Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine

Fact: In 1919 methamphetamine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, was developed by a pharmacologist in Japan. In the 30's doctors begin using it in the United States to treat asthma and narcolepsy. During World War II it was given to pilots and soldiers to reduce combat fatigue. In the 50's it was used for obesity and sinus problems. 60's drug clinics prescribed meth injections to treat heroin addiction. The 70's saw it become a controlled substance and the 80's saw new ways to "cook" that resulted in a higher potency drug. By the 90's middle America was in the grip of an epidemic. By 2000 meth is the favored hard drug, surpassing crack, cocaine and heroin in many areas.

Fact: Meth lab seizures have gone up 577% nationally since 1995

Fact: More than 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamine and 1.5 million are regular users, according to federal estimates.

Fact: Meth purity levels have spiked from 28 percent to 73 percent in the past three years (DEA).

Fact: Like other addicts, meth users are more likely to succeed in inpatient treatment programs than outpatient programs (DSHS, 2005).

Fact: Meth is estimated to cost the state of Indiana over $100 million annually.

Fact: Since 1994, Meth lab seizures in Indiana have risen 3,500%.

Fact: Of the 1549 Meth labs seized in Indiana in 2004, 32% were located in southwestern Indiana, along the southern Illinois border.

Fact: In some parts of the state, nearly 40% of the children in the CHINS (Children in Need of Services) system were removed from Meth houses.

Fact: Twenty children were taken into custody in Knox County in 1999 because of their parents' involvement with meth. The number was expected to triple in one year.

Fact: Vigo County had to spend $6 million to double the size of its jail because of meth crimes, said Sheriff John Marvel.

Fact: Indiana State Police found 196 children in homes last year where meth was being made, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Fact: All but seven of the 54 children taken last year from houses where meth was being made in Greene County tested positive for the drug either on their clothes, skin or in their bloodstream.

Fact: Cleanup costs for labs dismantled by the Indiana State Police will exceed $4.5million in 2004, according to Indiana's Meth Task Force.

(Clandestine Lab Team)

Fact: More than 300 people were evacuated from homes and five people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident after a cloud of anhydrous ammonia covered a section of U.S.50 in Jennings County

Fact: Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance

Fact: Methamphetamine prices for Indiana are on average $90 - $100 per gram, $500 - $1,200 per ounce and $5,000 - $8,000 per pound. The average purity level for these methamphetamine laboratory exhibits is 24.8 percent.

Fact: Methamphetamine's high lasts from 6 to 12 hours, and 50% of the drug is removed from the body in 12 hours. Cocaine's high lasts from 20 to 30 minutes, and 50% of the drug is removed from the body in 1 hour.

Fact: The Office of National Drug Control Policy determined that every dollar spent on treatment resulted in a $7.46 reduction in lost productivity and crime-related spending. This estimate does not include the costs of providing medical care.

Fact: Methamphetamine increases the release of very high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement.

Fact: Taking even small amounts of methamphetamine can result in increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia. Other effects of methamphetamine abuse may include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, and cardiovascular collapse and death. Long-term effects may include paranoia, aggressiveness, extreme anorexia, memory loss, visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and severe dental problems.

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