ohio resource network 1 methamphetamine abuse and clandestine laboratories national crime...

Ohio Resource Network www.ebasedOhio Resource Network www.ebasedprevention.orgprevention.org

11

Methamphetamine Abuse Methamphetamine Abuse and and

Clandestine LaboratoriesClandestine Laboratories

National Crime Prevention CouncilNational Crime Prevention Council20062006


22

This presentation is provided byThis presentation is provided by

Eric T. HallEric T. Hall

The Ohio Resource Network for Safe and The Ohio Resource Network for Safe and Drug Free Schools and CommunitiesDrug Free Schools and Communities

University of CincinnatiUniversity of Cincinnati

2624 Clifton Avenue2624 Clifton Avenue

433 Teachers College433 Teachers College

Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0109Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0109

Phone: 800-788-7254 (option #2)Phone: 800-788-7254 (option #2)

Fax: 513-556-0782Fax: 513-556-0782

E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]


33

OverviewOverview

History of MethHistory of Meth What is MethWhat is Meth What does Meh look likeWhat does Meh look like

Street namesStreet namesSigns, symptoms and methods of Signs, symptoms and methods of

useuseSide effects of meth abuseSide effects of meth abuse

Abuse patterns and treatmentAbuse patterns and treatment Types of Clandestine labsTypes of Clandestine labs Dangers associated with clandestine labsDangers associated with clandestine labs


44

History of MethamphetamineHistory of Methamphetamine

Early 1900sEarly 1900sWW IIWW II1950s1950s1960s1960sVietnam WarVietnam War19701970


55

What is Methamphetamine?What is Methamphetamine?

Meth is a Schedule II controlled substance.Meth is a Schedule II controlled substance.It is manufactured in clandestine labs.It is manufactured in clandestine labs.It is easily made using household chemicals. No It is easily made using household chemicals. No formal chemistry training is needed.formal chemistry training is needed.The FDA currently approves of The FDA currently approves of pharmacologically prepared meth for treatment pharmacologically prepared meth for treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and short term weight loss. Also for treatment short term weight loss. Also for treatment research for narcolepsy, a rare sleeping research for narcolepsy, a rare sleeping disorder.disorder.


66

What is Methamphetamine?What is Methamphetamine?

A powerful stimulantA powerful stimulant

Meth is a strong central nervous system Meth is a strong central nervous system stimulant that activates certain systems in stimulant that activates certain systems in the brain.the brain.

The pleasurable effects of meth result The pleasurable effects of meth result from the stimulation of the release of the from the stimulation of the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.


77

Meth’s Effect on the BrainMeth’s Effect on the Brain


88

Why Methamphetamine?Why Methamphetamine?


99

What Meth Looks LikeWhat Meth Looks Like

Typically, meth is a white, odorless Typically, meth is a white, odorless powder that easily dissolves in water.powder that easily dissolves in water.

Another form is clear chunky crystals Another form is clear chunky crystals (crystal meth).(crystal meth).

It can also be in the form of a small, It can also be in the form of a small, brightly colored tablet called “yaba”brightly colored tablet called “yaba”

which is Thai for “crazy medicine.”which is Thai for “crazy medicine.”


1010

What Meth Looks LikeWhat Meth Looks Like


1111

Street NamesStreet Names

SpeedSpeed

CrankCrank

Ice Ice

Crystal MethCrystal Meth

GlassGlass

FireFire

CryptoCrypto


1212

Methods of UseMethods of UseOrally Ingested:Orally Ingested: “ “NO RUSHNO RUSH””

Bitter taste. Effects last 15-20 minutes.Bitter taste. Effects last 15-20 minutes.Inhaled /SnortedInhaled /Snorted: “: “NO RUSHNO RUSH””

Burns linings of nostrilsBurns linings of nostrils. . Effects last 3-5 Effects last 3-5 minutes.minutes.Smoked: Smoked: (Highly addictive) (Highly addictive) ““RUSHRUSH””

Heat and inhale vapor. Effects immediate, last Heat and inhale vapor. Effects immediate, last only a few minutes.only a few minutes. Injected:Injected: (Highly addictive) “ (Highly addictive) “RUSHRUSH””

Dangers associated with shared needles. Dangers associated with shared needles. Effects same as smoking.Effects same as smoking.


