Children
Exposed to Methamphetamine
Several law enforcement, child protective
services, and public health sources correctly address the
potentially serious health risks children face when exposed
to the “cooking” of methamphetamine. There are
both short term and long term physical health effects that
should be considered. The short term and long term psycho-social
effects will not be addressed here.
Short term effects of exposure to the various
solvents, metals, acids, bases ,and toxic gases could include
skin and eye irritation, burns, and respiratory effects
such as cough or asthma.
Long term effects may reflect damage to
the liver, spleen, kidney, respiratory difficulties, delayed
speech and language, and possible neurological damage.
The California
Drug Endangered Children Program estimated that children
in meth-oriented dwellings were:
· 30% sexually abused
· 28% physically abused
· 35% positive for heavy metals
· 30% positive for meth
· 90% already in the “system” for drugs,
truancy, abuse
What
are the health risks of exposure?
ACUTE
EFFECTS REPORTED AFTER METHAMPHETAMINE USE.
SEVERITY |
PHYSICAL
OR PHYSIOLOGICAL |
PSYCHOLOGICAL |
|
LOW1
|
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Diarrhea
Ejaculation delayed
Flushing (skin)
Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes)
Hypertension (? blood pressure)
Locomotor activity ?
Nausea & vomiting
Orgasm intensity
Piloerection (erection of fine hairs in skin - “chicken
skin”)
Pupillary dilatation
(large eye pupils)
RestlessnessSweatingTachycardia
(? heart rate)
Tremulousness (shakiness)
Weight loss (chronic use)
|
Aggression
Agitation
Alertness ?
Anorexia (? appetite)
AnxietyBehavioral changesConfusionEmotional instability
Euphoria (profound well being)
Exacerbation of mental disorders
Exaggerated emotional states
Feeling of self-esteem ?
Feeling of well-being ?
Garrulousness (talkativeness)Hostility
Impulsivity
Irritability
Insomnia
Intensified emotionsLibido, sexuality ?
ParanoiaSensation of ?
mental and physical capabilities
Stereotyped behaviors3
|
HIGH2
|
Cardiac dysrhythmia (arrhythmia)
Cerebrovascular accidents
(stroke, aneurysm rupture, etc.)
Myocardial Infarction
(block in blood flow to heart muscle, a “heart
attack”)
Myocardial Ischemia
(? blood flow to heart muscle)
Acute renal failure
Hyperthermia
(? body temperature)
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Seizures (convulsions)
Death
|
DeliriumDelusions
Hallucinations
Homicide
Suicide
Toxic Psychosis4
Violence
|
1. Low Severity;
Not immediately dangerous to life or health.
2. High Severity; Immediately dangerous
to life or health.
3. Stereotyped behaviors: Skin picking,
pacing, chattering, repetitive movements, etc.
4. Toxic Psychosis: Delusions, hallucinations,
bizarre & violent behavior, psychosis.
Join
the fight today!
For
more information about the Rowan Meth Watch Program
visit www.rowanalliance.com/meth.asp
|
