Meth destroys so much

Across most of the country, states are struggling to quell a worsening opiate epidemic. While this is happening, one problem continues to rage on in states across the country.  
NBC News reported on meth with some shocking results. Meth - also known as ice, crank, speed, chalk or gak - is a highly addictive and damaging drug that is still a huge problem throughout the U.S According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission in 2015, meth offenders made up the highest proportion of federal drug offenders in 27 states.  
Meth has some of the most serious physical ramifications of any drug. The bodies of a meth addict can be still damaged even after methamphetamine rehabilitation. It can destroy a person's teeth, cause damage to the cardiovascular system and dramatically change a person's appearance.
Some signs of meth abuse include:  

• lack of sleep
• loss of weight
• tooth decay
• hyperactivity
• hallucinations.

In the event you know of someone struggling with methamphetamine addiction, you should quickly get them into treatment.  
Methamphetamines don't only take a toll on those who use them; they have nasty effects on communities, as well. When a house is used to create meth or when someone uses meth inside a house, long-term damage can be created, presenting health risks for any later inhabitants. When meth is created or used, the drug releases dangerous chemicals which embed themselves in carpet, wood and even the walls.  
Decontaminating a house can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so many times the house stays vacant or people end up living in it and dealing with the health problems.  
For now, it is unclear what effects long-term exposure is created for those living in meth-contaminated houses. It is, however, clear that children are most susceptible, with short-term effects including headache, nausea and eye irritation.
There are things anyone can do to protect those they care about. If you witness a house you believe to be a meth lab or where meth is being used, you should contact law enforcement. In addition, if you move into a house and notice your loved ones start to show meth exposure symptoms, you can have your house  tested for a relatively small fee.

Aaron Olson
Director of Promotion, Narconon
Denham Springs, LA