Question about crystal meth

Specialties NICU

Published

No I don't want any! But here in the midwest we are seeing more & more young mom's hocked on this. Often times the baby's mec screen is neg...but mom was positive...I understand the half life is short or something that explains this?

I was wondering, why does this effect the health of the user's teeth? And also I understand this is one of the hardest addictions to break...why?

I thought since many of you folks work in such bigger cities you'd know more about it because you've seen it more in you population maybe?

Specializes in NICU, Educ, IC, CM, EOC.

Also for "drug mannerisms" our sheriff's dept gave an update to the medical staff and said to watch for picking at the skin. The meth metabolizes through the skin and causes "Meth bites" that look like bug bites and itch.

Has anyone heard of any connection b/t meth and lower levels of amniotic fluid? Was wondering, if meth dries up the mouth, could it impact other things in the body (like amniotic fluid) as well? I've seen some meth moms with oligohydramnios but don't know if that was general poor health or if it was somehow r/t the meth itself. Can't find any good research in a very abbreviated search on line.

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Specializes in home health, LTC, assisted living.

Part of the problem is that it is relatively cheap to make, and made out of stuff anyone can buy, like brake cleaner, cold medicines and whatnot. :bugeyes:

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It seems to me lately there has been more & more in the news about this issue, and I think that is good. Hopefully the right people are listening.

Man if you were a school nurse there would be so much to teach...but yet the kids wouldn't want to listen.

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Specializes in ABMT.

Do you guys think it would be stupid to write or talk to someone in law inforcement to see if one could help on the medical end? Any ideas??

No, I don't think it would be stupid at all. Law enforcement around here has been pretty active the last few years in doing information sessions at community colleges and even at one hospital that I can think of, to help the general public AND medical professionals to know what to look for and how to deal with meth labs. When law enforcement and medical people get together re: crystal meth, a lot of info can be disseminated.

The problem with meth makes me want to cry. Big problem around here--rural, poor economy contributes heavily I think. NC recently passed legislation to put sudafed behind the counter & require ID for ppl to buy it & the amt they can buy is limited. Such a sad, sad mess.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
NC recently passed legislation to put sudafed behind the counter & require ID for ppl to buy it & the amt they can buy is limited. Such a sad, sad mess.

Similar legislation is under consideration here in NE. Unfortunately, I believe it to be an example of "feel good" legislation. The lawmakers pat themselves on the back, saying "Gee, we're tough on meth producers," when in reality, it will have little to no effect on the production of the drug. Does anyone really believe that meth producers go into Wal-Mart and buy Sudafed over the counter? He** no, they order tons of it over the internet. So the only one inconvenienced by this stupid legislation is the legitimate cold sufferer who can't get his/her hands on cold medicine because the pharmacist is off duty, or because s/he is under 18 years of age. Makes my blood boil!

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We're having an increased problem in S.C. One of my friends sons just got put in jail for dealing it! I did some reading on it, and one reason it's so bad is that the addictive effects stay in the body longer than some drugs, so the addicts have to stay clean longer in order to get it out of their system. I don't think people realize how deadly it is!

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Did anyone see Oprah today...it was about meth abuse.

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I did...it was interesting that the expert they had on said that addicts literally become sociopaths--kinda jives with some of the nurses experiences here on how selfish the moms are--they don't have a conscience when they're on the stuff...and it literally puts holes in your brain! t.

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I did...it was interesting that the expert they had on said that addicts literally become sociopaths--kinda jives with some of the nurses experiences here on how selfish the moms are--they don't have a conscience when they're on the stuff...and it literally puts holes in your brain! t.

I was glad she has addressed the issue and hope she does more...it is a scarey thing isn't it.

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