Prenatal meth may affect developing brain AND related headlines

Prenatal meth may affect developing brain
Published: April 16, 2009 at 12:29

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MANOA, Hawaii, April 16 (UPI) -- Methamphetamine use during pregnancy appears to cause abnormal brain development in children, U.S. researchers said.

Study author Dr. Linda Chang of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and colleagues used brain scans on 29 3- and 4-year-old children whose mothers used methamphetamine while pregnant and 37 unexposed children of the same ages.

The MRI scans used diffusion tensor imaging to help measure the diffusion of molecules in a child's brain, which can indicate abnormal microscopic brain structures that might reflect abnormal brain development.

The study, published online in the journal Neurologyscans, showed that children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure had differences in the white matter structure and maturation of their brains compared to unexposed children. The children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure had up to 4 percent lower diffusion of molecules in the white matter of their brains.

"Our findings suggest prenatal meth exposure accelerates brain development in an abnormal pattern," Chang said in a statement. "Such abnormal brain development may explain why some children with prenatal meth exposure reach developmental milestones later than others."

Meth Survey Says Risks Seem Not To Deter Teens

January 28, 2009 -- Associated Press (US)
Meth Survey Says Risks Seem Not To Deter Teens
By Rebecca Boone, Associated Press


BOISE, ID -- A new survey by the Idaho Meth Project shows that more state teens believe it's risky to use methamphetamine than in 2007, but that belief doesn't yet appear to be changing any behaviors.

The Idaho Meth Project commissioned the survey to see if its gritty and graphic advertising campaign has been effective in warning youth away from methamphetamine. The questions were nearly identical to those in the 2007 survey, conducted just before the advertising campaign began.

The most recent results show that the majority of teens -- about 82 percent -- say there is great or moderate risk in trying the drug once or twice. That's a 5 percentage point increase compared to 2007.

But one quarter of teens still believe that using meth will help them lose weight, about one in five say using meth would make them feel happy, and nearly one in four say their friends would tacitly approve of them using meth. Those numbers were consistent with the 2007 survey results.

"We definitely saw movement in the areas we were most concerned about for year one, and that is: Do teens and young adults see risk in using meth," said Megan Ronk, executive director of the Idaho Meth Project.

"The results as a whole suggest that we still have work to be done. While we've definitely shifted the needle for teen attitudes about risk, we need to take that to the next level so we can translate that to a change in behavior -- and we certainly expected that to take longer than one year."

The survey also showed that, as in 2007, one in 10 teens says he or she has close friends who use methamphetamine.

A greater number of teens said there was a high risk of negative outcomes from meth use, with 78 percent saying that meth could turn them into someone they didn't want to be. That was up 9 percentage points compared to the initial survey.

More teens said they saw other negative outcomes of meth use as well, including getting hooked, having sex with someone they didn't want to, becoming violent or stealing. The greatest increase -- of 13 percentage points -- came among the 61 percent of teens who said the drug would cause them to suffer tooth decay.

The survey was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media during November and December 2008. The survey was given to 2,590 12- to 17-year-old junior and senior high school students attending 45 randomly selected Idaho schools.

It was also given to 358 18- to 24-year-old Idaho residents recruited through a telephone interview using random digit dial-sampling techniques.

Marketing Drugs to Kids: From Cheese to Strawberry Quick

FOX NEWS

Marketing Drugs to Kids: From Cheese to Strawberry Quick
Thursday , May 10, 2007

By Maggie Lineback

DALLAS, Texas — Something called “cheese” is killing kids. In August of 2005, no one had even heard of it — so much so, that when a school district police officer first saw a bag of this drug, he thought it was fake. Now officials realize cheese is all too real; at least 21 kids have died from overdosing on it.

Cheese is a combination of black tar heroin and crushed up Tylenol PM tablets and hits of it sell for a buck or two. Like any type of heroin, cheese is highly addictive and deadly. If that’s not enough to scare you, there’s this: drug pushers cooked it up special for kids.

“Traditionally heroin is going to be an adult user drug,” says Dallas Independent School District Officer Jeremy Liebbe. “Black tar heroin is cooked on a spoon, mixed with liquid and injected. Meaning needles. Not many kids are wild about needles, so if you want to market heroin to kids you've got to come up with an alternative to it.”

And that’s exactly what drug dealers in the Dallas area have done — they’ve come up with a form that can be snorted and gave it a seemingly benign name: “cheese.” But cheese is just the start. Have you heard of “Strawberry Quick?” It’s not a kid’s drink — it’s a kid’s methamphetamine. Drug dealers mix meth with Kool-Aid in an attempt to make it look and taste better. And again, there’s the snappy name. While Strawberry Quick hasn’t made a big splash in Dallas, it is gaining ground in other parts of the country.

