|
|
| Drug
Prevention: Meth |
 METHAMPHETAMINE
Is "Meth" cooking in your neighborhood?
Methamphetamine, CSA Schedule II, is a potent central
nervous system stimulant. Meth is smoked, snorted, injected,
or administered orally. Users refer to meth as "crank,"
"speed," "crystal," and "ice."
Signs of meth use include dilated pupils, sweating, dry mouth,
flushed skin and tremors. Methamphetamine users may also exhibit
aggressive and psychotic behavior, irritability, anxiety, paranoia,
and auditory hallucinations. There are also limitless long-term
effects attributed to methamphetamine use including cardiac
and neurological damage.
Typically, meth is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder
that easily dissolves in water. Another common form of the drug
is called crystal meth, or "ice," named for its appearance
(that of clear, large chunky crystals resembling rock candy).
Crystal meth is smoked in a manner similar to crack cocaine
and about 10 to 15 "hits" can be obtained from a single
gram of the substance. Users have referred to smoking ice as
a "cool" smoke, while the smoking of crack is a "hot"
smoke. The euphoric effect of smoking ice lasts longer than
that of smoking crack.
Methamphetamine use increases the heart rate, blood pressure,
body temperature, and rate of breathing, and it frequently results
in violent behavior in users. Meth also produces temporary hyperactivity,
euphoria, and a sense of increased energy. Withdrawal from high
doses produces severe depression.
Chronic abuse produces a psychosis similar to schizophrenia
and is characterized by paranoia, picking at the skin, self
absorption, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent
and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic, high-dose
methamphetamine abusers. The most dangerous stage of the binge
cycle is known as "tweaking." Typically, during this
stage, the abuser has not slept in three to fifteen days and
is irritable and paranoid. The tweaker has an intense craving
for more meth; however, no dosage will help recreate the euphoric
high. This causes frustration and leads to unpredictability
and a potential for violence.
Why should I be concerned?
 Meth
users aren't the only people poisoned by this drug. Meth manufacturing
is extremely dangerous and involves many common household chemical
products. These chemicals, and the array of their combinations,
are potentially lethal and toxic. When mixed, the household
chemicals used in the manufacturing process can damage the central
nervous system, liver and kidneys and burn or irritate the skin,
eyes, nose and throat. The chemicals and fumes that permeate
the walls, carpets, plaster and wood in meth labs, as well as
the surrounding soil, are known to cause cancer, short-term
and permanent brain damage and immune and respiratory system
problems.
 Methamphetamine
trafficking and production is dangerous, not only to the user,
but to those around the production site. the reckless practices
by untrained clandestine meth lab operators can result in explosions
and fired that could injure and kill not only the lab operator
and associates, but also innocent bystanders, neighbors, law
enforcement officers and firemen who come in contact with a
lab. In addition to the dangers of meth labs, violence between
drug dealers adds to the overall threat to any neighborhood
or community.
Some meth lab operators experiment with other chemical mixtures,
producing unknown toxic and hazardous chemical waste and fumes
that also may cause the deaths of many innocent people.
 Environmental
Hazard
Environmental damage is another consequence of clandestine
meth labs. Meth lab "cooks" leave approximately six
pounds of hazardous toxic waste for each pound of methamphetamine
produced. Lab operators often pour leftover chemicals and by-products
down household drains, wells, storm drains, or directly onto
the ground. Solvents and other toxic chemicals used in the methamphetamine
manufacturing process pose long-term hazards because they remain
in the soil and groundwater for years. Clean-up costs are extremely
high because contaminated soil, buildings and other materials
must be removed and incinerated.
Potential Health
Effects |
| Types |
Common
Chemicals |
Symptoms/Health
Effects |
| solvents |
acetone,
ether/starter fluid, Freon, hexane, methanol, toluene,
white gas, xylene |
irritation
to skin, eyes, nose and throat; headache; dizziness; depression;
nausea; vomiting; visual disturbance; cancer |
| corrosives/
irritants
(acids/bases) |
anhydrous
ammonia, iodine crystals, hydro-chloric acid (muriatic
acid), phosphine, sodi-um, hydroxide (lye),
sulfuric acid (drain cleaner) |
cough;
eye, skin and respiratory irritation; burns and inflammation;
gastrointestinal distur-bances; thirst; chest tightness;
muscle pain; dizziness; convulsions |
| metals/salts |
iodine,
lithium metal, red phosphorus, yellow phosphorus, sodium
metal |
eye,
skin, nose and respiratory irritation; chest tightness;
head-ache; stomach pain; birth defects; jaundice; kidney
damage |
What are some other costs to society?
