The U.S. Department of Justice identifies methamphetamine as one of the greatest drug threats to our nation. The agency recently reported methamphetamine to be at its highest levels of purity and availability. Due to increased amounts of meth coming in from Mexico, along with increased rates of small-scale domestic manufacture, it is at its lowest cost since 2005. It is estimated that methamphetamine costs this country between $16.2 and $48.3 billion dollars annually in healthcare, treatment, and foster care services, along with costs of methamphetamine-related productivity loss and crime.
Basic Meth Facts
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant affecting the brain’s pleasure centers. The drug acts to increase the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria.
The “crash” which follows its use, commonly results in an increasing use of the drug. Eventually, the meth user experiences difficulty in feeling any pleasure whatsoever.
The abuse of methamphetamine leads to devastating psychological, medical, and social consequences.
Its adverse effects in the user include aggression, memory loss, psychotic behavior, malnutrition, severe dental problems, and heart damage.
Specific physical damage from using meth includes hair loss, foul body odor, rotting teeth, and open sores. Meth users also develop uncontrollable and strange movements such as facial tics.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), meth users frequently fixate on a single, repetitive activity, which can result in self-injury.
The drug is regarded as one of the most highly addictive substances. It is known to hook people faster than nearly any other drug. Its users will continue to take it, even though it ceases giving them pleasure.
Most of the key ingredients used in meth are both extremely toxic—and highly flammable.
With just a basic understanding of the highly addictive nature of this drug, its potential for addiction, and extremely damaging consequences with as little as a one-time use, it is vital to know how to prevent meth use.
10 Steps for Preventing Meth Use
The following basic guideline of steps you can take to prevent meth use will serve as a sound starting point in protecting yourself, your friends and your fellow human beings from falling into the brutal trap of meth use and addiction.
Learn the facts about Meth
It is important to know the facts about meth. Information is available online and self-educating yourseld will help you stay safe.
Share the Facts with your Family and Friends
Share what you learn with those whom you care about so that you can help keep them safe, too.
Speak Up
If someone you know is going to try meth, encourage them to learn the facts first. Furthermore, ensure that they get the facts by sharing your knowledge or providing them with sources of information.
Set Goals
Set goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term, and work towards achieving them. Bored and aimless wandering in life can open the door to drug use.
Study and Learn
Use your time in school to study and learn those things that will help you in your life. If you are having difficulty with your studies, get help. Study difficulties and doing poorly in school can open the door to drug use.
Choose Drug-Free Friends
Peer pressure to use drugs is known to be a factor in drug use. Recognize it for what it is, and make the choice to remain drug-free. Choose your friends wisely.
Preserve Your Health
Feeling physically ill or unwell, or experiencing unhandled physical pain can open the door to drug use. If you are in less-than-optimum physical condition, get help from a practitioner who specializes in a holistic, natural approach to wellness and lifestyle.
Participate in Athletic Activities
Participating in team sports can be an enjoyable way to make friends, stay fit, and enjoy the camaraderie of being part of team. If team sports are not your choice, there are many activities to choose from, such as swimming, walking, bicycling, and jogging, all of which help to keep you fit and active.
Participate in Life
Life is lived by many people and you can find others with shared interests and hobbies. For example, there are fellow artists, musicians, writers, dancers, music lovers, computer nerds, entrepreneurs you can get to know. Pursue your passion and find others who do as well.
Help Others
There are many local and community groups that would welcome your help. Helping others gives a sense of personal fulfillment that is never found in chemical substances or their use.
Set your sights on creating the life you want to live and dedicate yourself to accomplishing it without dependence on drugs or alcohol