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Expert Voices -Pocatello/Chubbuck Narcotics Task ForceThis article on methamphetamine was written for Safer Child, Inc. by Detective Patti Findley, of the Pocatello Police Department, Pocatello, Idaho. Detective Findley is a member of the Pocatello/Chubbuck Narcotics Task Force, which is staffed by both the Pocatello and Chubbuck police departments. She has been an officer with the PPD for 14 years, 4 of them on the Narcotics Task Force. She has attended the Basic DEA Drug School, along with numerous other state and local narcotics schools. She's an Arson Investigator, and also has been a Field Training Officer and Child Abuse Investigator. She's an officer on the Board of Directors of Bright Tomorrows (formerly the Community Task Force on Child Sexual Abuse).
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that is manufactured and sold illegally. This drug has become a leading source of drug arrests over the past several years. Methamphetamine is known by different names -- including "Meth," Speed, Crank, Crystal, Glass, Ice, Zip, Go-Fast, Fire, and others. It's commonly a white crystalline powder, but can also be found in different colors. It can be smoked, sniffed, injected, or taken orally. Go to Top (or continue)
Why is METHAMPHETAMINE Dangerous? Illegal clandestine labs produce most of the methamphetamine available. It is relatively easy to produce and results in profit for the manufacturer/dealer. The ingredients used in the manufacturing process include highly toxic, flammable, caustic, and possibly explosive substances. In most of these types of labs, there are also dangerous bacteria that are found both in the compounds used and the finished product. The cost of cleanup (following seizure and processing by Law Enforcement, Hazardous Material Crews and others) is very high, and specialized training is required. The following facts about methamphetamine have been published by drug enforcement agencies in an attempt to inform the public about the dangers of methamphetamine use:
How does METHAMPHETAMINE Affect the Body? Methamphetamine increases activity in the brain, and is quickly absorbed by the brain tissue. It can stay in the body for as long as four days, and can quickly create a tolerance in as little as four months. This drug has a high potential for abuse and can lead to psychosis and violent behavior. Some of the effects are increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, tremors, increase in energy level, talkativeness, dilation of the pupils, and loss of appetite. Side effects are agitation, hallucinations, increase in body temperature, convulsions, paranoia, nervousness, stroke, heart attack, and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms are apathy, irritability, long periods of sleep, depression, disorientation, and possible suicidal tendencies. Methamphetamine is extremely easy to find - whether it's an adult or juvenile looking for it. Most dealers are not usually hesitant to sell to juveniles, as long as they have the cash. Sometimes dealers will trade the drug for stolen property or more chemicals/components for further manufacture. Once dealers have a customer, they like to keep that customer because the rate and amount purchased always increases (due to the user needing to use more meth, more often). Possible Indicators of a METHAMPHETAMINE Lab Heavy traffic at all hours of the day and night, strong chemical smells, windows open year round -- these are just some of the indicators of a possible methamphetamine lab or dealer. Go to Top (or continue)
Parents -- Stay in Touch With Your Children Methamphetamine is a serious problem in our world and communities, and as time goes on, it has an effect on everyone -- either directly or indirectly. Our youth are at risk, and the dangers of methamphetamine are a reality. If I could speak to every parent out there, I would tell them they need to TALK to their kids about drugs -- specifically about meth. Methamphetamine poses dangers that were not present in the days of the "Flower Children." Even marijuana has a much greater THC (potency) level in most plants today than in the '60s. Parents, make sure your children know that the lines of communication are open, and if for some reason they don't feel they can talk to you, make sure they have another trusted adult they can go to for advice or counsel. Know who your kids have for friends. Be willing to let them know you care about who they hang out with. Take the time to check up on them. If they say they are doing something specific -- find out if they actually are. There are some parents, who, for whatever reason, are okay with what their kids are doing as long as the kids don't get into obvious trouble. By the time the trouble becomes obvious, it may be too late to intervene successfully. Watch for changes in moods, friends, grades, eating habits, sleeping habits and anything else that may fall outside the "norm" for your children. If their grades fall, go find out why! Don't wait to see if it's a phase. It may be a cry for help or for you to notice. If kids or parents have questions, there are many resources available. Asking a teacher, peer, or police officer may be helpful (it's good for kids to see officers as a resource for help, rather than as just a uniform). No one knows your kids better than you do, even though in today's world, it often seems we don't see much of them, try to consciously note any change in behaviors. Sadly, we are being contacted by children who come to us for help because their parents are either heavily involved in drug use or are on the fringes of the drug world. These kids want to change their way of life and also make it better for any younger siblings in the home. If You See a Child Who Needs Help, Call Us If you know of children who are at risk for any reason, please call your local law enforcement or child protection services.
(For more on substance abuse, please see the Safer Child Substance Abuse Page)
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