| Meth Awareness |
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The lethal scourge of methamphetamine abuse is spreading across the country and affects us all. “Meth” is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that is cheap and easy to produce. It is the nation's fastest growing drug threat. You can take the lead by collaborating with our clubs and residents to raise awareness about meth abuse and its terrible effects among all members of your community. The Department of Justice has created a comprehensive Meth Awareness Web site. Use these practical suggestions to get started. Slang—Speed, Meth, Crystal, Crank, Tweak, Go-fast, Ice, Glass, Uppers, Black Beauties
Get the Facts...Methamphetamine affects your brain. In the short term, meth causes mind and mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria, and depression. Long-term effects can include chronic fatigue, paranoid or delusional thinking, and permanent psychological damage. Methamphetamine affects your body. Over “amping” on any type of speed is pretty risky. Creating a false sense of energy, these drugs push the body faster and further than it’s meant to go. It increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of stroke. Methamphetamine affects your self-control. Meth is a powerfully addictive drug that can cause aggression and violent or psychotic behavior.1 Methamphetamine can kill you. An overdose of meth can result in heart failure. Long-term physical effects such as liver, kidney, and lung damage may also kill you. Before you Risk It...Know the law. Methamphetamine is illegal in all States and is highly dangerous. Get the facts. The ignitable, corrosive, and toxic nature of the chemicals used to produce meth can cause fires, produce toxic vapors, and damage the environment. Stay informed. The number of past-month methamphetamine users who fit the definition of stimulant dependence or abuse more than doubled from 2002 to 2004.2 The number of people admitted to treatment for methamphetamine use problems has been rising for several years.3 Know the risks. There are a lot of risks associated with using methamphetamine, including:
Look around you. Not everyone is using methamphetamine. In 2007, only 3 percent of 12th graders reported having used methamphetamine.4 |