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Archive through April 08, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussion ARCHIVES: 2006 Mar. ~ 2006 May: The Faces of Meth: Archive through April 08, 2006 users admin

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Eeyoreslament
Member

07-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 4:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Eeyoreslament a private message Print Post    
Ok, I'm not running away from this conversation, but I have an essay due by midnight, and I'm avoiding it by hanging out here. I'll be back later.

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 4:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
You better believe that I have shown pictures of lung cancer to my kids. They also know the ravages that alcohol can take on a person and a family, so don't think pictures like these are isolated.
And when did anyone ever take a 'chicken little' position. The ENTIRE point of the pictures was that the drug can take a horrible toll on person. How can anyone deny that or say that it is exaggerating???

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 4:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
Well, I don't see these threads as cattle prods to take action. I see them as forums for sharing and learning from one another.

The visuals are attention-getters, to be sure, but there is nothing wrong with that. Got my attention, and I learned a few things today--and all because those visuals sucked me in. And that's a good thing, isn't it?

There are many issues more important than this one topic--but that shouldn't keep anyone from taking some time to stop by and examine it, even if for an hour. Perhaps just learning that your friend has struggled/is struggling with this type of hell is enough accomplished for one day. And perhaps realizing that someone you care about has learned he/she is not alone in that misery is even better.

The brief examination that's all talk here is not a reflection of inaction in our lives--about those things that get our hearts to beat faster.

. . . Thinking of the song by Cat Stevens: Oh Very Young.

Tater
Member

03-19-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 7:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tater a private message Print Post    
Well said Herc.

Emeraldfire
Member

03-05-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 9:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Emeraldfire a private message Print Post    
I can't help but speak out on this matter. I find it very shocking that someone would discount the danger and devastation that meth causes.

My daughter was addicted to meth. Before she began using she was 5' and weighed 115 lbs. She was living with an abusive boyfriend so she was avoiding me so I wouldn't see what he had done to her. Our city was shut down for two weeks after Hurricane Rita and when we were allowed back in I saw her for the first time in two months and I was so shocked.

Her personality had changed completely and she was weighing in at 82 lbs. She was literally skin and bones. She had no muscles showing in her legs, only her leg bones and knees wrapped in skin. I remember seeing her ribs sticking out and her arms looked like sticks. She looked literally like a skeleton with skin. I immediately called in family for an intervention and we scared the boyfriend off. She hasn't been off of it long but she told me that when she was on it she was starving but the thought of eating nauseated her. She said she would stay up for days at a time. You can tell when someone comes off of it because they begin eating like crazy because their body has been in starvation mode for so long. She ate constantly but wasn't gaining weight. Just recently she has gained 11 pounds and while still extremely skinny she doesn't look like death anymore. She says she still has the urge to do the drug because it is highly addictive, yet she fights the urge and agrees to any random drug test that I do even though she's 20.

There is no way that this drug can be compared to normal prescription drugs because a pharmaceutical company does not produce it, drug users do. As far as comparing it to second hand smoke, watch a documentary about it and you will see that meth labs are often in the houses with children who are breathing in dangerous fumes while it is being made. Policeman have to now wear bio-suits to go into meth labs because before the suits they were suffering lung damage from breathing in the fumes when they busted into the same meth labs that they were bringing innocent children out of along with the producers of meth.

Meth is cut with drano, ammonia, lye and some is cut with urine. It is ludicrous to compare meth with legal drugs made to help with ADD or ADHD. Besides producing weight loss (which is not caused by increased metabolism but tricking the part of the brain into thinking it's not hungry, although the body is actually starving), meth mouth and the sores on the face, it also produces extreme paranoia which in some cases can lead to a total psychotic episode.

As far as fighting the problem, I know that in our city you can no longer buy the cold drugs that are also used to make meth over the counter. The boxes are on the shelves but they are empty and you have to go to the pharmacy counter to get them. This one act has helped to cut down on meth labs.

I know I have probably lost my point in my rambling but I just couldn't get over the shock that not only is concern over the drug being scoffed at, but the it seems the drug itself is being defended. I would hate for a person who may be considering trying this drug for whatever reason to read some of the posts above, think that people are making a big deal out of nothing and make the potentially lethal mistake of trying it. Meth has destroyed many lives and families. It is very dangerous and should not be dismissed so easily.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 10:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
{{{Tigerfan}}}
{{{Vacanick}}}

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 10:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
and {{{Emeraldfire}}}

Thanks for speaking up, Nic, Tiger and Emeraldfire.

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 10:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
What is Meth's appeal? Does it make the user feel good?

It's just hard to imagine being starving, hungry and thin and still feeling good, but I guess that is the power of the drug?

Emeraldfire
Member

03-05-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 10:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Emeraldfire a private message Print Post    
Thank you Herckleperckle, it's been a rough ride.