1313

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

Methamphetamine use dilates the pupils Methamphetamine use dilates the pupils and produces temporary hyperactivity, and produces temporary hyperactivity, euphoria, and a sense of increased euphoria, and a sense of increased energy, tremors, and increased heart rate, energy, tremors, and increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing.rate of breathing.


1414

Side EffectsSide Effects

Meth is Meth is HIGHLY ADDICTIVEHIGHLY ADDICTIVE..

Short term side effects:Short term side effects:

IncreasedIncreased heart rate, blood pressure, body heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and respiration. Alertness, temperature, and respiration. Alertness, insomnia, euphoria, clouded mental insomnia, euphoria, clouded mental functioning, possible tremors and functioning, possible tremors and convulsions, and convulsions, and decreased decreased appetite. appetite.


1515

Side EffectsSide Effects

Long term side effects:Long term side effects:Dependence, tolerance, addiction, psychosis Dependence, tolerance, addiction, psychosis (paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, (paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, delusions, mood disturbances), weight loss, delusions, mood disturbances), weight loss, stroke, irregular heart beat, high blood stroke, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, skin abscess, acute lead poisoning.pressure, skin abscess, acute lead poisoning.

Damage to the brain is similar to Parkinson’s Damage to the brain is similar to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and epilepsy.epilepsy.


1616

Abuse PatternsAbuse Patterns

Meth abuse has three patterns:Meth abuse has three patterns:

1.1. Low intensityLow intensity

2.2. BingeBinge

3.3. High intensityHigh intensity


1717


1818

WithdrawalWithdrawal

Abuser becomes depressed, loses ability to Abuser becomes depressed, loses ability to experience pleasure.experience pleasure.

Becomes lethargic, has no energy.Becomes lethargic, has no energy.

Craving for more meth hits.Craving for more meth hits.

May become suicidal.May become suicidal.

If more meth is taken at any point during the If more meth is taken at any point during the withdrawal, the unpleasant feelings will end. withdrawal, the unpleasant feelings will end. Consequently, the success rate for Consequently, the success rate for rehabilitation is very low. 93 % will return to rehabilitation is very low. 93 % will return to abuse meth.abuse meth.


1919


2020

Dangerous TweakersDangerous Tweakers

Are extremely unpredictable, irritable, and Are extremely unpredictable, irritable, and short tempered.short tempered.

Probably have not slept in 3-15 days.Probably have not slept in 3-15 days.

Crave more meth, but no dosage will recreate Crave more meth, but no dosage will recreate the high. Tweakers become very frustrated.the high. Tweakers become very frustrated.

No one knows for certain what will trigger a No one knows for certain what will trigger a tweaker to be violent. He exists in his own tweaker to be violent. He exists in his own world, seeing and hearing things others don’t. world, seeing and hearing things others don’t. Hallucinations seem real.Hallucinations seem real.


2121

Tweaker Physical SignsTweaker Physical Signs Can appear normalCan appear normal. Eyes are clear, speech . Eyes are clear, speech concise, and movements brisk.concise, and movements brisk.A closer look:A closer look: Eyes are moving 10 times Eyes are moving 10 times faster than normal and may roll. Speaks in a faster than normal and may roll. Speaks in a quick often steady voice with slight quiver, quick often steady voice with slight quiver, and movements are exaggerated, quick and and movements are exaggerated, quick and jerky due to being over stimulated. Thinking is jerky due to being over stimulated. Thinking is scattered and subject to paranoid delusions.scattered and subject to paranoid delusions.

Needs no provocation to react violentlyNeeds no provocation to react violently..


