Methamphetamine is a problem

[curly sue]

Hey everyone,

I just got back from the national student nurse's convention where I submitted a resolution to be discussed. It was about increasing education for health care professionals and women about the use and effects of meth during pregnancy. However, it was not accepted due to the fact that the board chair from Florida said the topic was too specific. He said that meth was not a problem in Florida and therefore he needed prrof that it was more of a national problem. I feel that methamphetamine is a national problem. So for those of you who agree with me, what do you think we as future and current RN's do about this growing problem?

[Nesher, BSN, RN]

It is a HUGE problem in Washington state for some reason. Most grocery stores have stuff in locked cabinets or behind the pharmacy so you have to ask for it.

[oregonrene]

Huge problem here in Oregon too, and all accounts say it will be everywhere very soon. So maybe it's not a problem in Florida... yet. :angryfire

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

HUGE HUGE issue in the midwest where meth labs are seemingly busted daily.

It shouldn't be limited to the problems with meth use during pregnancy - ain't exactly healthy for other folks .

I'm thinking the DEA website should have some info. Will see what I can find.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It is indeed a big problem in Florida, but in the gay community. It's devasting the gay community, but they probably don't matter.

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/methtour.html

The tour may not be ongoing, but the info is good...

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

HUGE problem in California, especially here in Northern California.

I think the Board Chair has his head stuck firmly in the sand.

steph

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I agree with Stevie. LOL

The midwest is seeing a huge growth in meth labs.

A more prudent rebuttle question would have been. If there isnt a growing problem with meth,, why are they limiting the purchase of certain OTC medications and moving certain medications behind the counters so people will have to get it from a pharmacist? I would think this point would have made your case.

[Birdie RN]

I agree with Stevie. LOL

The midwest is seeing a huge growth in meth labs.

A more prudent rebuttle question would have been. If there isnt a growing problem with meth,, why are they limiting the purchase of certain OTC medications and moving certain medications behind the counters so people will have to get it from a pharmacist? I would think this point would have made your case.

Major problem out here in west Texas, and I think perhaps more with women than men- just what I notice.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Major problem in central IL!!! Due to the farming industry (anhydrous ammonia is all over the place), meth is easy to make and in rural areas (like where I live), meth labs are found all over the place. IL recently enacted a law that requires mandatory jail and removal of children from the premises for meth lab adult occupants when children are found in the home where meth is being made. It is a very dangerous process. We have in-services frequently on our rural volunteer fire dept/EMS squad on how to approach suspected meth labs. They catch on fire all the time!

[enfermeraSG]

It is also a huge problem in Colorado as well. The only way that I can think of to prove this is documentation, meaning that every state would have to track the cases (just like we do for the flu). I don't know how these research/survey type things are started or carried out, but I think you would then be armed with nationwide statistics to bring to the board. SG

[dmrnurse]

Its a pervasive problem in Georgia as well. We've had several stories in the local news about rather large meth labs being raided -- some in "nice" neighborhoods. I believe that some of the counties are pursuing locking up or more closely monitoring the OTC meds used in meth production in pharmacies and grocery stories.