Pubdate: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO) Copyright: 2005 The Springfield News-Leader Contact: http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129 Author: Lisa Masters-Smith Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH DESTROYS FAMILIES, FUTURES I am a 34-year-old recovering addict who had a seven-year meth addiction. I am very aware of the meth problem around Springfield. I worry about the younger generation because they are our future. I've seen how they've cleaned up various parks that used to be the stomping grounds for drug gangs. The community needs to understand the gangs will take it to different areas of this town. I have been clean for almost two years now. I moved to Lebanon to clean up. I am back home now, clean, and just want to reach out to the younger generation. I started smoking pot when I was 13, and yes, it is true, it leads to bigger things (meth, cocaine, speedballs, etc.). I am also aware of the new rave drugs such as Ecstasy. Drugs lead to one of two things: death or prison. I have lost very good friends because of the meth epidemic: from suicide, strokes, heart attacks and permanent brain damage. I was one of the lucky ones. I hit rock bottom, packed my stuff and was gone overnight to save me. My friends were dying all around me. I am a mother of two beautiful young men who are now 12 and 15. Fortunately they learned through my mistakes. They are totally against drugs, thank god. When I was in a gang selling these drugs, my children had everything materialistic, but they didn't have mommy. I was too busy locked in my room. To all the parents out there (or anyone) who are users, look at your life and realize that isn't something you want in you or your children's lives, because one day you will hit rock bottom and sometimes rock bottom is death. I know I am just one person, but we all need to take a stand and get a grip on this outrageous life-threatening thing called meth. It destroys lives and families. Trust me, I know. My family and I are a lot closer, and I feel again. I am bipolar because of the way meth and the chemicals in meth reacted to my brain. I suffer some memory loss but I feel so much better. All I ask is look toward your future with a straight mind. Lisa Masters-Smith lives in Springfield and speaks to groups about drug addictions. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin