METHAMPHETAMINE HAS IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON USERS

Methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic drug that affects the body's
central nervous system.

The drug is illegally manufactured using ephedrine or pseudoephedrine
with a combination of other explosive and toxic chemicals that are
available over the counter. Meth is often produced in home labs that
are extremely volatile, according to the Midwest High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The organization also provided the following information:

The high from meth is caused by the brain firing more dopamine -- the
feel-good chemical that is critical to normal brain function. With
repeated use, meth kills dopamine cells, leading to a chemical change
in the brain. This lack of dopamine creates a cranky, violent person
even months after drug use stops.

Meth is usually off-white or yellowish in color, can be either a
powder or in crystal form and is readily soluble in water or alcohol.

It can be smoked, injected intravenously, snorted or ingested orally.
The drug's euphoric effects last eight to 24 hours, followed by a
severe crash that causes the abuser to sleep for up to three days straight.

Short-term use causes increased alertness, paranoia, hallucinations,
aggression, violent behavior, loss of appetite, acne or sores, and convulsions.

In the long term, meth abuse can result in fatal kidney and lung
disorders, brain damage, depression, additional violent behavior,
severe weight loss, tooth decay, decreased sociability, poor coping
skills, putrid body odor, open sores, heart attacks, strokes and even death.

The following can be signs that someone may be a meth user:

# Anxiety and nervousness.

# Incessant talking.

# Extreme moodiness and depression.

# Repetitious behavior.

# Sleep disturbance.

# Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities.

# Changes in friends and social behavior.

Anyone who wishes to help a meth addict, or any drug abuser, has
several options. If an emergency arises and the person's health or
safety is at risk, then 911 should be called. For more information on
the effects of meth and other drugs, how to approach a person who
needs help, how to find help and the steps to take for an
intervention, visit www.drugfree.org.

Additional information is also available through the national Meth
Helpline at (800) 480-5965.

Grand Island police Sgt. Clyde Church, who is with the Tri-Cities
Drug Task Force, said meth is still the most common illegal drug
found in the city. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, he said.

"It has no boundaries," he said. "It goes wherever."

Church said it can be tough to get a user help, even with the
programs available in Grand Island. St. Francis Medical Center has
both inpatient and outpatient treatment for drug addiction, he said.

"These people are users until they want help," he said. "It's like
that old adage: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him
drink. Well, you can check a user in (to treatment), but you can't
make them get help."