Meth, Your Family and Your Community
Methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous and seductive drug. Those who try meth can experience fun and enjoyment, but ultimately this gives way to a strong addiction that cripples the user’s sense of right and wrong. Meth destroys relationships, drives a wedge between a user and their family, and steals the dignity of the addict.
The effects of meth addiction spread throughout a community. Meth addicts often rob people to pay for their habit. Meth addiction has been linked to identity theft, domestic violence, robbery, and assault. Meth users are more likely to engage in unsafe sex and contract sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis. When individuals use meth while undergoing treatment for HIV, meth reduces the effectiveness of their HIV medication which strengthens the virus.
Meth use can also put a strain on social services. For example, children found in meth labs are often placed in foster care. Counties are responsible for compensating foster parents. As more meth addicts are incarcerated, taxpayers are also footing the dental bill caused by meth mouth.
Your Family
The best way to protect your family against the dangers of methamphetamine is to discuss the drug with them. This should begin as soon as your children are old enough to understand the main issues surrounding substance abuse.
Teenagers and preteens sometimes feel invincible, an attitude that can lead to risky behaviors including experimenting with drugs. Make them aware of the dangers of illegal drugs and the quickly addictive drug commonly known as meth. Contact the Partnership for a Drug Free North Carolina for tips on how to talk to your child about drugs.
Your Community
One important way to protect your community from meth is to learn the signs of a meth lab. If you work in a store that sells items used to make meth, be alert for people who are buying a number of those items at one time. Large-volume purchases of any of the items can indicate that the buyer is collecting ingredients for a “cook.” If you suspect that someone is making such a purchase, contact law enforcement.