METAMPHETAMINE DRUG: YOUR NEIGHBOUR COULD BE YOUR KILLER AND KILLER OF YOUR CHILDREN

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. Although methamphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses that are prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. It is produced in domestic super labs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbours, and the environment.

NDLEA chairman, Ahmadu Giade

Methamphetamine is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally, intranasal by snorting the powder, by needle injection, or by smoking.

HIV and Hepatitis Transmission

Transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C can be consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The intoxicating effects of methamphetamine, regardless of how it is taken, can also alter judgment and inhibition and lead people to engage in unsafe behaviours, including risky sexual behaviour. Among abusers who inject the drug, HIV and other infectious diseases can be spread through contaminated needles, syringes, and other injection equipment that is used by more than one person.

Chronic effects: Repeated use of amphetamines induces dependence. Tolerance develops slowly, but amounts several 100-fold greater than the amount originally used may eventually be ingested or injected. Tolerance to various effects develops unequally. Tachycardia and increased alertness diminish, but hallucinations and delusions may occur.
"Amphetamines typically cause erectile dysfunction in men but enhance sexual desire

Environmental Impact of Meth

Methamphetamine distinguishes itself as an illicit drug that not only poses a direct threat to the user, but also to the environment. Environmental contamination is often associated with production, which is suggested to yield the highest levels of contamination as a result of the manufacturing process and improper waste disposal. Smoking meth, however, can also raise contamination concern.

Environments at risk for contamination include indoor and outdoor areas. Indoor contamination can affect any porous surface in the vicinity including plaster, wood, and upholstery. Examples of potentially affected areas include drapes, blinds, appliances, light fixtures, fans, plumbing fixtures, vents, clothing, and toys. Indoor contamination may be identified by abnormal staining or discoloration. Outdoor contamination can affect soil, surface water, groundwater, and sewer systems. Potential outdoor contamination may be identified by burn piles, dead vegetation, and buried trash piles.

As an attempt to better understand methamphetamine contamination, research findings have shown that individuals inside a building during production should be considered contaminated, personnel entering a lab should wear self-contained breathing apparatuses and full skin protection, and everything removed from the lab should be decontaminated.

However, contamination can be managed through effective remediation procedures. Best practices for clean-ups should include the following;

 1) Ventilation of the structure throughout clean-up.

2) Chemical remnants and spills.

 3) Porous materials and household furnishings.

 4) Plumbing and ventilation systems.

 5) Floors, walls, and ceilings.

 6) Repainting.

7) Final ventilation for at least three days.

Meth manufacturing is an environmental nightmare. Environmental concerns are associated both with the meth cooking process and the storage of the many chemicals used to make meth. For every pound of meth that is made, five to six pounds of waste are generated. Those who make meth often dispose of waste by flushing it down toilets, putting it into the trash, dumping it on the ground, pouring it into waterways and leaving it in hotels or public storage facilities.

Waste materials from the drug making process, as well as contaminated glass and equipment, can be explosive, flammable, toxic and, in some concentrations, lethal. Without proper disposal and cleanup, toxic waste from the meth manufacturing process can remain present and active for years. Unsuspecting victims who live in dwellings formerly used as drug labs are among those at greatest risk of long-term exposure because the vapours involved in manufacturing meth are absorbed by wall and floor surfaces, and the chemical ingredients may remain on floors and countertops long after a drug lab has been dismantled. These leftover chemicals cannot be removed by normal cleaning.

As a general rule, if you suspect lab activity, contact law enforcement immediately.

BY NDLEA SPOKESMAN, MITCHELL OFOYEJU