2222

Safety Tips for Dealing With a TweakerSafety Tips for Dealing With a Tweaker

Keep a social distance.Keep a social distance.

Do not shine bright lights at them.Do not shine bright lights at them.

Slow your speech and lower the pitch.Slow your speech and lower the pitch.

Slow your movements.Slow your movements.

Keep your hands visible.Keep your hands visible.

Keep the tweaker talking.Keep the tweaker talking.

Discontinue any activity or discussion Discontinue any activity or discussion that seems to irritate the tweaker.that seems to irritate the tweaker.


2323

Other ConcernsOther ConcernsWeaponsWeapons:: Many abusers maintain weapons. Many abusers maintain weapons.HostageHostage:: May take hostage if he feels May take hostage if he feels cornered.cornered.Domestic ViolenceDomestic Violence:: Abusers can be Abusers can be dangerous and unpredictable.dangerous and unpredictable.Vehicle AccidentsVehicle Accidents:: Abusers have Abusers have hallucinations and delusions. Paranoia may hallucinations and delusions. Paranoia may cause erratic driving.cause erratic driving.Crimes of OpportunityCrimes of Opportunity:: Abusers commit Abusers commit robberies, thefts, assaults, and burglaries.robberies, thefts, assaults, and burglaries.


2424

Other Concerns ContinuedOther Concerns ContinuedAlcohol:Alcohol: If a tweaker chooses to ease his If a tweaker chooses to ease his discomfort with alcohol, identifying him as a discomfort with alcohol, identifying him as a tweaker and reasoning with him becomes tweaker and reasoning with him becomes difficult. Rapid eye movement and quick difficult. Rapid eye movement and quick speech might actually slow to normal speed.speech might actually slow to normal speed.Tweakers using alcohol are ordinarily not Tweakers using alcohol are ordinarily not concerned with the consequences of their concerned with the consequences of their actions. A situation can quickly lead to actions. A situation can quickly lead to violence.violence.


2525

TreatmentTreatmentThere are no pharmacological treatments for There are no pharmacological treatments for meth dependency. Antidepressant meth dependency. Antidepressant medications can be used to combat the medications can be used to combat the depressive symptoms of withdrawal.depressive symptoms of withdrawal.The most effective treatment for meth The most effective treatment for meth addiction is cognitive behavioral addiction is cognitive behavioral interventions, which modify patient’s thinking, interventions, which modify patient’s thinking, expectations, and behavior while increasing expectations, and behavior while increasing coping skills to deal with life stressors. Deal coping skills to deal with life stressors. Deal with physical, mental and emotional addiction. with physical, mental and emotional addiction. Recovery support groups are somewhat Recovery support groups are somewhat effective.effective.


2626

Types of LabsTypes of Labs

There are generally two types ofThere are generally two types of

clandestine meth drug labs. clandestine meth drug labs.

1.1. Super LabsSuper Labs

2.2. ““Mom and Pop” LabsMom and Pop” Labs


2727

Super LabsSuper Labs

A large, highly organized lab that can A large, highly organized lab that can manufacture 10 or more pounds manufacture 10 or more pounds

($4,500- $20,000 street value) of meth per ($4,500- $20,000 street value) of meth per production cycle. To date, these labs are production cycle. To date, these labs are concentrated in Southern California and concentrated in Southern California and Mexico. According to the Drug Mexico. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration they account Enforcement Administration they account for 80 percent of all meth produced.for 80 percent of all meth produced.


2828

““Mom and Pop” LabsMom and Pop” Labs

These labs are more common and These labs are more common and manufacture only one to four ounces of manufacture only one to four ounces of meth per production cycle ($500- $2,700 meth per production cycle ($500- $2,700 street value). Their operators typically street value). Their operators typically produce enough drugs for their own and produce enough drugs for their own and close associates’ use, and just enough close associates’ use, and just enough extra to sell to others to finance the extra to sell to others to finance the purchase of production chemicals.purchase of production chemicals.


