Pubdate: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 Source: Red & Green (ND Edu) Copyright: 2003 Red & Green Contact: http://www.misu.nodak.edu/redgreen/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2774 Author: Stephanie Hamley METH AWARENESS TODAY The Rural Crime and Justice Center (RCJC) and the Student Association are sponsoring a Meth Awareness Day today. A presentation will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the MSU Conference Center in the Student Union. The RCJC will provide free CD holders and water bottles with a meth-awareness logo while supplies last. The day was organized because more and more methamphetamine labs have been appearing throughout North Dakota. There were over 250 labs confiscated just this year. Methamphetamine is an illegal drug currently being used for recreational purposes. The drug is roughly made up of battery acid, drain cleaner, antifreeze, paint thinner, starter fluid, ephedrine, anhydrous ammonia and a high concentrate of a drug found in most cough syrups. Labs are becoming popular for two reasons. One is because meth is cheap and relatively easy to produce, since household items are used to make and cook the drug. The second reason is the addictive quality of the drug. Even first-time users can be caught in the vicious "binge and crash" cycle. As soon as the pleasurable effects, due to increased dopamine levels, wear off, the user takes more and goes on a binge for days. Meth can be taken by inhalation, snorting, injection or eating. The average high lasts about 12 hours. A meth high consists of intense euphoric feelings, but the feeling wears off soon, and a confused state of jittery anticipation follows. The side-effects of meth include dizziness, acne, depression, suicidal thoughts, twitches, blurred vision, hallucinations (auditory and visual), severe weight loss, seizures, brain damage and death. People as young as 12 have been known to use the drug. The average meth "cook" ranges in age from the late 20s to the early 40s. Law enforcement agencies warn citizens to watch out for signs of meth labs, such as late-night visitors who stay for short periods of time, excessive garbage and strong chemical smells, such as ammonia. Meth users are a danger to society and themselves because of their hazardous wastes and violent acts. Each pound of meth produces five to six pounds of toxic waste. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth