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