RickScheibner.net

cbs5.com - ‘Candy’ Meth Emerges In Bay Area

If you live or work in an area affected by methamphetamines, you might want to take a close look at this story.

Apparently, a new brand of meth is out on the streets now that is more like candy and less like addictive, illegal drugs.  Labeled “candy meth”, it comes in a variety of fun, colorful flavors that have the potential of appealing to younger kids.  It’s only been around since the beginning of the year, and teenagers are already beginning to show up in the emergency rooms after overdosing on the drug.  At least one kid wasn’t aware that it was even a drug; he was told it was Red Bull energy drink in a solidified form.  This article quotes drug counselor Dr. Alex Stalcup as saying: “This is clearly a drug designed to be introduced to children.”  The article continues:

The usual concern with meth is long-term addiction, but Stalcup said the problem with flavored meth is much more urgent: young users are much more likely to overdose, which means they could quickly end up in the emergency room.

“Just a pinch could be a fatal dose,” Stalcup said.

Scary.  I’ve had enough meth-addicted parents and drug-affected kids come through my office to know first hand how nasty this stuff is.  This is where drug prevention and education can go a long ways.  Show your local DARE officer this article and encourage him to make sure the word gets out.

Technorati Tags: drugs, methamphetamines, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, DARE