Meth: a community update

By Kelsey Hayne

Prevention Manager, Jackson County
Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
 
 
Jackson County has seen a decrease in the amount of meth labs and meth use in the last 10 years.  Law enforcement in collaboration with other local resources, such as the Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, has slowed the production of meth in Jackson County.  Due to the intense high and simple production, the problem of methamphetamine use still exists in our community.
 
Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which stimulates brain cells, enhances mood and increases body movement.  It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.  
 
Over time, users begin to take higher doses of the drug, take it more frequently or change the way they take it to get the same high that small amounts of meth once gave them.  In some cases, people stop eating and sleeping to shoot meth every two to three hours for several days until they run out of meth or are too confused to continue.  When a chronic user stops taking the drug he or she may feel depressed, anxious, fatigued, paranoid and aggressive and will crave more meth.
 
The components used in manufacturing methamphetamine are readily available and obtained from retail, grocery, automotive and veterinary supply stores.  Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are the critical component in the production of methamphetamine.  The manufacturing process also uses ingredients such as lithium batteries, acetone, starter fluid, drain cleaner, rock or table salt, rubbing alcohol, muriatic acid and gasoline additives.  Most of these items are found in an average house or garage.
 
While Jackson County has seen a decrease in meth labs, more users have turned to making their own meth rather than buying it from larger meth producers.  This method is known as the one pot method or shake-and-bake.  Users need little space and only a few materials to make this form of meth.  The one pot method is even more dangerous due to its likelihood to explode and cause fire.  This production method leaves behind environmental waste that is harmful to the public.  Users find this method easier to conceal and more convenient for personal use.

If you suspect someone is manufacturing methamphetamine, or have any other meth related questions, call the Meth Tip Hotline at 1-866-638-4847.

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