Methamphetamine Use On The Rise In Kentucky

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Methamphetamine on the Rise in Kentucky

The phenomenon of Methamphetamine use and distribution is rising in our country. With this growing problem, the state of Kentucky is right at the top of the list. Manufacturing alone has more than tripled over the past four years, in the state of Kentucky. Given the rural areas and large vacant buildings, Kentucky has quickly become a breeding ground for Methamphetamine. A necessary additive for production anhydrous ammonia is available at many farm stores in the state. This phenomenon is largely costing the tax payers, as well as, putting our future generation in jeopardy. Given statistical data on the increased use and manufacturing, a definite problem is noted.

This particular drug couples society with many damaging effects. Society is put in great danger with Methamphetamine users integrated amongst the other population. Children playing in parks and other recreational areas are at risk for exposure to needles left from users. Children who live in homes where there is methamphetamine use or production are at risk for exposure to the drug. Exposure to the toxic substance could cause developmental impairments and ultimately could be life threatening. Children are again put in the crossfire of Methamphetamine when they lose a parent due to a lethal dose, or a parent goes to jail. Many states have formed a Drug Endangered Children’s Program; this program has fought to change Legislation. Due to DEC many states have made extra efforts to protect children from Methamphetamine, unfortunately Kentucky is not a state involved in this program.

One may ask, what is methamphetamine and some of the side effect associated with use. Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphe...

... middle of paper ...

...tistical data put forth that the phenomenon of using and manufacturing methamphetamine is rising in our country. The state of Kentucky, particularly the rural areas, is being taken over by the use and manufacturing of meth. This phenomenon is largely costing the tax payers, as well as, putting our future generation in jeopardy. This author feels it is important for the Kentucky Legislative to look at the numbers, the cost and proper treatment in order to deal with this large problem correctly. Passing one law to decrease the manufacturing by less than ten percent isn’t enough.

Works Cited

http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/meth.html

http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs1/1466/1466p.pdf

http://www.raconline.org/info_guides/meth/methfaq.php#use

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/enforce/dr_endangered_child.html#dec_prog

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methamphetamine

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