2929

Ephedrine ReductionEphedrine ReductionRed Phosphorous Method:Red Phosphorous Method: (Most popular) (Most popular)

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, also red Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, also red phosphorous usually taken from strips on phosphorous usually taken from strips on matchboxes, are main ingredients.matchboxes, are main ingredients.

Produces phosphine gas, which can be Produces phosphine gas, which can be lethal.lethal.

Primary Methods of Meth Primary Methods of Meth ProductionProduction


3030

Meth Production ContinuedMeth Production Continued

Nazi Method:Nazi Method: (Birch) (Birch)

Uses anhydrous ammonia (liquid fertilizer).Uses anhydrous ammonia (liquid fertilizer).

More frequent in farming and rural areas.More frequent in farming and rural areas.

Other ingredients are pseudoephedrine, Other ingredients are pseudoephedrine, and lithium.and lithium.

Can produce a cloud of ammonia gas, Can produce a cloud of ammonia gas, which is also extremely dangerous. which is also extremely dangerous.


3131

Meth Production ContinuedMeth Production Continued

P2P Method:P2P Method: (phenyl-2-Propanone) (phenyl-2-Propanone) Outlaw motorcycle bikers prefer this Outlaw motorcycle bikers prefer this

method of manufacturing meth.method of manufacturing meth. By the 1990’s, Ephedrine reduction By the 1990’s, Ephedrine reduction

became more popular, and the P2P became more popular, and the P2P method was less used.method was less used.

Now accounts for less than 2 percent of Now accounts for less than 2 percent of meth labs seized.meth labs seized.


3232

Signs of a Meth LabSigns of a Meth LabFrequent visitors at all times of day and night.Frequent visitors at all times of day and night.Activity at the house is usually at odd hours.Activity at the house is usually at odd hours.Occupants appear unemployed, yet have Occupants appear unemployed, yet have plenty of money.plenty of money.Extensive security.Extensive security.Windows blacked out, or curtains drawn.Windows blacked out, or curtains drawn.Chemical odors coming from the house.Chemical odors coming from the house.

(ammonia, cat urine)(ammonia, cat urine)Garbage contains numerous bottles and Garbage contains numerous bottles and containers, stained filter/sheets from red containers, stained filter/sheets from red phosphorus, or has a chemical odor.phosphorus, or has a chemical odor.


3333


3434


3535


3636


3737

Household EquipmentHousehold Equipment

Tempered glass baking dishes, glass or Tempered glass baking dishes, glass or plastic jugs, jars, paper towels or filters, plastic jugs, jars, paper towels or filters, funnels, rubber tubing/gloves, buckets, funnels, rubber tubing/gloves, buckets, blenders, gas can, tape, clamps, hot plate, blenders, gas can, tape, clamps, hot plate, strainer, turkey baster, plastic storage strainer, turkey baster, plastic storage containers, ice chests, measuring cups, containers, ice chests, measuring cups, aluminum foil, lab beakers, towels, aluminum foil, lab beakers, towels, matches, propane cylinder. matches, propane cylinder.


3838

Equipment:Equipment:


3939


4040


4141


4242


4343


4444

ChemicalsChemicals

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (cold Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (cold tablets), alcohol,(rubbing/gas additive) tablets), alcohol,(rubbing/gas additive) toluene(brake fluid), ether(engine starter), toluene(brake fluid), ether(engine starter), sulfuric acid(drain cleaner), sulfuric acid(drain cleaner), lithium(batteries), anhydrous lithium(batteries), anhydrous ammonia(farm fertilizer), red ammonia(farm fertilizer), red phosphorous(matches), iodine(vet. phosphorous(matches), iodine(vet. products),sodium hydroxide(lye), rock salt, products),sodium hydroxide(lye), rock salt, trichloroethane(gun scrubber), kitty litter. trichloroethane(gun scrubber), kitty litter.


