Pubdate: Wed, 11 Dec 2002
Source: Bradley News Weekly, The (TN)
Copyright: 2002 The Bradley County News, Inc
Contact:  http://www.bradleyweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1504

CITY COPS WORK TO BUST METH LABS

The abuse of the drug methamphetamine is on the rise in the United States. 
Methamphetamine, or sometimes called "speed," "meth," "chalk," "ice," 
"crystal," "crank," or "glass," is a powerful addictive stimulant that 
affects the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, biter-tasting 
powder that dissolves in water or alcohol. Unlike cocaine and marijuana, 
meth is a man-made drug, but as Mr. Mackey on South Park says, "All Drugs 
are bad, um kay."

The popularity of meth comes from the fact that it is easily made at a very 
low cost. Certain household chemicals such as, brake cleaner, starter 
fluid, and paint thinner are just a few of the main ingredients. "The 
process creates airborne red phosphorous and iodine, which is a killer," 
says DEA Special Agent, Jim Molesa.

The drug comes in several forms and can be smoked, injected, or orally 
ingested. After taking meth, the user experiences an intense, pleasurable 
rush that lasts only a few minutes.

Meth has many short and long term effects on a person. After a few times 
using the drug the body can experience loss of appetite, increased 
respiration, and hypothermia. The long term effects of meth are paranoia, 
mood disturbances, weight loss, strokes, or even death.

Aside from the short and long term effects, methamphetamines can cause 
horrible and expensive medical problems. Chronic abuse can lead to the 
inflammation of the heart lining.

Among all drug abuse deaths in the United States in the years between 
1999-2002, meth ranked sixth. Caucasians led the death rate with a 37 to 
one mark over all other races.

While there are no physical manifestations of withdrawal when a person 
stops using meth, the physiological effects range from depression to 
paranoia. The come down from a meth high is very mentally challenging to 
many addicts.

Nationwide the use of meth has gone from 15,000 in 1998 to well over 60,000 
abusers. In 2001, 9.6 million Americans admitted to trying the drug at 
least once. (The average age of most meth users is between 18-25.)

Methamphetamine abuse is the highest on the West Coast, but is on the rise 
in the Southeast and is becoming more popular in rural areas.

"We have a termendous amount of resources fighting the methamphetamine 
traffic in our community," said Bradley County Sheriff Dan Gilley. "I know 
our people have a resolve to continue aggressive investigative techniques 
as we struggle to keep a lid on this problem."

Taking meth is a lot like drinking Drano. And even children know better 
than to do that.
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MAP posted-by: Alex