 Death,
injury and illness resulting from meth use and the manufacturing
of methamphetamine.
Property damage from fires and explosions.
Contaminated buildings and poisoned soil, water and air
from toxic elements and by-products.
Increased federal, state and local spending (taxpayer
dollars) for additional law enforcement and social services.
Increased medical costs and emergency room use for meth
users.
In addition to the crimes committed by making, selling and
using meth, the drug contributes to domestic violence, child
abuse, automobile accidents and the spread of infectious diseases
(meth is typically injected).
What can I do?
 There
are actions that you as a private citizen can take to ensure
meth manufacturing is not occurring in your neighborhood.
Drug dealers and methamphetamine manufacturers have common
habits which are easily observed. Listed below are some of
these common habits. If you observe any combination of these
activities, report your concerns to your local police or sheriff's
department immediately. Do NOT confront your neighbor with
your suspicions or enter a suspected lab.
Signs of a meth lab:
Any single activity may or may not be sole proof that drug
dealing or methamphetamine manufacturing is occurring. However,
a combination of the following may be reason for concern.
Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night.
Activity at the house is usually at odd hours or late at
night.
Occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of
money and pay bills with cash.
Occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive about activities.
Occupants watch cars suspiciously when they pass by.
Occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior.
Extensive security at the home or signs that indicate "PRIVATE
PROPERTY" or "BEWARE OF DOG," fences, large
shrubs, bushes and trees.
Windows blackened or curtains always drawn.
Occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes.
Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached
buildings.
Garbage contains numerous bottles, containers, and materials
such as those displayed in this brochure.
Coffee filters, bed sheets or other material stained from
filtering red phosphorus or other chemicals.
Occupant sets his garbage for pick up in another neighbor's
collection area.
Evidence of chemical or waste dumping (i.e. burn pits,
or "dead spots" in the yard).
What have others in your neighborhood observed?
CHEMICALS
Alcohol (Isopropyl
or rubbing) - Toluene (brake cleaner) - Ether (engine
starter) - Sulfuric Acid (drain cleaner) - Red Phosphorus
(matches/road flares) - Salt (table/rock) - Iodine
(teat dip or flakes/crystal) - Lithium (batteries)
- Trichloroethane (gun scrubber) - MSM (cutting agent)
- Sodium Metal - Methanol/Alcohol (gasoline additives)
- Muriatic Acid - Anhydrous Ammonia (farm fertilizer)
- Sodium Hydroxide (lye) - Pseudoephedrine/Ephedrine
(cold tablets) - Acetone - Kitty Litter - Ammonium
Sulphate Fertilizer - Liquid Propane - Dry Ice - Drierite
|
EQUIPMENT
Pyrex or Corning
dishes - Jugs/bottles - Paper towels - Coffee filters
- Thermometer - Cheesecloth - Funnels - Blenders -
Rubber tubing/gloves - Pails/buckets - Gas cans -
Tape/clamps - Internet documents/notes - Strainers
- Aluminum foil - Propane cylinders - "How to
Make Methamphetamine" books - Hotplates - Plastic
storage containers/ice chests - Measuring cups - Scales
- Towels/bed sheets - Laboratory beakers/glassware
- Mop pail
|
Tips for property managers
The means necessary to prevent a tenant from starting a methamphetamine
lab can be simple and non-intrusive. A landlord can eliminate
the likelihood of a meth lab on their property by simply screening
prospective tenants and conducting regular inspections.
Meth labs require equipment and supplies that could make a
"quick clean-up" unlikely. Landlords should make
"surprise" or unannounced inspection of their property
within the provisions of law. If a landlord suspects or discovers
a meth lab, he/she should not confront the tenant or enter
the lab, but contact their local law enforcement agency immediately
as they are equipped to conduct an investigation and collect
evidence in a safe and lawful manner.