4545

Chemicals:Chemicals:


4646


4747


4848

Dangers Caused by Dangers Caused by Clandestine LabsClandestine Labs

Physical InjuryPhysical Injury

Mixing chemicals in clan drug labs creates Mixing chemicals in clan drug labs creates substantial risks of explosions, fires, substantial risks of explosions, fires, chemical burns, and toxic fume inhalation. chemical burns, and toxic fume inhalation. These risks not only apply to the people These risks not only apply to the people running the lab, but also neighbors, running the lab, but also neighbors, emergency first responders (law emergency first responders (law enforcement and fire), and hazardous enforcement and fire), and hazardous materials clean up crews. materials clean up crews.


4949


5050


5151


5252

CHILD ENDANGERMENTCHILD ENDANGERMENT


5353

By The NumbersBy The Numbers

According to the DEA:According to the DEA:

8,000 meth labs were seized nationwide.8,000 meth labs were seized nationwide.

3,300 children were found in them.3,300 children were found in them.

48 were burned or injured.48 were burned or injured.

1 was killed.1 was killed.

Countless were removed from their Countless were removed from their parents’ custody.parents’ custody.


5454

Chemical ContaminationChemical Contamination

Children may:Children may:

Inhale or swallow toxic substances or second-hand Inhale or swallow toxic substances or second-hand smoke of adults using meth, causing headache, smoke of adults using meth, causing headache, nausea, dizziness, eye and respiratory irritation, and nausea, dizziness, eye and respiratory irritation, and shortness of breath.shortness of breath.

Receive an injection or accidental skin prick from Receive an injection or accidental skin prick from discarded needles or other paraphernalia.discarded needles or other paraphernalia.

Absorb meth and other toxic chemicals through the Absorb meth and other toxic chemicals through the skin following contact with contaminated surfaces, skin following contact with contaminated surfaces, clothing, and food.clothing, and food.


5555

Fire and ExplosionsFire and Explosions

Approximately 15 percent of meth labs are Approximately 15 percent of meth labs are discovered as a result of fire or explosion. discovered as a result of fire or explosion. Some causes include:Some causes include:

Careless handling and over heating volatile Careless handling and over heating volatile chemicals and waste, and unsafe chemicals and waste, and unsafe manufacturing methods.manufacturing methods.

Improperly labeled and incompatible chemicals Improperly labeled and incompatible chemicals are often stored together or left on stove tops are often stored together or left on stove tops near an ignition source accessible to children.near an ignition source accessible to children.


5656

Abuse and NeglectAbuse and NeglectChildren living at meth labs are at increased risk of Children living at meth labs are at increased risk of severe neglect and physical and sexual abusesevere neglect and physical and sexual abuse

(by family members and others).(by family members and others).Parents and caregivers who are meth dependent Parents and caregivers who are meth dependent become careless, irritable, and violent, often losing become careless, irritable, and violent, often losing their capacity to nurture the children.their capacity to nurture the children.Older siblings often assume the role of caregiver.Older siblings often assume the role of caregiver.Children may experience added trauma of Children may experience added trauma of witnessing, or being forced to participate in violence, witnessing, or being forced to participate in violence, having to care for an incapacitated or injured parent, having to care for an incapacitated or injured parent, or watch police arrest a parent.or watch police arrest a parent.


5757

Hazardous LifestyleHazardous LifestyleMeth homes often lack heating, cooling, Meth homes often lack heating, cooling, proper ventilation, legally provided electricity, proper ventilation, legally provided electricity, running water, or refrigeration.running water, or refrigeration.

Living and playing areas are contaminated Living and playing areas are contaminated with chemicals, rotten food, condoms, and with chemicals, rotten food, condoms, and infested with rodents and insects. Toilets and infested with rodents and insects. Toilets and tubs are backed up or inoperable.tubs are backed up or inoperable.

There is exposure and accessibility to There is exposure and accessibility to weapons, guns, and booby traps.weapons, guns, and booby traps.


