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What is Meth and why is it such a problem?
"Meth" (aka speed, chalk, ice, crystal, crank, glass, and uppers) is a highly addictive stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. According to the World Health Organization, methamphetamine is second only to marijuana as the most widely abused illicit drug in the world, and it is the the most prevalent synthetic drug manufactured in the United States.
In addition to serious health concerns for meth users, this highly addictive drug is negatively impacting our community in many ways:
- Public Safety - law enforcement estimates that >85% of local burglaries are due to meth
- Higher Taxes - for law enforcement and treatment
- Parental Neglect/Impact on the Family - disrupted childhood development
- Public Health - meth labs are toxic and potentially explosive
- Environmental Damage - production of meth creates hazardous waste
- Clean-up costs - it costs thousands of dollars ($$$) to clean up meth labs in homes or hotel rooms
- Loss of Worker Productivity - at work or school
Users, particularly during the withdrawal, or "tweaking" phase, may experience acute psychosis and commit acts of extreme violence. Local law enforcement officials estimate that more than 85% of burglaries and petty thefts are due to meth. The District Attorney has stated that at least five murders can be tied to meth.
The manufacture of meth exposes humans, animals, and the environment to toxic and explosive chemicals. Because the production and use of meth may result in adults neglecting children in their care, the drug is increasingly a factor in many child protective service cases.
Even those who are not affected by meth use in their personal lives pay for the problems it causes. Although research is providing good evidence that those addicted to meth can regain their lives and function productively, treating them burdens the health care system. Other expenses include cleaning up environmental poisons resulting from meth production and jailing methamphetamine manufacturers and traffickers.
