Meth Labs Gaining Popularity Among College Students
It is commonly known as speed, crank, glass and ice. Taken by capsules, it looks just like any other medication. Whether smoked, snorted or injected, methamphetamines are addictive stimulants gaining popularity.
What is meth: an addictive stimulant, or “upper”, that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Police Experts and doctors say people as young as fifteen years old start to use meth for a variety of reasons. High School and College Athletes have turned away from steroids turning to meth believing it heightens their mental and physical performance during sporting events and competitions. Others are taking it as they feel a need to stay awake to work extra shifts at work or to stay out later partying.
According to the National Center on Drug Prevention the largest percent of meth users are people between the ages of 18 and 23.
College students are in the highest ranking for meth users and need to be informed of the dangerous side effects,” from parents, teachers, law enforcement and college campus administration.
While everyone has their own reasons, the effects of the drug are usually the same. Studies indicate some short term effects include wakefulness and an increase or sudden burst in physical activity.
And meth users exhibit violent behavior towards themselves or others. They can become paranoid and hear voices.
Addicts can become delusional and feel “meth bugs” crawling around under their skin. Some will pick and scratch at their skin, trying to rid themselves of these imaginary insects. In extreme cases, others will eat the skin off their bodies.
The paranoia does not stop there. People under the influence of meth will set booby traps or keep weapons nearby to protect themselves.
Long term damage includes increased heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the chance of strokes. Meth can also scorch the inside of the throat and cause internal bleeding and brain damage.
It’s interesting to see how it affects people to the point of endangering their kids and the physical effects people suffer.
Meth labs are poping up more and more, right in our back yards. Landlords of rental properties have also seen an increase of home speciality labs in apartment complexes, according the National Landlord Association. Many arrested are college graduates with good jobs just looking for some extra income. People can actually download recipes off the internet and mix ingredients like drain cleaner, battery acid and anti-freeze in their kitchens and garages. Labs blow up when even the slightest mistake is made.
Meth related issues cost America close to $200 billion in 2004. Lost productivity, police response, healthcare and efforts to stop the flow of these drugs all add up.
The problem is becoming widespread, it’s important to recognize signs of usage. Rapid speech, insomnia or rapid weight loss are just a few warning signals. If you or someone you know is having problems with drugs, Call the National Alcohol and Drug Center at 1-800-252-6465