5858

Social ProblemsSocial ProblemsChildren often exhibit low self esteem, a sense Children often exhibit low self esteem, a sense of shame, and poor social skills. They may of shame, and poor social skills. They may experience emotional and mental health experience emotional and mental health problems, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school problems, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school absenteeism and failure, isolation, and poor absenteeism and failure, isolation, and poor peer relations. Many will imitate parents as peer relations. Many will imitate parents as adults.adults.

Many exhibit an attachment disorder caused Many exhibit an attachment disorder caused when parents fail to respond to a child’s basic when parents fail to respond to a child’s basic needs. For example, the child doesn’t cry when needs. For example, the child doesn’t cry when separated, or they develop an inability to trust, separated, or they develop an inability to trust, form relationships, and adapt. form relationships, and adapt.


5959

Other RisksOther Risks

Dangerous animals trained to protect illegal Dangerous animals trained to protect illegal meth lab.meth lab.

Exposure to pornographic materials and overt Exposure to pornographic materials and overt sexual activity.sexual activity.

May be directly involved in manufacturing May be directly involved in manufacturing meth without protective or safety gear.meth without protective or safety gear.

Unaware victims like neighbors, schools etc.Unaware victims like neighbors, schools etc.


6060

Risks ContinuedRisks Continued

Pregnancy ConcernsPregnancy Concerns

Environmental HazardsEnvironmental Hazards

Criminal EnvironmentCriminal Environment


6161

Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste


6262

FIRE DANGERSFIRE DANGERS


6363

Fire DangersFire Dangers::


6464


6565

What You Can DoWhat You Can DoFirst and foremost, First and foremost, DO NOTDO NOT touch any material or touch any material or investigate. Contact local law enforcement.investigate. Contact local law enforcement.Be vigilant and watch for clues of meth production.Be vigilant and watch for clues of meth production.Get to know your neighbor.Get to know your neighbor.Screen prospective tenants.Screen prospective tenants.Educate store owners to watch their inventory for Educate store owners to watch their inventory for frequent or large quantities of products purchased frequent or large quantities of products purchased which are used in meth production.which are used in meth production.Educate hotel and housekeeping staff to be alert to Educate hotel and housekeeping staff to be alert to suspicious behavior, odors, stains, and discarded suspicious behavior, odors, stains, and discarded items.items.


6666

Reality CheckReality Check

“It’s like selling your soul to the devil. When I was high, I felt alive for the first time in my life. While I was using, I thought nothing could touch me. I was beautiful and perfect in my meth world. In the real world, my body was rotting from the inside out.” --Former meth user


6767


6868


6969

ResourcesResources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (SAMHSA)Administration. (SAMHSA)

Office of National Drug Control Policy. (ONDCP)Office of National Drug Control Policy. (ONDCP)

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (NIDA)National Institute on Drug Abuse. (NIDA)

National Institute of Mental Health. (NIMH)National Institute of Mental Health. (NIMH)

National Criminal Justice Reference Service. National Criminal Justice Reference Service. (NCJRS)(NCJRS)

National Drug Intelligence Center. (NDIC)National Drug Intelligence Center. (NDIC)


7070

Resources ContinuedResources Continued

www.www.ebasedpreventionebasedprevention.org.org

www.methresources.govwww.methresources.gov

www.methwatch.comwww.methwatch.com

www.kci.org/meth_infowww.kci.org/meth_info

www.justthinktwice.comwww.justthinktwice.com


7171

National Crime Prevention CouncilNational Crime Prevention Council

1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW1000 Connecticut Avenue, NWThirteenth FloorThirteenth Floor

Washington, DC 20036Washington, DC 20036202-466-6272202-466-6272

202-296-1356 (fax)202-296-1356 (fax)www.ncpc.orgwww.ncpc.org

Used with permission from the Ohio Resource NetworkUsed with permission from the Ohio Resource NetworkSeptember 2006September 2006


7272

Presenter Contact InformationPresenter Contact Information

ohio resource network 1 methamphetamine abuse and clandestine laboratories national crime...

Documents