The DEA says the whole act of marketing drugs to kids is a dangerous and relatively new trend.
“They're looking for a new consumer, ” says James Capra, the Special Agent In Charge of the DEA office in Dallas. “They've taken the tactic that advertising people have taken for years; you want to sell a product, you’ve got do a good marketing approach to it.”

The anecdote for any slick marketing campaign is the truth. Cheese users, if they live, eventually escalate to needle use. And if they try to get off cheese, users have horrible physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. So of course it’s best never to start. As for meth, anyone who’s seen a meth addict, with their scabbed skin and rotting teeth, knows what a con “Strawberry Quick” is.

What can you do? Fernando Cortez is getting involved. He lost his 15-year-old son to cheese earlier this year. Cortez swears his son wasn’t a user and is haunted by what-ifs. What if he had done this versus that? Would his son still be alive? In the end, Cortez has had to put away those thoughts and channel his grief into something that could save lives. He goes to Dallas schools, speaking out about his painful experience and giving out his cell phone number to anyone who needs to talk. He urges parents to do the same — talk to their kids.

Drug experts add this advice: don’t bury your head in the sand. If your child’s grades drop, he loses interest in the activities he once loved, if he changes friends, if he starts to have trouble at school … all of these are warning signs that need to be acted upon immediately. With drug dealers stepping up their efforts to target your kids, police and drug counselors say we should all make as much of an effort to keep them safe.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maggie Lineback is a FOX News channel producer.

What impact does meth have on children living in labs or living with a meth user?

Children found in these conditions are commonly malnourished, improperly clothed, and neglected. Many of these children test positive for having methamphetamine in their bodies. This is due to the access they have to the drug or exposure to second-hand smoke, resulting from a cook or a user smoking in close proximity to a child.

What are signs of a meth lab?

A typical meth lab is a collection of chemical bottles, hoses, and pressurized cylinders. The cylinders can take many forms, from modified propane tanks to fire extinguishers, scuba tanks and soda dispensers. The tanks contain anhydrous ammonia or hydrochloric acid ? both highly poisonous and corrosive.

Labs are frequently abandoned, and the potentially explosive and very toxic chemicals are left behind. Chemicals may also be burned or dumped in woods or along roads.

The most common chemicals used to start the meth-making process are over-the-counter cold and asthma medications which contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as decongestants or stimulants.

Here are signs of a meth lab:

* Unusual strong chemical odors such as ether, ammonia (smell similar to cat urine) and acetone (smells similar to fingernail polish)
* Excess amounts of cold medicines containing Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine * Empty pill bottles or blister packs
* Propane/Freon tanks with blue corrosion on fittings or spray-painted or burned, with bent or tampered valves
* Starting fluid cans opened from the bottom
* Heating sources such as hotplates/torches
* Excess coffee filters
* Excess baggies
* Excess matches
* Excess lithium batteries
* Cookware (Corning type) with white residue
* Glassware, Mason jars or other glass containers
* Plastic tubing
* Funnels
* Hoses leading outside for ventilation
* Soft drink bottles with hoses running from them
* Drain cleaner, paint thinner, toluene, denatured alcohol, ammonia, acid, starter fluid, antifreeze, hydrogen peroxide, rock salt/iodine
* Lantern or camp stove fuel


* Iodine- or chemical-stained bathrooms or kitchen fixtures
* Evidence of chemical waste or dumping
* Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers, coffee filters with red stains, duct tape rolls, Empty cans of or paint thinner or pieces of red-stained cloth around the property
* Secretive or unfriendly occupants
* Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy such as "No Trespassing" or "Beware of Dog" signs, fences, and large trees or shrubs
* Curtains always drawn or windows blackened or covered with aluminum foil on residences, garages, sheds, or other structures
* Increased activity, especially at night
* Frequent visitors, particularly at unusual times
* Renters who pay their landlords in cash

How is meth made?

The process required to make methamphetamine is easier and more accessible than ever. There are literally thousands of recipes and information about making meth on the internet. An investment of a few hundred dollars in over-the-counter medications and chemicals can produce thousands of dollars' worth of meth.

Some of the ingredients most commonly used to make meth are over-the-counter cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, red phosphorous, hydrochloric acid, anhydrous ammonia, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel, and antifreeze. Some recipes call for large amounts of industrial and agricultural chemicals, which are either purchased or stolen. These chemicals are then used in large labs or "super" labs.

