Eric Stoker still grinds his teeth. After 10 years of heavy crystal meth use, the 28-year-old North Louisiana native has V-shaped teeth from the constant grinding. It is just one of the many lingering effects Stoker said he feels as he recovers from his addiction at Teen Challenge in New Orleans. Like most people who become addicted to crystal meth, Stoker started the drug innocently enough. His first time was at age 18. After a night of hard drinking, Stoker knew he wouldn't be able to get to work in the morning, so he did some meth to help him stay awake. [continues 725 words]
Officials Warn Of Continued Spread Of Deadly Drug Although phenomenon mostly in the Midwest and along the Pacific West Coast, crystal meth also is a growing problem in the South, where home-made labs are springing up in rural communities everywhere. So far, however, local officials say the drug has not taken root much in South Louisiana but state police say it's prevalence in North Louisiana means it could be here before too long. "Meth is being seen more so in North Louisiana. This is where we are having more problems, but it is trickling down south," said state police Narcotics Sgt. Harold Jean Batiste. "Two weeks ago, we had a traffic stop of crystal meth going from Texas to Mississippi, then Florida. Recently, we haven't had any events, not saying it's not happening, but just that we haven't come across it yet. Normally, we get tips from cooperating individuals and through investigating other drug crimes, or we find out that someone is setting up a lab." [continues 742 words]
