Pubdate: Thu, 31 Mar 2005
Source: Ledger-Enquirer (GA)
Copyright: 2005 Ledger-Enquirer
Contact:  http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/enquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/237
Author: Harry Franklin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

A CLOSER LOOK AT METHAMPHETAMINE

What is methamphetamine?  A very addictive stimulant that dramatically
affects many areas of the central nervous system.

It can easily be made in home laboratories from inexpensive over-the-counter
ingredients and is often available at a relatively low cost from other users
and distributors. It is often referred to as "speed," "meth," "go-fast,"
"zip," "cristy" and "chalk," and can be smoked, orally ingested, snorted or
injected in its different forms.

The smoked form is often called "ice," "crystal," "crank" or "glass." In its
crystalline powder form, it is odorless, white and bitter tasting, and can
easily be dissolved in water or alcohol.

It has been referred to as the poor man's cocaine.

Who is using it?  Though traditionally associated with white, male,
blue-collar workers, it is now reportedly being used by diverse groups
throughout the United States, including more teenagers.

Use is increasing among gay men who also use other drugs, making this
population more vulnerable to contracting and spreading sexually transmitted
diseases, especially HIV/AIDS. Young adults who attend "raves" or private
clubs also are increasing use. Notable increases are reported among homeless
and runaway youth, motorcycle gang members, long-haul truckers and among
male and female commercial sex workers who also trade sex for drugs.

How big a problem is meth in Georgia and Alabama?  State and local area
officials say meth is either the No. 1 illegal drug problem in their
jurisdiction or "neck and neck" with "crack" cocaine.

Where is meth manufactured and distributed?  Methamphetamine is produced
both domestically, in smaller quantities in home labs or in super-labs
concentrated on the West coast, and imported into the U.S. in processed
form. Mexico is a major source, with large quantities reportedly coming in
through Brownsville, Texas. Atlanta is a major destination and distribution
point for imported meth in the Southeast. Most of the home producers in this
region usually make small quantities for themselves, their families and
friends.

The first meth super-lab was busted in Georgia Feb. 9 in Smyrna. Three
immigrants from Mexico were arrested by the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration.

What ingredients are used to make meth?  Over-the-counter cold and asthma
medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, red phosphorus,
hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel and
antifreeze are among the most commonly used ingredients.

What are the health risks?  In all forms, the drug stimulates the central
nervous system, with effects lasting from four to 24 hours.

It can not only modify behavior in an acute state, but after taking the drug
for a long time, it literally changes the brain in fundamental and
long-lasting ways. It kills by causing heart failure, brain damage, stroke
and kidney failure, and induces extreme, acute psychiatric and psychological
symptoms that can lead to violent behavior including murder or suicide.

Symptoms of prolonged use can resemble those of schizophrenia and are
characterized by anger, panic, auditory and visual hallucinations,
repetitive behavior patterns and delusions of parasites or insects on the
skin. Extended use has resulted in teeth crumbling.

What are the short-term effects?  Even small amounts can produce euphoria,
increase alertness, paranoia, decrease appetite and increase physical
activity.

Users say it also stimulates sexual pleasure, but long-term use can destroy
sexual desire.

Cardiovascular side effects may include chest pain and hypertension which
can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.

It also causes accelerated heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and
convulsions.

What are the signs to look for in a meth user?

They include pupil dilation, respiratory disorders, dizziness, grinding of
teeth, impaired speech, loss of appetite, acne, sores, sweating,
anxiousness, incessant talking, extreme moodiness and irritability, sleep
disturbances, false sense of confidence and power, severe depression, anger,
violent behavior, jerky or flailing movements.

Is it an addictive drug?  Meth abusers have been described by some treatment
providers as "the hardest to treat" of all drug users.

They do experience meth withdrawal. Meth addicts get over the acute effects
of withdrawal fairly quickly.

However, the "wall" period lasts 6-8 months for casual users and two or
three years for regular users.

Some people never recover and remain dissatisfied with life due to permanent
brain damage.

The "wall" period is a time of prolonged abstinence during which the brain
recovers from changes involving meth use. Willpower alone will not cure meth
addicts.

What signs might indicate someone in the neighborhood is producing meth?
Unusual strong odors similar to that of fingernail polish remover or cat
urine; large amounts of products such as cold medicines, antifreeze, drain
cleaner, lantern fuel, coffee filters, batteries, duct tape, clear glass
beakers and containers.

What are the federal penalties for methamphetamine trafficking?  Ten grams
of pure meth -- five years in prison; 100 grams of pure meth -- 10 years in
prison.

What are the most serious environmental consequences of meth labs? Each
pound of meth produced leaves behind five or six pounds of toxic waste. Meth
cooks often pour leftover chemicals and by-product sludge down drains in
nearby plumbing, storm drains or directly onto the ground. It will seep into
water supplies.

Toxic by-products also can persist in the soils and groundwater for years.

Cleanup costs are exorbitant because solvent-contaminated soil usually is
incinerated.

How much does meth usually cost on the street?  Costs vary by region and
depend on the purity and cost of production, particularly if it is locally
manufactured. But the approximate price is $25 per one-fourth gram; $100 per
gram; and $1,700 per ounce.

Pure meth is often mixed to increase the amount available for sale. Compiled
by staff writer Harry Franklin. Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse,
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Koch Crime Institute's The Anti-Meth
Site and local law enforcement agencies
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MAP posted-by: Josh