The average meth "cook" annually teaches 10 other people how to make the drug.

What are signs of meth use?

A meth user may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms and behaviors and may have some or all of the listed paraphernalia:

Physical Symptoms:
* Weight loss
* Abnormal sweating
* Shortness of breath
* Nasal problems or nosebleeds
* Sores that do not heal
* Dilated pupils
* Burns on lips or fingers
* Track marks on arms

Behavioral Symptoms:
* Withdrawal from family and friends
* Change in friends
* Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
* Increased activity
* Long periods of sleeplessness (24-120 hours)
* Long periods of sleep (24-48 hours)
* Incessant talking
* Irritability
* Twitching and shaking
* Itching
* Decreased appetite
* Erratic attention span
* Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects * Aggression or violent behavior
* False sense of confidence and power
* Convulsions
* Carelessness about appearance
* Deceit or secretiveness


Mental Symptoms:
* Paranoia
* Anxiousness
* Nervousness
* Agitation
* Extreme moodiness
* Severe depression
* Hallucinations
* Delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin.

Paraphernalia:
* Rolled up paper money or short straws
* Pieces of glass/mirrors
* Razor blades
* Burned spoons
* Surgical tubing
* Syringes/needles

** In all cases of meth use, a user may experience a loss of inhibitions and a false sense of control and confidence, which can lead to dangerous behavior.


2. What is a meth lab?
An illegal meth or crank lab is an illicit operation that contains chemicals and/or apparatus that either have been or could be used to make meth.

There are several different techniques used to produce meth. All of the processes use a variety of chemicals including explosives, solvents, metals, salts, and corrosives. During the manufacturing process or "cooking", additional compounds and by-products are produced. The fumes, vapors, and spillage associated with cooking can be toxic.

Clandestine meth labs are found in rural, city, and suburban residences. They are found in houses, apartments, and rental homes; hotel and motel rooms, vehicles or abandoned cars, back rooms of businesses; garages, sheds and other storage facilities, barns, and vacant buildings; campgrounds and rest areas.

Meth can even be made in a small makeshift "lab" that can fit into a suitcase. Small portable labs are commonly referred to as "Mom and Pop" or "Beavis and Butthead" labs. Larger labs that are permanently set up and can produce up to 100 pounds of meth are referred to as "Super" labs

What are signs of meth distribution?

* Unexplained new wealth
* Scales
* Frequent visitors
* Late night/early morning meetings
* Borrowing money for short periods of time (24-72 hours)
* Rooms or parts of rooms off limits
* Increase of packages in the mail on a routine basis

What are the health risks if I live in or near a former meth lab?

Meth causes health problems not just for the users, but also for others who are unintentionally exposed to the chemicals.

The risk of injury from chemical exposure depends on the chemical itself, the concentration, the quantity, and the length and route of exposure. Chemicals may enter the body by being breathed, eaten, injected (by a contaminated needle or accidental skin prick), or absorbed by the skin.

Acute Exposure: An acute chemical exposure is one that occurs over a relatively short period of time and may result in health effects. An acute exposure to high levels of contaminants found in meth labs cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, chemical irritation, lesions and burns to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and in severe cases, death. Acute reactions of this nature could occur during or immediately after a drug bust, before the lab has been ventilated.

Less severe symptoms resulting from a less acute exposure cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue or lethargy. These symptoms have been known to occur in people who have entered a drug lab after the bust has been completed, but before the property has been adequately cleaned and ventilated. These symptoms usually go away after several hours.

Corrosive Effects: Inhalation or skin exposure may result in injury from corrosive substances present in a meth lab. Symptoms range from shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, to burns to the skin.

Solvents: Exposure to solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and cause central nervous system effects. They are also dangerous because of their fire and explosive properties.

Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure occurs over an extended period of time, such as weeks, months, or years. A chronic health effect is one that usually appears after a lengthy period of time, possibly years. Not much is known about the chronic health effects from these labs. However, there is scientific evidence from animal and human toxicity studies that shows the chemicals used to manufacture meth can cause a range of health effects include cancer, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive problems, such as miscarriages.

Feds Take Global Approach to Meth Abuse

Plan Is to Cut U.S. Meth Production 25 Percent by 2008
By JOHN YANG and JASON RYAN
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2006 —


The Bush administration unveiled today a new global approach to curbing the production and abuse of methamphetamine, a highly addictive party drug produced in clandestine labs.

