2005 Year in Review

Innocent Children Subjected to Meth Dangers

"Meth poses special dangers to children," says Paul McKnight, University of Illinois Extension youth development educator. "Children in meth homes are often subjected to chemical contamination, fire and explosions, firearms, booby traps, abuse and neglect, dangerous living conditions, and social and emotional problems. Illinois law enforcement officials tell us methamphetamine is the fastest growing drug in Illinois and the number one problem drug in rural areas of the state.

In a study released in January 2004, a researcher at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado, stated, "The methamphetamine is deposited everywhere, from walls and carpets to microwaves, tabletops and clothing. Children living in those labs might as well be taking the drug directly."

A child living in a meth lab might:
- Inhale or swallow toxic substances or inhale the secondhand smoke of adults who are using meth
- Receive an injection or an accidental skin prick from discarded needles
- Absorb meth through the skin following contact with contaminated surfaces
- Become ill after directly ingesting chemicals

Children living in homes with meth labs sometimes endure physical and sexual abuse by members of their families or others in the home. Meth abusers frequently become careless, irritable, and violent, often losing their capacity to nurture their children. Many times, these parents fail to protect their children from harm and to provide the essentials needed for survival.

Children living in meth labs may witness violence and watch as their parents are arrested and removed from the home. Hazardous living conditions and filth are common in meth lab homes. The inability of meth-dependent and meth-manufacturing parents to function as competent caregivers increases the chances that a child will be accidentally injured or will ingest drugs and poisonous substances.

Baby bottles may be stored among toxic chemicals. Meth components may be stored in 2-liter soft drink bottles, fruit juice bottles, or in beverage pitchers. Razor blades, syringes, and pipes are often found within a child's reach. Infants are found with meth powder on their clothes, bare feet, and toys.

"Meth can destroy everything in its path," Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has said. "It poses a public safety hazard because of the highly volatile chemicals that are used in its production, frequently causing explosions and fires . Meth also causes serious environmental damage when it is illegally dumped down drains, onto roadsides, or in ditches and farm fields."

"We lose credibility with youth because we tell them drugs are bad, but we don't tell them why," states Dr. Alex Stalcup, medical director of the New Leaf Treatment Center in Lafayette, California, and a nationally recognized expert on methamphetamine addiction and treatment.

Meth injures the chemistry of the brain that enhances pleasure. After short-term use, the drug takes away the pleasure centers in the brain so that no joy can be experienced. Those exposed to meth have trouble with concentration, learning and motivation.

Exposure to low levels of some meth ingredients may produce headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue; exposure to high levels can produce shortness of breath, coughing, chest pains, dizziness, lack of coordination, eye and tissue irritation, chemical burns and death. Chronic exposure may cause cancer; damage the brain, liver, kidney or spleen; and result in birth defects.

As more children are found at home-based labs, law enforcement, medical and social service professionals are showing growing awareness of this enormous problem.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
September 7, 2005