METH TO DEATH

The Bayou Council On Alcoholism nd Drug Abuse wants you to be aware that
abuse of methamphetamine ("meth") is a growing problem in the U.S. In 1999,
there were 10,447 emergency room visits nationwide involving meth, as
reported to the Drug Abuse Warning Network By 2000, that figure had
increased by 29 percent, to 13,505 emergency room episodes.

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant closely related to amphetamine, but
with greater effect on the central nervous system. Meth's purest form is
odorless and colorless. But, the drug can be white, brown, purple, yellow,
pink, red, pale green, or have a chunky, crystal appearance. Method of
manufacture, and ingredients used, affect the appearance of the drug. Meth
can be smoked, inhaled or injected, and can be taken orally when pressed
into pill form.

Meth users tend to go on binges for days or weeks at a time. During the
binge, users keep taking the drug and don't eat or sleep. Profound weight
loss, and lack of personal hygiene characterizes chronic users. Meth
psychosis, or paranoid delusions, can occur during long binges. For
instance: The users may believe that the police are constantly watching
them, or imaginary people are following their every move. Meth users can
lose all track of time, and repeat useless activities, such as scrubbing
the same individual tile on a floor over and over again with a toothbrush,
or attempting to mow the lawn with scissors. Some users scratch or pick
open sores into their bodies while trying to remove imaginary "crank bugs."
These "crank bugs" are caused by nerve endings dying from meth use. At the
end of a binge, the user can't do anything to stop their discomfort, not
even taking more meth helps. Often, the user will turn to a depressant,
such as alcohol, for relief. After a binge, the user will crash for days,
often resulting in long periods asleep, intense cravings for more of the
drug, and possibly deep depression. Tolerance develops quickly, requiring
more of the drug to reach the same high.

Other effects of meth use include: loss of appetite, increased alertness,
physical energy boost, insomnia, paranoia, distorted audio and visual
perceptions, sweating, palpitations, tremors, increased heart rate, higher
blood pressure, convulsuions, agitation, and possible death due to heart
attack or stroke. Plus, meth use is often associated with tendencies to
violent behavior.

Meth causes release of high levels of dopamine, which stimulates brain
cells enhancing mood and body movement. It damages brain cells that contain
dopamine and serotonin. Over time, meth causes reduced levels of dopamine,
which results in several body movement dysfuction, similar to Parkinson's
Disease. And, some users suffer from lead poisoning caused by ingredients
in homemade meth.

Meth is manufactured in illegal, clandestine labs from chemicals that are
readily available. Labs can be set up quickly by amateur chemists and can
be taken down just as quickly after a batch is cooked. Consequences of
cooking meth are severe for the chemist and their surroundings. The vapors
released are toxic. The volitile chemicals can explode. And, the waste and
residue left over from the process are hazardous. For every pound of meth
created, there are five to six pounds of hazardous materials left over. The
makers often pour these chemicals down the drain, and/or bury them. This
damages the environment, and endangers anyone who comes in contact with the
contaminated area.

Law enforcement officials are exposed to toxic chemicals while raiding
labs. Cancer and other chronic health problems can be traced directly to
chemicals used in these labs. Cleanup of even a small lab can cost
thousands of dollars. Meth is a danger for users, makers, police, public
and the environment. For more information, call (985) 446-0643 in Thibodaux.