Pubdate: Thu, 26 Dec 2002
Source: Fayetteville Observer-Times (NC)
Copyright: 2002 Fayetteville Observer-Times
Contact:  http://www.fayettevillenc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/150
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRANK UP EDUCATION

New Drug Menace Speeds Our Way

'Crank," "crystal meth" - whatever methamphetamine is called - is one of 
the most widely abused illegal narcotics in the United States today. And 
around here, it's about to get worse.

Law enforcement officers in Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and Sampson counties 
are noticing its increased presence. A Drug Enforcement Administration 
agent said that in just one year, the number of labs discovered went from 
10 to 30.

The drug can be manufactured in "mom and pop" operations inside garages. 
Sadly, some of these labs are discovered only when amateur "meth cookers" 
make a mistake, injuring or killing themselves and their children in 
explosions and fires.

Methamphetamine is, unfortunately, taking hold in the working class. It is 
the "drug of choice" for wage earners, for example, trying to stay awake 
over two factory shifts to earn overtime.

Complicating prevention efforts is that working adults who use this drug 
don't view themselves as drug abusers. They think of themselves as working 
folks doing what it takes to get by.

More energy. Decreased appetite. They look good, feel good, and do more. 
But the attractions don't last for long. Methamphetamine takes hold of mind 
and body. The ability to make sound judgements, if not physical health, 
often deteriorates.

Drug use begins to take more from the bank account than the overtime 
originally put into a paycheck - which pushes many users into making and 
selling the stuff.

The efforts must carry on into the work place. Drug counseling and 
rehabilitation must be a part of the package. Churches need to get involved 
in trying to reverse a culture that, while it doesn't condone "meth," pays 
little attention to one of the most-abused drugs in America.

The argument that "at least these people are working and paying taxes" 
underestimates the damage done.

The social tolls from "meth" users include erratic behavior, the inability 
to control rage, domestic violence, child abuse and eventually, the 
inability to hold onto a job.

The trend of increased methamphetamine use appears to be heading our way. 
If it continues, then more of our middle-class families will self-destruct.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager