The Secondhand Effects and Dangers of Meth
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, speed, or P, among other names, is a potent and addictive drug. Those who use it can quickly become dependent on it, putting themselves and others in great danger.
However, it has thousands of Kiwis in its grasp due to its effect on the central nervous system. Users can experience rapid dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin release, resulting in an enhanced mood, sex drive, and energy. People also feel more confident, alert, and euphoric.
As desirable as it might seem as a drug, meth is incredibly harmful, with many associated dangers and effects, such as those below.
Physical Dependence
Meth is addictive. Users often develop a physical dependence and need to use more to get the same effects as they experienced during the early days of use. Users also find it challenging to stop and experience withdrawal symptoms.
Sleep Problems
Many meth users experience problems falling asleep. A lack of sleep can lead to decreased quality of life, issues with concentration, and an inability to focus on work and studies.
Cardiovascular Health
Meth use might increase your risk of cardiovascular health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease is now the second-leading cause of death among meth users after an accidental overdose.
According to the American Heart Association, meth can cause blood vessels to constrict and spasm, resulting in dangerous blood pressure spikes and the ‘rewiring’ of your heart’s electrical system.
Mental and Emotional Changes
Meth users might experience paranoia and hallucinations, seeing and hearing things that aren’t there and suffering from delusions. It’s also not uncommon for people using meth to experience significant mood changes, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, violent behaviour, and aggression.
Appetite Loss
Weight loss and malnutrition are among the most common effects of meth use, often resulting from appetite loss. Not only can users experience weight loss, but they might also have skin sores, teeth loss, and severe tooth decay.
Family Harm
Meth use doesn’t just impact the user; it can also affect their loved ones. There is growing evidence to suggest a link between meth and family harm in New Zealand. Families dealing with loved ones addicted to meth are often having to take care of children, provide financial assistance, and seek help from an already stretched mental health system.
Methamphetamine Contamination in Properties
Alongside physical, mental, and societal issues associated with meth manufacturing and use, it can also cause a great deal of property damage when cooked and used.
Manufacturing meth involves releasing dangerous and poisonous chemicals that emit toxic by-products, ultimately contaminating a property. Seriously contaminated homes can cause health problems for occupants, such as neurological issues, liver and kidney damage, respiratory problems, and even an increased risk of cancer.
After meth has been manufactured in a home, the toxic chemical residue can seep into porous surfaces, such as gib, insulation, carpet, curtains, furniture, and ventilation systems. There, it will remain unless homeowners undertake decontamination. Fortunately, meth cleaning experts are on hand to assist with this process. However, the contamination can sometimes be so severe that demolishing the property is the safest and most cost-effective solution.
How to Spot a Meth Lab
Unless you’re inside a dwelling seeing meth manufacturing taking place, there is no way to know with any certainty that it’s happening in your neighbourhood. However, there are often signs.
Windows and curtains are frequently shut throughout the day
The ceilings and benches are discoloured
There are frequent visitors to the property
Neighbours are denied access
Sweet or solvent smells linger around the property
What Are the Symptoms of Meth Exposure
It’s not always apparent that you’re around people who are meth users or are staying or living in a meth-contaminated home. However, many symptoms can be associated with meth exposure, such as:
Nose and throat irritation
Red, burning, painful eyes – sometimes with discharge
Skin irritation, redness, and rashes
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Sneezing, coughing, and congestion
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Headaches
Dark-coloured urine
Central nervous system symptoms
Rapid heart rate
Fever
Jaundice
Hallucinations
Mental capability impairment
How to Clean a Meth-Contaminated Property
After learning that your home is meth-contaminated above the ‘safe’ level of 15μg per 100cm2, you might be curious about how you can make it safe again. Low-level contamination typically only requires a triple-clean process with cleaning products available from your local supermarket, such as bleach and sugar soap.
However, if your house has levels exceeding what would be considered ‘safe’ by experts, more intensive cleaning by meth cleaning experts might be required. Chemcare, for example, can visit your home with specialist cleaning solutions and equipment to return your property to a habitable state. However, you might also be required to remove porous and soft materials, like curtains, carpet, underlay, insulated ductwork, acoustic ceiling tiles, gib, and exposed insulation.
Meth Is Dangerous for Health and Homes
Meth use and manufacturing is a growing problem in New Zealand, and individuals, families, and homes can all be impacted. If you believe your home has been used for meth cooking or smoking, contact Chemcare for meth testing and to learn more about your options.