~ ~ ~ ~ " I AM METH " ~ ~ ~
(This was written by a young Indian girl who was in jail for drug charges, and was addicted to meth. She wrote this while in jail. As you will soon read, she fully grasped the horrors of the drug, as she tells in this simple, yet profound poem. She was released from jail, but, true to her story, the drug owned her. They found her dead not long after, with the needle still in her arm.)
Folk's, Teens, Young adults, understand, this thing is worse than any of us realize...
My Name: "Is Meth"
I destroy homes, I tear families apart,
take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome; try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms.
You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S PROGRAM AGAINST:
DRUGS, SALES, MANUFACTURING, IMPORTATION AND USE
A General Profile of Major Narcotics Dealers
There are a few indicators that the "average citizen"
can observe, which may arouse their suspicion to the point that they will
call the " Sheriff's Office " 683-1020.
A person living beyond their means or with no apparent
source of income (such as a job); i.e.:
1) A person is home all the time
2) A person has no set schedule
3) A person lives in an above-average home
4) A person drives a luxury automobile
5) A person has number of "toys" (sea-doors,
boats, RV, etc.)
DISCLAIMER: All of the above
indicators could also be innocent behavior, but when they are all or most all of
them present together, it could cause suspicion as to how this person survives
without having to work.
II. Persons living in a rented residence:
1) Window shades are down all of the time
2) Windows are covered from the inside with garbage
bags
3) Persons residing there are only seen on the weekend
or three to four days a month, and then seen around -the clock those days
4) Vans showing up at all hours of the day and night;
vans or automobiles go into the garage, stay a short time, and then leave
5) Visitors show up at the door with fast-food, leave
it with the occupant, and then leave themselves.
6) Barred or security front door and rear door
7) Sometimes barred windows
8) Renters have very little to do with their neighbors
DISCLAIMER: All of the above
indicators could also be innocent behavior, but when they are all or most all of
them present together, it could cause suspicion.
SYMPTOMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE USE:
Stage 1: Low Intensity Use
People who use meth in this stage are primarily adolescents, Housewives, and Shift Workers. They do not necessarily become addicted to the drug, but use the drug for the following desired effects:
Not all the users become addicted at this level, but with neuroadaptation of the drug, and increased amounts consumed, toxic effects are experienced:
- Psychological disturbances
- Dangerous Weight Loss
- Severe Insomnia
With the abstinence of meth, the following syndromes are common:
Anergia:
- Decreased energy.
Anhedonia:
- Inability to experience pleasure, boredom: in contrast to the intense euphoria of the drug experience, sharpens the users dissatisfaction with the current state.
Craving:
- Endogenous:
- "comes from within" or background craving, feelings of dysphoria.
Environmentally Cued:
- Immediate, catastrophic, overwhelming craving stimulated by objects, persons, and situations associated with prior drug use.
Stage 2: Binge Use
Effects:
- Aggression
- Violence
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Hyperactivity
- Weight Loss
Stage 3: High Intensity Use
Effects:
- Extreme Weight Loss (50-100 lbs.)
- Sever Malnutrition
- Aggression
- Violence
- Belligerence
- Toxic Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Hysteria
- Sleep Deprivation
- Stroke
- Heart Failure
Tweaking:
- As you can see, the binge cycles that are being experienced today are truly terrifying, not only to the addicted user, but to all those who come in contact with the user!
What to do?
If you have information about a suspected drug user, drug dealer, drug manufacturer, or
drug smuggler please call the Sheriff's Office to report it with complete
anonymity. You may also submit a tip electronically through the E-Mail
docoso@getgoin.net, click on the "Computer Operator " on the bottom of this
page. We must recognize that the drug problem is the true root of many of the
other crime problems in society. Please take that commendable step to make the community
in which we live a safer place for the old and young.
Several drug arrests have been made over the last three months. Almost all the arrest were concerning methamphetamine. We are still withholding names at this time for investigative purposes. The methamphetamine problem just continues to grow in our area and our efforts to just stay even become even more difficult. If you have any information concerning activety you believe is suspicious, please contact our office immediately. You can remain anonymous.
Burglaries in our county have slowed down for a time, but I promise you they will pick back up. It's unfortunate that some people resort to such means but they do. The best defense you have is your own preparation. It's easy just to sit back and say it will never happen to me but it can. Although it is almost impossible to completly prevent, you can take steps to protect your home. Leave lights on when you're away from home at night. If you plan on being gone for more than a day, call a friend or neighbor to watch your place. Install motion lights in the front and rear of your home. Pay attention to suspicious vehicles and activity in your area. Report findings to the Sheriff's office immediately. These are just a few things you can do to help in this area.
If you have any questions or comments you can contact me at 683-1020 or e-mail me at docoso@getgoin.net. Your input is greatly needed in our office. And always remember you can remain anonymous.
Sometimes the best investigators are those that don't wear badges.
Gary Koop - Sheriff
Make Douglas County a safe place for
all the young and old to live in.
Your voice input is needed in this matter.
Remember,sometimes the best investigators are those
that don't wear badges.
Please contact:
Sheriff Gary Koop
At The Citzens Voice Input
a.k.a. The Message Board
Click on computer operator to send us a e-mail message -
Please specify,Sheriff or the Deputy's name in the subject line.
Or contact by:
Sheriff's Office Phone 417-6