Jimmer, I wish I knew what makes Meth so attractive. I found out that one of my daughter's friends started taking it to lose weight because he was obese and could never get a date, so I guess some use it initially for weight loss. My daughter said she was curious, tried it said it really didn't make her feel that great but she could stay up and party and then she had to take it because she felt horrible coming down. I know when she got off of it completely she slept for hours a day and ate when she wasn't sleeping.

Since being off of it she now says feels so much better and she's happier than she's been in a long time, but she still thinks about it.

Evidently the drug is not only dangerous but very powerful in its addiction.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
Well, I read that Meth is an upper, Jimmer. I suspect that the high meth imparts (the rush) is what people like initially. They take that plunge (1) because, to begin with, they are curious; (2) because they choose this method (rather than liquor or something else which relaxes them) to escape reality, stresses and anxieties or feelings of doubt or self-loathing; and then (3) because they have become addicted.

Truck drivers took speed to be able to stay on the road longer. Women took diet pills to ward off hunger so they could lose/maintain their weight. Both felt the surge of energy--albeit shaky--which carried them through their days and let them ignore fatigue and hunger.

I remember once working for a small firm (in the 80s) that was holding interviews with prospective programmers. I knew instantly that there was something very wrong with a good-looking and snappily dressed young man who appeared for an interview. He talked too quickly, kept spinning his head around to look around the room, and excused himself immediately to our bathroom.

When he came out (awhile later), he was a different man. He was relaxed and behaved 'normally.' He evidently took the drug while in there.

My former boss was a reformed addict and recognized the signs immediately. This was an articulate and intelligent young man with skills--who we weren't going to hire--and didn't. I always wondered where he landed.

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
While I was dating my ex, he had a spinal fusion, became addicted to pain pills and then was introduced to meth.

In one year he lost his home, his job, custody of his children and visiting rights to them. Three DUI's...(driving while smoking a meth pipe, causing a four car accident, meth and pain pills), two stints in jail and one in rehab.

All this in one year. He pawned everything he owned, let his home foreclose, sold kids furniture for drugs and to get his stuff out of pawn. He lied increasingly, became aggressive and moody.

I'm still recovering from what his meth addiction did to me. My trust is gone. I never knew people could be so mean, lie so well and do anything for a high. He became completely different.

Meth addiction is a slow suicide that permanently damages the brain.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
{{{Kearie, oh Kearie}}} I never knew.

"A slow suicide" -- wow, such a powerful statement. One that is clearly true of the people shown on the poster (that began this thread).

Eeyoreslament
Member

07-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Eeyoreslament a private message Print Post    
Taking a break from my essay...

Emeraldfire, again I am sorry that your daughter went through such a terrible time. I wonder if your story supports my point that meth is an escapist drug. Reality sucks, therefore one chooses to alter their conception of reality via the drug. It's often the reason many people choose to drink or do drugs; they aren't happy with their sober reality.

I'm sorry that you dislike that I am comparing meth to a legal drug. There is no comparison though, they are molecularly identical. There are different routes to the same molecule.

Here is a picture of the Desoxyn molecule, taken from THIS WEBSITE:
d

And here is a picture of a meth molecule, taken from THIS SITE:

m

I have never said that meth is harmless, and you guys are taking that away like I DID say it. I just think that it is over-hyped. Sure, there are extreme cases. I work in the restaurant industry, with a lot of party people. They do meth regularly, in a club atmosphere. Not a single one of them has lost weight, or has thrown their entire life away as a result. Every single one of them is completely functional, and uses the drug the same way one would use alcohol on a weekend.

There are stories of people who have thrown their entire lives away by using alcohol, but there are also a lot of people who manage to have a nice cocktail or glass of wine with dinner, and never have any adverse effects. Extreme cases are the EXCEPTION, not the rule.

The fact is that methamphetamine is a Schedule 2 controlled substance with a high potential for addiction, and therefore should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. But then again, so is Ritalin. The problem does not only lie in the drug itself, but the user as well. Much like alcohol.

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
It was hard Herck.

I watched him snort $100 bucks up his nose in one sitting, then later feel guilty because he couldn't buy a Christmas gift for his kids. (WAAAA) He was a lite user compared to the people he was hanging out with. (We never lived together...thank God)

He will tell you <"it's the brew of Satan. Never try it.>

He put me and my family through hell. We cared about him, believed him and had faith in him. We were gullible and kept believing in him until he took every ounce of hope I had left.

The relationship really left me with a bad taste and really damaged my trust of other people. Now that I'm aware of meth, I see it everywhere. Before dating this guy...I hardly knew it existed.

I resent that he opened the whole ugly world up to me. I don't think I will ever trust enough to date again.

Anyway, I'm going to cry if I don't quit typing. It was very hard.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
Eeyore, I agree that liquor is just as insidious and devastating for some people--and that it touches far more people. I also agree that addiction is linked with a person's makeup.

I'd like clarity from anyone about the uniquely addictive nature of Meth----because tv documentaries time and again have maintained that one exposure is enough to hook many, many individuals.

