People who are addicted to meth have often destroyed their life, physically, mentally as well socially.     However, real rehabilitation and recovery can be achieved  when a long-term thorough approach is taken to the problem.

The Narconon drug rehabilitation program is a drug-free, long-term, residential program that utilizes a sauna detox, light exercises and nutritional supplements in order to remove the physical residue of the drugs in the body.  By doing this the person is freed from the negative effects of the drugs that reside in the body and enables them to think clearer and feel cleaner.

The leftover residues of a drug, called metabolites, have a tendency to store in the fatty tissue of the body. Later in life when the person exercises, goes through stress, etc. the drugs can re-enter the blood stream and cause cravings for the drug again.  By removing the drug residues with a proper detox, these drugs are no longer in the body and the person’s susceptibility to use them in the future is greatly reduced.

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What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a man-made chemical commonly manufactured in illegal hidden laboratories where the mix amphetamines and other chemicals. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine and amphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug. Meth cooks can use the pseudoephedrine from common cold medicines to create the speed. Meth can even contain chemicals such as battery acid, drain cleaner, and antifreeze. The meth labs create a lot of toxic waste which can endanger the public, poisoning anyone who comes into contact with these dangerous toxins.

While efforts have been made by government agencies to crack down on Methamphetamine, the drug continues to increase in availability. According to an article from the New York Times, Federal statistics show that the number of clandestine meth labs discovered in the United States rose by 14 percent in 2008, to 6,783, and has continued to increase, in part because of a crackdown on meth manufacturers in Mexico and in part because of the spread of a new, easier meth-making method known as “shake and bake.” Addiction to methamphetamine has declined over the recent years but there are still a number of people using the drug. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that averages of 300,000 people have used methamphetamine during a one month period.

One must be able to see the signs of methamphetamine use and the signs of meth labs in their area in order to really do something about the problem.

How are meth labs affecting you?

Meth labs were once only a problem in rural areas, but in today’s drug scene, methamphetamine laboratories can be constructed in small areas; including bedrooms, kitchens, bathroom, garages, etc. Meth labs are being discovered in metropolitan and suburban areas much more frequently and, with the chemicals and fumes, these areas can become contaminated.

How can you spot a lab?

According to the Illinois Attorney General, a house or other structure containing a meth lab will display “telltale signs” of meth production, including;

  1. Unusual Odors
  2. Covered Windows
  3. Strange Ventilation
  4. Elaborate Security
  5. Dead Vegetation
  6. Excessive Or Unusual Trash, for example:
    • Packaging from Cold Medication
    • Shredded Lithium Batteries
    • empty containers of antifreeze, white gas, ether, starting fluids, Freon, lye, drain opener, paint thinner, acetone, alcohol, or other chemicals
    • plastic soda bottles with holes near the top, often with tubes coming out of the holes
    • plastic or rubber hoses, duct tape, rubber gloves, or respiratory masks

What are the behaviors of an occupant of a lab?

If you are unable to tell whether a residence is a meth lab based solely of the appearance of the structure, you will most likely be able to able to tell by the erratic behaviors exhibited by the occupants of the meth lab, including:

  1. Paranoia- Meth producers tend to have a paranoid behavior where they act in an extremely secretive manner.
  2. Staying Inside – many will stay inside where they will continue to use the drug on binge periods. This is when they will use the drugs continually for days on end without eating or sleeping.
  3. Smoking Outside- Meth addicts will frequently go outside to smoke because the fumes produced by meth labs are extremely flammable.
  4. Frequent Visitors – many selling meth will have people in and out of their homes buying the drug.
  5. Mobile Garbage- Meth producers may take their garbage to the dump themselves or put the trash bags in other trash collection areas, as to not be detected by the authorities.

What should you do if you feel you have discovered a meth lab in your area?

First of all, you must stay calm and not try to take matters in your own hands. Do not confront the occupants or approach the house. Many of these meth cooks are of criminal behavior and can be considered dangerous. You can protect others by informing any innocent bystanders who may be in imminent danger. Most importantly, alert the law enforcement authorities and let them do their job.

How can you tell if someone you know or love is abusing methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is not an easy drug habit to hide, although some addicts manage to keep it secret. When an individual begins using methamphetamine, they will have increased wakefulness and physical activity and a decreased appetite. Over time, this drug will begin to take a major toll on the body.

When the drug is abused on a daily basis, a person is not eating and is not getting adequate sleep. As a friend or loved one, you will begin to see these signs. The addict will likely drop large amounts of weight from not eating and may begin to show signs of psychosis from lack of sleep, including; paranoia, auditory hallucinations, or visual hallucinations . When someone is high on meth, they will exhibit an extreme hyperactivity where they cannot sit still or stop talking. Prolonged abuse of meth can destroy a person’s brain functions and physical appearance. When the addiction symptoms are spotted, do not allow yourself to be in denial of the situation.

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What should you do if you feel your loved one has become addicted to methamphetamine?

If you have discovered that someone you know or love is using this drug, methamphetamine addiction treatment help must be found right away. To answer your questions on the best approach to take  call 1-800-468-6933, where you will speak to a trained addiction specialist who will help you work out the necessary steps to take.