,200
percent increase. Many of the labs seized have children inside the homes.
One in three of these children test positive for the drug since, during the
process of "cooking" methamphetamine, the chemicals become airborne and can
contaminate the entire house. The chemicals, which are unstable, can cause
explosions and death.

The pain and suffering caused by methamphetamine is devastating and beyond
measure. Also devastating and measurable is the financial toll. To hire a
company to come in and clean up a lab costs $3,500. Last year, Oklahoma
spent $4.9 million just in physical "cleanup."

When then mayor of New York City Rudy Gulliani was asked about the extent
of the loss of life from 9/11, he replied, "It will, no doubt, be more than
we can bare."

Drug addiction is an on-going national tragedy that continues to destroy lives.

Addiction grows in dark places of secrets, silence and denial. Recovery is
possible. Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous for addicts and
Alanon/Narcanon for family and friends of addicts are available.
Professional help is also available.

MaryLee Harrison is a licensed professional counselor, certified alcohol
and drug counselor, and out-patient therapist at Green Country Behavioral
Health Services Inc.

Sidebar Info

The National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information has a catalog
containing literature, posters, videos and other items for the public. You
can reach them at (800) 729-6686 or on their Web site at www.health.org/

Drug counseling?

The best place to start would be the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Services. The telephone number is (405) 522-3866 or
check out their Web site at www.state.ok.us/~dmhsas/.

Locally, you can call Green Country Behavioral Health Services' 24-hour
crisis line at 682-8407.

Source: Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs