Methamphetamines in Nebraska

Methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth” has been described as, “A trip from hell and not always back”. This drug is often times compared to cocaine, and while the euphoric affect is similar, the differences are vast.   Cocaine is plant derived, which means the body will break it down, metabolize, then rid itself from the body. 

Methamphetamine, however, is man-made with ingredients that the body cannot break down or metabolize. This means that meth will remain in the body for longer periods of time.  For example, fifty percent of cocaine is removed from the body within one-hour, while it takes up to 12 hours to remove fifty percent of methamphetamine from a body

Methamphetamines are very damaging to the body and brain, especially with repeated used.  Long-term use of methamphetamines can cause brain damage which in turn causes problems with memory and body movement.  As with all drugs, methamphetamine abuse is not a victimless crime; its youngest victims are children. 

Children who live at or visit homes where meth is produced are faced with acute health and safety risks, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as medical neglect.  Children are more apt to have hand to mouth contact and physical contact with their environment. This increases the likelihood that they will inhale, absorb, or ingest toxic chemicals, drugs, or contaminated food.  Their physiological characteristics (such as higher metabolic and respiratory rates and a developing central nervous system) leave them vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemical exposures.

In 1994 the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 63 meth labs.  That figure climbed to 879 in 1996 and 1,627 in 1998.  Meth lab seizures have gone up 577% nationally since 1995.  Meth is man made and can be produced inexpensively.  According to drug-statistics.com, meth is a bigger problem in the Midwest, where meth accounts for nearly 90% of all drug cases.