"All substance
abuse is frequently marketed as enhancing sex life or making you
more attractive or a better social companion," said John Walters,
the national drug czar under President George W. Bush.
But he added that
buying meth as an aphrodisiac is "buying under false pretenses."
"Hair falls out. Teeth fall out," Walters said. "That’s not sexy."
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that activates certain systems in
the brain. It is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the
central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both drugs
have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their
therapeutic use is limited. The central nervous system (CNS) actions that
result from taking even small amounts of methamphetamine include increased
wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased
respiration, hypothermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects include
irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety,
paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in
death.
Source: DEA, "Drug Intelligence
Brief: The Forms of Methamphetamine," April 2002
Doctors and government
officials don’t like to talk much about it, but there is an obvious reason
people get hooked on methamphetamine: sex. Meth eventually destroys the
sex drive, but for a short while it can boost sexual appetite and
performance more powerfully than drugs such as cocaine, doctors say.
Use of the addictive
drug can cause brain damage, violent behavior and hallucinations, and
exposure to the potentially explosive vapors during the manufacture of
meth can cause respiratory problems, headaches and nausea. John Standridge,
an addiction specialist with the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Services in Chattanooga, said meth and other stimulants initially "rev up
the dopamine nervous system in the brain. They rev it up and burn it out."
Source: usatoday.com/news/health/2004-12-05
Meth
is Death
Video
Viewer discretion is advised.
This video was produced by the Knox County Attorney General’s office
and the Knox County School District in Tennessee. The video contains
graphic images and descriptions of the effects of methamphetamine that
may be considered disturbing to some, particularly younger children.
The video, Meth is Death, is part of program to prevent Tennessee
middle school and high school students from becoming involved in this
dangerous drug. With the permission of Knox County Attorney General
Randy Nichols, VolunteerTV.com (TV8 WVLT in Knoxville) is offering
this video online as service to the community. Parents are strongly
urged to watch the video before allowing their children to view it.
Faces of Meth slide show Partnership for a Drug Free America - Before and After
pictures of Meth users
Police identify two charged in Christmas meth lab bust Elizabethton Star
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 9:41 AM PST
Police have released the identities of the two individuals
charged in connection with a meth lab that was busted in the
early morning hours on Christmas Day.
Carter County meth lab Bristol Herald Courier
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 3:48 AM PST
Two people face charges after the Carter County Sheriff's
Department uncovers the third meth lab in less than two
months. Mark Harrison and Crystal Birchfield were charged
with inducing the process for the production of meth.
State leaders want federal guidance, money to fight meth The Morning News
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 0:44 AM PST
WASHINGTON -- Despite nationwide concern about
methamphetamine, Congress still is not providing enough
resources for enforcing anti-drug laws or cleaning up former
'meth' labs, Arkansas officials say.
Meth Menace Part I WSFA Montgomery
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 1:13 AM PST
Known on the street as “ice” or “crank,” crystal meth is
becoming the drug of choice for many people in Alabama. The
intense, prolonged high crystal meth produces lures those
seeking to escape reality.
South Alabama Mobile Newsroom: Meth Lab Found On Andalusia
City Property WSFA Montgomery
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 1:11 AM PST
Andalusia city leaders made a shocking discovery. Over the
weekend, they found a meth lab on city property. Mayor Jerry
Andrews says a police officer came in contact with Richard
Waylon Tillman, Maston Van Jay, and Jessica Grooms Sutton,
all in a city building.
Meth labs may be fewer, but treatment for addicts increasing WIS News 10 Columbia
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 12:27 PM PST
(Charleston-AP) December 27, 2006 - New laws targeting
methamphetamine makers and users could be contributing to a
decline in the number of labs in South Carolina.
Meth Labs May Be Fewer, But Treatment For Addicts Increasing ABC News 4
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 11:13 AM PST
Charleston, SC (AP) - New laws targeting methamphetamine
makers and users could be contributing to a decline in the
number of labs in South Carolina, but officials warn the
drug is still affecting many people.
Suspect tries to hide meth on baby Eastern Arizona Courier
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 12:08 PM PST
Police pulled over a white Ford pickup for a routine traffic
stop late Monday night and found more than eight grams of
crystal methamphetamine hidden on a baby.
A mother's goal: recovery from meth addiction Seattle Times
Wed, 27 Dec 2006 0:28 AM PST
It's so blissfully mundane: Good grades. After-school
sports. A decent job. A stable home life. Consistency is a
new thing for Mindy McConnell...
