Well, time to face it.. Meth has come to town.
Methamphetamine -- its slang terms include 'crystal,' 'crank,' 'glass,' 'ice,' 'speed' -- is a powerful, addictive synthetic stimulant that causes the brain to release a surge of dopamine, creating a high that lasts from six to 24 hours. Like cocaine, meth comes in two forms: powder or rock.
There are 1.4 million meth users in America, and the number is rising. Although meth has generally been associated with white, male, blue-collar workers in rural areas of the western United States, with meth's spread to the East Coast there's now more diversity among users. The National Association of Counties reports that users are both high school and college students and white and blue collar-workers as well as people in their 20s and 30s who are unemployed.
"Meth" is a highly addictive stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. Users, particularly during the withdrawal, or "tweaking" phase, may experience acute psychosis and commit acts of extreme violence. Meth creates an artificial pleasure sensation. It does this by mimicking the chemicals that, without drugs, would send pleasurable impulses to the brain. The problem with extended use of meth is that the brain can no longer tell the difference between artificial and natural pleasure signals.
Methamphetamine is so dangerous because it only takes one time to become addicted.
Meth use triggers a dopamine release that is about twelve times the normal level.
And the harsh reality is our kids, college students, neighbors and friends may be addicted !
It is here and we have to learn the signs…
The easiest outwardly visible sign of Methamphetamine use is rapid weight loss.
Another sign is that the user often becomes careless about their appearance and overall physical well being.
Obsessive, fidgety behavior.
A meth user often engages in constant, rambling conversation.
Dilated pupils and rapid, darting eyes.
Frequent sweating.
Money and valuables missing.
Other signs of use may be the objects that can be found associated with the use of Methamphetamine. Items such as burned aluminum foil or light bulbs that have been converted to smoking devices. Small Ziploc baggies and cut drinking straws are indicators for use. An overabundant supply of butane fuel or windproof butane lighters could be an indication of use.
To learn about the dangers to our neighborhoods…