Get to know your neighbors: Introduce yourself to the neighbors
and let them know your property is a rental. Ask neighbors
to keep watch on your property and provide them with your
telephone number so they can contact you if they have any
concerns.
Screen prospective tenants: Check the credit history and references
of all prospective tenants. Have each prospective tenant provide
you with a written authorization to check with the local police
for prior criminal record. Advise that you check your property
regularly and have your tenant sign an agreement to allow
for unannounced inspections. Let your tenant know you have
regular contact with the neighbors. Confirm the number and
names of the tenants who will be residing at your property
and find out who will be paying the bills. Keep a record of
your tenant's vehicles and license plate numbers.
 Slang
- Speed, Meth, Crystal, Crank, Tweak, Go-fast, Ice,
Glass, Uppers, Black Beauties
GET THE FACTS...
Methamphetamine affects your
brain. In the short term, meth causes mind
and mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria, and depression.
Long-term effects can include chronic fatigue, paranoid
or delusional thinking, and permanent psychological
damage.
Methamphetamine affects your body.
Over "amping" on any type of speed is pretty
risky. Creating a false sense of energy, these drugs
push the body faster and further than it's meant to
go. It increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and
risk of stroke.
Methamphetamine affects your self-control.
Meth is a powerfully addictive drug that can cause
aggression and violent or psychotic behavior.
Methamphetamine is not what it seems. Even
speed drugs are not always safe. Giga-jolts of the
well-known stimulants caffeine or ephedrine can cause
stroke or cardiac arrest when overused or used by
people with a sensitivity to them.
Methamphetamine can kill you. An
overdose of meth can result in heart failure. Long-term
physical effects such as liver, kidney, and lung damage
may also kill you.
BEFORE YOU RISK IT...
Know the law. Methamphetamine is
illegal in all states and highly dangerous.
Get the facts. The ignitable, corrosive,
and toxic nature of the chemicals used to produce
meth can cause fires, produce toxic vapors, and damage
the environment.
Stay informed. In 2001, methamphetamine
use sent more people to the emergency room than use
of any other club drug. Over half of these cases involved
meth in combination with another drug, such as alcohol,
heroin, or cocaine.
Know the risks. There are a lot of
risks associated with using methamphetamine, including:
Meth can cause a severe "crash" after the effects
wear off.
Meth use can cause irreversible damage to blood
vessels in the brain.
Meth users who inject the drug and share needles
are at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS.
Look around you. Not everyone is using
methamphetamine. In 2003, only 3.2 percent of 12th graders
reported having used methamphetamine.
KNOW THE SIGNS...
How can you tell if a friend is using meth?
It may not be easy to tell. But there are signs you
can look for. Symptoms of methamphetamine use may
include:
Inability to sleep
Increased sensitivity to noise
Nervous physical activity, like scratching
Irritability, dizziness, or confusion
Extreme anorexia
Tremors or even convulsions
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of
stroke
Presence of inhaling paraphernalia, such as razor
blades, mirrors, and straws
Presence of injecting paraphernalia, such as syringes,
heated spoons, or surgical tubing
What can you do to help a friend who is using
meth? Be a real friend. You might even save
a life. Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional
help. For information and referrals, call the National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at
800-729-6686. www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
The bottom line: If you know someone
who uses meth, urge him or her to stop or get help.
If you use meth - stop! The longer you ignore the
real facts, the more chances you take with your life.
It's never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor,
a counselor, a teacher, or another adult you trust.
Do it today!
Q & A
Q. Isn't methamphetamine less harmful than
crack, cocaine, or heroin?
A. Some users get hooked the first time they snort,
smoke, or inject meth. Because it can be made from
lethal ingredients like battery acid, drain cleaner,
lantern fuel, and antifreeze, there is a greater chance
of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or serious brain
damage with this drug than with other drugs.
Q. Isn't using methamphetamine like using
diet pills?
A. No. Though it is easily attainable, methamphetamine
is dangerous and addictive. From 1998 to 1999, deaths
due to meth rose 38 percent. In 2002, meth was involved
in 17,696 emergency room visits.
|
|
|
Colstrip
Police 