"It is a specific focus on methamphetamine and prescription drugs that have become, as you all know, a growing part of the drug problem in this country over the last decade," John Walters, the White House director of national control policy, told a news conference. "This represents a commitment of the administration to work toward a meaningful and a sustained reduction in meth use as well as the number of meth labs that have been poisoning too many communities."

In the past year, federal, state and local law enforcement authorities have seized about 11,000 small labs that produced an estimated 20 percent of methamphetamine sold in the United States.

The goal is to cut methamphetamine abuse 15 percent by 2008 and reduce the production from illegal meth labs in the United States by 25 percent.

To do that, the departments of Justice, State and Homeland Security will work to improve intelligence on the global market of the chemicals used to make methamphetamine, which are produced in China, India and Germany. The United States will also work with Mexico to step up law enforcement activities along the U.S.-Mexican border, the site of much of the trafficking in both methamphetamine and its component chemicals.

"Mexico and the United States' joint battle against drugs has reached an unprecedented level," Eduardo Ibarrola, the deputy chief of mission at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, told reporters. "Under no circumstance can our common border be an excuse for impunity."

In addition, the strategy calls for strict enforcement of laws -- part of the Patriot Act extension that President Bush signed in March -- that restrict the sales of many common cold and allergy remedies that can be used to make methamphetamine.

Many states had already acted to restrict sales of those over-the-counter drugs.

This federal response will "take the leading efforts by many states and take the lessons learned and apply them nationally," Walters said, "helping us control the spread and also reduce the current levels of production and abuse."

Methamphetamine abuse was first concentrated in the Western region of the United States but has now spread to almost every metropolitan area, as well as to many rural towns. According to the latest data, about 12 million Americans over the age of 12 said they'd tried methamphetamine at least once.


Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

Check the Pulse

I would like to check the pulse with the readers of this blog.

Tell me if you think that the meth problem is getting better or worse in your area. Please tell me the state you are in and back up your statements with examples. What are your ideas of how to iradicate this poison?

Health Concerns

My daughter, April has given me permission to write this. She has been clean from Meth since last November. She started having low blood pressure right after she stopped shooting it. She has been to see a cardiologist about this and after much testing, they have said that she has drained out her adrenal gland. I don't know if that is the exact wording, but now she will have to be on medication the rest of her life in order to have normal blood pressure again.

She has told me, "Mom, I did this to myself". I just thought people should be aware of a weird side effect of meth abuse. I wish people could wake up and see what they are doing to themselves and all those that love them.

Retraction of Children's Meth Story

Dear DeathbyMeth readers:

I would like to apologize for a mistake I made in posting a story called "Children's Meth". I will do my best in the future to run my posts through a more stringent filter.

Apparently the story is untrue and I am glad for it and officially retract that story from my blog.

However,

I don't like seeing someone shoot an arrow at me, personally attack me in addition to the story and then run behind the tree of "ANONYMOUS". It's cowardly.... but I will thank "Anonymous" for pointing out an error I have made as it is the right thing to do.

Dear Anonymous.............

Thank you for your comment. At the time I posted Children's meth I did check snopes and it stated the story was true. I am sorry I didn't take it a step further and call the telephone numbers.

I stand corrected and retract the story.

You may see the writer (anonymous) full comments under the story line "Children's Meth" in the comments section.

Regarding this statement: "Now, if you can't get that correct, then why should anybody trust what you say about anything else? Meth is a horrible drug, but if you have to resort to blatant falsehoods in order to support your position, then you're doing us no favor." ....

Unfortunately, I don't need to RESORT to blatant falsehoods because the effects on our children, communities, economy and lifestyle SHOUT loudly and clearly enough that people can get the message that Meth is death.

If you feel this one error in 3 years is enough for you to NOT trust what I say, and not read my blog..... then so be it. What's MOST important to me is that people who DO NOT KNOW the extent of damage that meth causes get some exposure through this blog and have their ears and eyes opened to what is happening in our families, neighborhoods, cities and country.



Kim

Victims Rights?

Why is it that some crazy person out of their mind on meth can come and take your loved one away by murdering them and the killer has all the rights?

July 25, 2004 Travis was brutally murdered and we are yet to get his remains to even have a buriel and provide closure for our family. All the while, appeals go through the Supreme Court for Frank Miller. His appeals delay our laying my son's bones to rest with his ancestors.

I just don't see justice in that part of the process. I am however happy that Frank Miller is behind bars and if he continues to have all his doors closed appeals wise, he will live behind those bars for the remainder of his life. How many years is that? He is around 32... that is a very long time.

One day and hopefully one day soon, we will be able to finish this chapter of our lives and move onto the next step of this loss.