The Youngest Victims

All children of drug-addicted parents live with elements of danger. But certain characteristics of meth addiction place children at an even greater risk.

Children of meth users often suffer from neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse. When parents crash after a meth high, they sleep for days at a time. Children are forced to fend for themselves. Often older children must take care of their younger siblings. Meth use during pregnancy can result in premature birth. Infants often show abnormal reflexes and signs of addiction including extreme irritability.

Children of meth addicts typically have easy access to hazardous items ranging from firearms to razor blades. However, these are only some of the dangers faced by children of meth-addicted parents.

Small meth labs can be located in houses, apartments, hotel rooms, or even automobiles, and anyone in close proximity to a meth lab is in danger. In North Carolina, children have been found in one out of every four meth labs. Some addicts even allow their children to help produce meth.

The meth cooking process uses hazardous chemicals that contaminate household items such as carpet, furniture, clothing, and toys. Children can inhale chemicals or absorb them through their skin. They may accidentally eat meth, drink hazardous chemicals, or use contaminated utensils. The health risks to children who are exposed to meth labs are especially serious, because their immune systems are not fully developed. Of the children found living in a meth lab, one in three test positive for traces of meth.