SOME HAVE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY

All drugs, be it those that are considered illegal or the others that we
have permission to use such as alcohol and cigarettes, come their own
dangers. Howevern, there is growing concern over the increasing trends of
some of the most dangerous. Crystal methamphetamine and oxycotin have
proven to be instant killers. The dramatic increase in the production and
usage of these drugs are keeping law enforcement agencies across the
country very busy. This is especially true in rural areas.

Crystal meth increases arousal in the central nervous system by pumping up
levels of two neurotransmitters - norepinephrine and dopamine. At low
doses, it boosts alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue. At higher doses,
it causes exhilaration and euphoria. At very high doses, the drug can cause
agitation, paranoia and bizarre behavior. Physical effects include
increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

Throughout the past year, the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force and other local
law enforcement agencies have posted numerous arrests on charges of crystal
methamphetamine production. Just about anyone can set up a lab which is
very disturbing. Unfortunately, those with the sense and knowledge to set
up a highly volatile chemical lab in their own home are not the owns doing
it. Instead, we have half-baked, ignorant drug abusers putting their own
lives, and the lives of those around them, in danger. Let's face it, most
of these folks probably barely finished high school, much less earned a
degree in chemistry.

Producing the drug isn't even half of it. If they are lucky enough not to
blow themselves up, then they have a highly-marketable drug that they can
sale a lot of at a cheap price. Then some teenager who survived a night of
getting drunk off a few beers or smoking some reefer with their friends
feel they are ready to experience the next thrill. Next thing we know, the
sheriff's office or police are called out to where he or she has overdosed.

Some feel that it is an exaggeration to say that a drug can kill you the
first time. But, meth and oxycotin are proven killers. Whether it is your
first time or your 100th time, the next time a person uses meth or oxycotin
could be their last.

It seems that as much as we know about these drugs that people would stay
away from them. But, there seems to be an overriding characteristic among
those that abuse drugs. Besides stupidity, these people also seem to think
they are invincible. Not only is there a feeling that they can't die, but
they also seem to think that their minds will remain intact. They believe
they can use drugs and drive. They believe they are stronger than the drugs
they abuse which is very naive.

For many of these people, it seems they want to learn things the hard way.