I realize that could mean that only certain (addictive) personalities seek out a drug like Meth. Or it could be the nature of the drug itself--walloping the unsuspecting kid or soccer mom and keeping them chained to it from that point on. (In contrast to what I have heard about heroin, btw--if the user has limitless funds.)

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 12:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
Okay, I'm turning in. Thinking of all of you dealing with these tough, tough issues.

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 12:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tabbyking a private message Print Post    
eeyore said:
I also notice that only 0.6% of the people used in the last year, and only 0.3% in the last month.
____________________________
maybe it went down because the people died from overdoses.

anyway, about the ravages and lifestyle. a friend's son left with the carnies after our fair about 10 years ago. he was on meth within a few days. when he came home, it was only for a day here and there to steal from his parents.
now, i met this kid when he was 22 and i was maybe 40. he used to come in to where his mom and i worked bingo and tease me and joke around and be a flirty cute kid. i saw him several times for the year or so before he joined the carnival.
well, i saw him the other day after not seeing him for probably 8 years or so. i hid because i was so embarrassed for him. if i'm 51, he can't be older than 33. he looked 60 at least. his face is total wrinkles, his complexion is horrid, his eyes looked dead, he was missing several teeth so his cheeks looked even more sunken. i thought to myself, "that looks like a caricature of jimmy." then i saw his sister and niece come up and put things in the grocery cart he was pushing and the girl called him 'uncle jimmy'. it was him! i wanted to cry for the young man that is forever gone. i literally wanted to throw up i was so shocked an upset.
you can't tell me the pics on the meth page aren't really what happens to a lot of meth users.

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

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 12:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tabbyking a private message Print Post    
<<I just invite you to have someone take crystal meth in a clean, nurturing environment, with tons of food and a healthy living environment, where they do not have to also worry about obtaining the drug (unlimited supply).>>


wow. why would i want someone to start a bad habit in any environment?!
i feel like it would be the same rationalization to say, "come on kids, it's okay to smoke. we have health insurance."

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 12:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tabbyking a private message Print Post    
and tiger, i am so proud of you for having the courage to quit using and the courage to share your very personal past with us. you have gone from one hour at a time to one day at a time to eight years!
i think that's terrific!

vacanick and emerald, your posts make it obvous that it's not only the users who suffer.

Eeyoreslament
Member

07-20-2003

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 12:44 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Eeyoreslament a private message Print Post    
Herck, there is an interesting theory put forth by Blum, called Reward Deficiency Syndrome. It posits that people with a specific A1 allele for dopamine receptors are more likely to succumb to addictive/obsessive/compulsive behaviors. While most academics refute his claims, it's certainly an interesting read. I did a project on it. Many "addiction" sites cling to it.

http://www.recoveryemporium.com/AmSci.htm


* * * * *

Kearie - sorry I missed your post while I was typing mine out. You can't let yourself avoid future relationships because of a past one. I hope you talk to someone about this, as family members of addicts need just as much help and counselling as the addicts themselves. I hope things take a better turn for you. There ARE great people out there, and I hope you find that good feeling again someday.

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 12:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tabbyking a private message Print Post    
{{{kearie}}}

Skootz
Member

07-23-2003

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 5:22 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skootz a private message Print Post    
all I can say is wow! Personally, I am scared to death of Meth. I have never known anyone personally that has taken this drug.

Thanks for the posting the faces of Meth Herckie..it certainly is something we all should look at what this drug can do to a person.

To all of you that have been overcoming an addiction to this drug, and to all that have been affected by it though family and friends that have been addicted: {{{{{hugs}}}}}

There is one thing of looking at the pictures of the faces of Meth, however it certainly another to be able to read first hand what this drug can do to a person and their family. It is scary and I do hope the best for each and everyone that has spoke or read here.



Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 6:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
wow. why would i want someone to start a bad habit in any environment?!
i feel like it would be the same rationalization to say, "come on kids, it's okay to smoke. we have health insurance."


great point, Tabby!!!

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 8:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
I'd have to look up the references at some point, but it is my understanding that meth use in the midwest is higher than any other drug use and is an increasingly growing problem. I live in a small midwest town, population of about 40-50,000. In the last few years, we have on average 1-2 meth house busts per month.

Worse yet, it is just coming to light that homes in which meth was manufactured leave residue that is physically damaging, and even lethal, to the next young residents. We are now forcing legislation to make these houses become publicly listed, so that unsuspecting young families aren't further devastated.

One of the reasons that meth is so highly addictive is because it changes brain structure in such a way as to make it difficult to have the sensation of pleasure without the drug.

There are many studies that show that meth use is stable, while meth addiction is growing. That's the frightening statistic.

Eeyoreslament
Member

07-20-2003

Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 8:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Eeyoreslament a private message Print Post    
What structure does it change, Kar?

(I know it stimulates the 'reward pathway', but I wasn't aware that it changes actual brain structure...)