Methamphetamine Use
January 21, 2009
Traditionally, methamphetamine users have suffered the same addiction cycle and withdrawal reactions as those suffered by crack cocaine users. Both drugs, after prolonged use, lead to bingeing, which is consuming the drug continuously for up to 3 days without sleep. The user then is driven into a severe depression, followed by worsening paranoia, belligerence, and aggression, which is a period known as tweaking. Finally, the user collapses from exhaustion, only to awaken days later to begin the cycle again.The new ephedrine-based methamphetamine has a usage pattern unlike that of traditional methamphetamine or crack cocaine. Several times more potent than its other forms, today’s methamphetamine produces a reaction far more severe than even crack cocaine, with sleepless binges that last up to 15 days and end with sudden crashes. Chronic, high-dose methamphetamine abusers, often called “speed freaks,” are generally undernourished and have a gaunt appearance, poor hygiene, and rotten teeth. These individuals inject methamphetamine every 2 to 3 hours and often as much as 1,000 milligrams each time. Due to the high level of methamphetamine in their systems, “speed freaks” are extremely paranoid.
“The main problem remains, and will remain, the use of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs,” said Yellowstone County Attorney Dennis Paxinos.”And the worst part is when they get hopped up on meth and commit violence.”
Pharmacology
January 21, 2009
Methamphetamine can be a lethal, dangerous, and unpredictable drug. Methamphetamine, like cocaine, is a potent central nervous system stimulant. It can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally; the most frequent method of methamphetamine use is injection. The drug increases the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing; dilates the pupils; produces euphoria, increased alertness, a sense of increased energy, and tremors. High doses or chronic use have been associated with increased nervousness, irritability, and paranoia. Withdrawal from high doses produces severe depression.Drug-related violence usually occurs in one of three ways: by users under the influence of the drug, by users who commit violent acts to obtain money or more of the drug, and by distributors who use violence in the course of conducting their business.
Every community with a methamphetamine abuse problem has experienced violence in some form; most commonly this appears as domestic disputes. The extreme agitation and paranoia associated with use of the stimulant often lead to situations where violence is more likely to occur. Chronic use of methamphetamine can cause delusions and auditory hallucinations that precipitate violent behavior or response.
Methamphetamine and Pregnancy
January 21, 2009
If methamphetamines are used during pregnancy, babies tend to be:
- asocial
- incapable of bonding
- have tremors
- have birth defects
- cry for 24 hours without stopping
There is also an increased risk of child abuse and neglect of children born to parents who use methamphetamines.
School Project anti-meth PSA
January 21, 2009
Montana Meth Project Ads
January 21, 2009
S.T.A.M.P. Crystal Meth Anonymous
January 20, 2009
S.T.A.M.P. is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other, so they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from addiction to crystal meth.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; do not wish to engage in any controversy; and neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to lead a sober life and to carry the message of recovery to the crystal meth addict who still suffers.
S.T.A.M.P. is a program of recovery from crystal meth addiction offering the support of one addict helping another.
http://stampcma.com
Celebrate Recovery
January 20, 2009
Celebrate Recovery is a program to provide fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the “8 Recovery Principles” and “12 Step Recovery Program”. This experience allows us to “be changed”. By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy, and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others. As we progress with the program we discover our personal, loving and forgiving Higher Power – Jesus Christ, the one and only true Higher Power. No cost, no need to sign up, just come as you are!
Call 770-222-1958
Hiram Counseling Center
January 20, 2009
The Hiram Counseling Center is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, certified as a Medicaid provider and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, that provides comprehensive services for the rehabilitation and intervention of children, adolescents and their families with mental health issues. The Articles of Incorporation and By Laws allows for the expansion of mental health services to individuals and families in a variety of areas to include assessment, individual, family and group therapies, psycho-educational services, intensive in-home therapy, childhood trauma, attachment issues, substance abuse treatment and residential care. The program is recognized as a Best Practice by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice.
Call 770-222-6622
Tanner Medical Center
January 20, 2009
For a free confidential assessment and referral, call Tanner Behavioral Health Services
770-456-3266 (24 hour help line)
Story 3: posted by anonymous
January 20, 2009
I live in paulding county but my ex wife lives in polk county. She hid it from me that she was using meth and that our son was taken from her by dfacs. My son was living with his grandmother.She also kept this from me.Luckily I did find out and I now have custody of my son. His mother hasnt called him since I have gotten him. The meth has totally taken over her life. My son is 5 years old and I feel like that I have saved him from a lot of heartache and trouble.I have saved my son.