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METH:





FAQ - Questions and Answers for All Ages

Q: Should I be worried about my child trying meth?
A: Yes. Children are starting drug usage younger and younger. Always know whom your child is with and what they are doing in their spare time. The statistics of drug use in Northwest Arkansas is alarming.

Q: I think my mom/dad is using meth. What do I do?
A: Your mom/dad is addicted to a very bad drug. In order to help them you will have to contact someone for help. Contact The Centers for Substance Abuse at 1-800-662-HELP, Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-482-8049, Teen Crisis Hotline at 1-800-798-8336, or call 911 for the local police.

Q: How do I know if my son/daughter is using meth?
A: Look for sudden changes in behavior and/or friends and pay close attention to any of the signs of usage.

Signs of Meth Use

  • Extreme Happiness
  • Hyperactivity
  • Relaxed inhibitions
  • Misrepresentation of time, distance
  • No focus
  • Restlessness
  • Tendency to compulsively clean, groom
  • Talkativeness
  • Teeth grinding
  • Dilated pupils, slow to react
  • Rigid muscle tone
  • Increased sensitivity to noise
  • Nervous physical activity, like scratching
  • Irritability, dizziness or confusion
  • Extreme anorexia
  • Tremors or even convulsions
  • Presence of paraphernalia such as razor blades, mirrors, straws, syringes, heated spoons or surgical tubing

Short Term Effects

  • False sense of well-being
  • Severe twitching
  • Increased heart rate
  • Aggressive violent behavior
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme rise in body temperature
  • Acne, sores, scratching imaginary “crank” bugs
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Can’t sleep
  • Increased muscle tension
  • Impaired speech
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Dental decay and body odor

Long Term Effects

  • Malnutrition
  • Liver and brain damage
  • Nasal damage
  • Collapsed veins, track marks, bruises
  • Severe weight loss
  • Fatal kidney and lung disorders
  • Loss of pleasure
  • Insomnia
  • Permanent psychological conditions
  • Abuse and addiction
  • Stroke
  • Coma
  • DEATH

 

Q: What do I do if my mom/dad is manufacturing meth in our home?
A: Contact the authorities right away by dialing 911. Not only is your health in danger, but the health of your parents, too. It’s a hard call to make but one that will save all of your lives.

Q: Who is making meth?
A: Unfortunately, meth is relatively easy to manufacture by using over the counter and household items. Because of this, meth labs are concentrated in smaller cities and towns.

Q: What if my friends are trying to get me to try meth?
A: Do not try meth. There is no “just trying” meth. Over 98% of those who try meth “just once” become addicts. Tell your friends you choose life, not meth. Contact the Teen Crisis Hotline at 1-800-798-8336 for more help.

Q: What does meth look like?
A: Meth has many forms. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally. Its appearance varies depending on how it is used. Typically it is a white, bitter tasting powder that dissolves easily in beverages. It can also appear in the form of crystal meth or “ice” resembling clear, large chunk crystal that looks similar to rock candy. Candy-flavored meth targets younger people. Sometimes called Strawberry quik it is a bright color in a nice package. It comes in candy colors (pink, green, etc…). It still KILLS.

Q: Why should I care?
A: Meth use and manufacturing is an epidemic in Northwest Arkansas. It effects the environment, your neighborhood, the quality of life, your tax dollars are increasing to help the authorities with the costs of removing meth labs, and someone you know will be affected by meth.

Q: How do we stop meth?
A: Prevention is the key to solving the problem of meth. Be aware of your neighborhood, surroundings, and people in your lives. Report to the police any suspected activity.

Q: I tried meth once, I didn’t get addicted.
A: Consider yourself lucky. But since you tried it once and you didn’t get addicted, are you thinking of trying it again? If so, then you are on your way to addiction. Don’t mess with meth.

 

Call the police, tell a teacher or tell a trusted adult if:

  • You suspect someone of being on Meth
  • If someone offers you Meth
  • Or if you have tried Meth

 

 

Methamphetamine

  • 98% of Those Who Try Meth “Just Once” Become Addicted
  • The Average Addicted Meth User DIES Within FIVE Years
  • 75% of All Crimes in Benton County are Meth Related (gangs, theft, murder, domestic violence, child abuse, etc…)
  • Meth Can Kill You The First Time You Try It.