Meth is not a myth

Methamphetamine, or "meth," as it commonly is called, is a highly addictive brain stimulant. Nationwide, over the past five years we've witnessed a dramatic increase in addictions to this deadly, illegal drug.

Because methamphetamine easily is produced in rural clandestine laboratories using extracted ephedrine and other easily-obtained chemicals, there has been a significant rise in its manufacture in this geographic area. In response, local pharmacies are eliminating easy access to all over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine.

Methamphetamine is versatile. It can be produced as a powder, paste or crystal, and may be injected, snorted, smoked or taken orally. Meth produces a terrific "high" that is extremely addictive. The drug eventually causes dramatic health and social consequences for the user.

National statistics raise serious concerns, and many feel we are experiencing an epidemic. Last year, more than 9,000 labs were reported in rural areas, and in 2004, more than 12 million people reported they had used meth at least once, a 25-percent increase since 1996.

Not only is the use of methamphetamine itself dangerous, but its production poses great risks to neighborhood children. Young people living in areas of meth production often are exposed to the drug and its toxic byproducts. Sadly, more than 80 percent of children in meth-producing homes tested positive for the drug.

Methamphetamine causes serious mental aberrations, including confusion, hallucinations, memory loss, insomnia, violent behavior, paranoia, panic reactions, depression and psychosis. Users also experience significant physical deterioration, such as skin lesions, burned lips and intractable sinus infections. These visible reminders, however, do not reveal the hidden effects: damage to virtually every organ in the body.

Treatment for the methamphetamine addict poses unique problems because of the impact on brain chemistry from long-term use. Once meth has been withdrawn from the addicted individual, he or she experiences intense cravings while the brain struggles for months to return to normal functioning. This means the addict will experience an extended period of not feeling well, and will suffer from depression and anxiety. Recovery often is slow, so treatment for methamphetamine addicts must be intense and prolonged. And that is expensive.

Methamphetamine addiction is creating serious challenges for the community. Child protective service agencies are struggling with the increase in child neglect; emergency rooms are laboring with the multiple health problems associated with addiction; and law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed by meth production and the violence resulting from its use.

But as with any drug addiction, there is hope for recovery and a return to sanity. The solution always begins with our willingness to acknowledge the problem and rally community resources.

For additional information, please contact Ed Hughes at The Counseling Center Inc., 1634 11th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662, or e-mail ehughes@thecounselingcenter.org. I welcome your comments here too.