Police in Houston, Texas recently reported that they had busted a drug ring that yielded one million dollars’ worth of methamphetamine (also known as meth) infused lollipops.
The news shocked many because meth is one of the most addictive and destructive drugs ever. What should be especially worrying to parents is the fact that these meth lollipops was molded in children friendly shapes such as flowers, butterflies, and popular superheroes like Batman, R2-D2, and Yoda. Police said that they believed that suspects intended to sell the drugs to children and juveniles and have asked parents to be vigilant.
However, for many people, this may be the first time hearing about meth, so it’s important for both parents and employers to understand what they are dealing with.
What is meth?
Meth, also known as crystal, crank chalk, go-fast, and tweak, is a synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It’s a highly addictive drug that appears as a white crystal, which can be inhaled, smoked, ingested, or injected straight into the blood stream with needles. Meth is in the same class of illegal substance with drugs like cocaine, heroin, and other street drugs, and users like it because its effects last for a long time—between eight to ten hours and sometimes-even 24 hours!
How accessible is meth?
In the past, meth was more popular in the Midwest and rural areas. However, current statistics show that methamphetamine abuse is now widespread and prevalent in most cities throughout America. There are approximately 1.4 million people in America abusing the drug and the number is growing. The main reason for the increase in demand is the low price and its highly addictive nature.
What are the signs and symptoms of meth abuse?
If you suspect that an employee or family member is abusing methamphetamine, you should look for the following signs:
- Reduced appetite
- Increased heartbeat and respiration
- Insomnia
- Increased temperature
- High blood pressure
Another important sign to look for is a stage known as “tweaking.” Tweaking is common among frequent meth users, reached at the end of a drug binge when the drug no longer provides a rush or high. Unable to relieve the craving, an abuser loses their sense of identity. Intense itching often occurs, where the abuser becomes convinced that bugs are crawling under their skin, and they are unable to sleep for days at a time, resulting in a psychotic breakdown.
Methamphetamine is easily identified using any standard drug testing, including urinalysis, mouth swab, and hair drug testing.
What are the adverse effects of using meth?
After using the substance for long, Meth can cause severe physical and psychological problems. The effects may include:
- Dental problems
- Intense body itching
- Sores due to scratching
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Extreme weight loss
- Violent behavior
If you observe any of the signs of meth abuse from an employee or family member, the best thing to do is to advise them to seek immediate professional treatment.
