Meth Production Threatens Children's Safety, New Book

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 22 May 2008 - 1:00 PST

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It's been said that drug use is a "victimless crime," but for methamphetamine addicts, it's certainly not true-especially for those with children in their homes.

Many users of methamphetamine-a.k.a. "meth"-manufacture the drug in makeshift, homemade "labs," using ingredients that can be easily found in household cleaners and over-the-counter allergy medications. When combined, these chemicals pose a deadly threat not only to the meth users but to anyone in the immediate area.

"More and more, children of methamphetamine users are falling victim to chemical burns, respiratory problems and even symptoms of meth addiction itself," says Stephen Della Valle, author of the new addiction and recovery memoir Rising Above the Influence. "If they live in the house where the drug is being 'cooked,' they're constantly exposed to fumes and residue that can severely compromise their health."

Some of the symptoms of meth addiction that these children can find themselves experiencing include:

- Weight loss
- Pale complexion
- Excessive sweating
- Dental decay (known as "meth mouth")
- Body odor
- Dry skin and "meth mites"-the feeling that they have bugs on their skin, leading to picking and sores, which can then become infected

Often, children of meth addicts even go through withdrawal when they are removed from their homes.

"But the ultimate problem," notes Mr. Della Valle, "is that with meth production, you have an impaired person messing with chemicals and fire. Meth labs sometimes explode, causing damage to the user's property-and possible death to any children who may be nearby."

Although new laws are helping to curb the meth epidemic that has swept the US in recent years, there's no telling what the long-term effects will be for its youngest and most unwilling victims. "Even if they're taken out of that situation," says Mr. Della Valle, "who knows what sort of permanent damage has been done to their health? Unfortunately, only time will tell on that one."

Stephen Della Valle is president of the board of directors at Turning Point rehabilitation center in Verona, New Jersey. Currently celebrating twenty years of sobriety, he lives in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Donna. He has three children.

Rising Above the Influence is available now (ISBN: 0-9801776-0-X; softcover; Oak Ridge Press) on- Amazon.com as well as Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and at fine bookstores everywhere.

http://www.amazon.com