Pubdate: Fri, 31 Jan 2003
Source: Brewton Standard, The (AL)
Contact:  2002 Brewton Standard
Website: http://www.brewtonstandard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1694
Author: Robert Blankenship, Managing Editor

SOME HAVE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY

All drugs, be it those that are considered illegal or the others that we 
have permission to use such as alcohol and cigarettes, come their own 
dangers. Howevern, there is growing concern over the increasing trends of 
some of the most dangerous. Crystal methamphetamine and oxycotin have 
proven to be instant killers. The dramatic increase in the production and 
usage of these drugs are keeping law enforcement agencies across the 
country very busy. This is especially true in rural areas.

Crystal meth increases arousal in the central nervous system by pumping up 
levels of two neurotransmitters - norepinephrine and dopamine. At low 
doses, it boosts alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue. At higher doses, 
it causes exhilaration and euphoria. At very high doses, the drug can cause 
agitation, paranoia and bizarre behavior. Physical effects include 
increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

Throughout the past year, the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force and other local 
law enforcement agencies have posted numerous arrests on charges of crystal 
methamphetamine production. Just about anyone can set up a lab which is 
very disturbing. Unfortunately, those with the sense and knowledge to set 
up a highly volatile chemical lab in their own home are not the owns doing 
it. Instead, we have half-baked, ignorant drug abusers putting their own 
lives, and the lives of those around them, in danger. Let's face it, most 
of these folks probably barely finished high school, much less earned a 
degree in chemistry.

Producing the drug isn't even half of it. If they are lucky enough not to 
blow themselves up, then they have a highly-marketable drug that they can 
sale a lot of at a cheap price. Then some teenager who survived a night of 
getting drunk off a few beers or smoking some reefer with their friends 
feel they are ready to experience the next thrill. Next thing we know, the 
sheriff's office or police are called out to where he or she has overdosed.

Some feel that it is an exaggeration to say that a drug can kill you the 
first time. But, meth and oxycotin are proven killers. Whether it is your 
first time or your 100th time, the next time a person uses meth or oxycotin 
could be their last.

It seems that as much as we know about these drugs that people would stay 
away from them. But, there seems to be an overriding characteristic among 
those that abuse drugs. Besides stupidity, these people also seem to think 
they are invincible. Not only is there a feeling that they can't die, but 
they also seem to think that their minds will remain intact. They believe 
they can use drugs and drive. They believe they are stronger than the drugs 
they abuse which is very naive.

For many of these people, it seems they want to learn things the hard way.
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