NCJ Number
203664
Date Published
June 2003
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the extent of methamphetamine abuse in Michigan.
Abstract
Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful, addictive stimulant that is manufactured from common household chemicals in clandestine laboratories throughout the United States. Methamphetamine can be ingested by swallowing, inhaling, injecting, or smoking. The typical high lasts 12 hours or longer and some users will stay high for days. Side effects from use include irritability, nervousness, insomnia, depression, and brain damage. Street names for meth are speed, ice, chalk, crystal, fire, and glass. Most Michigan meth labs seized to date have been found to be using the ephedrine reduction method of production that involves pseudoephedrine or ephedrine in an often crude process that can be done virtually anywhere (buildings, vehicles, or even outside). Production is dangerous and produces toxic chemical byproducts and waste. Meth can cause both physical and psychological dependence. There are a variety of potential sources of data and information for assessing the extent of use of drugs, specifically meth and other stimulants. These sources include law enforcement information, substance abuse treatment data, and hospital data. Prior to 1996, most methamphetamine in Michigan was shipped from California and other Western States, with outlaw motorcycle gangs controlling the trafficking. In 1996, six clandestine meth labs were found and investigated in Michigan. Since 1999, the number of labs seized has virtually doubled each year. In 2002 there were over 190 labs seized. At the present rate of seizures being made, by the end of 2003 there may be as many as 300 labs seized. The majority of labs have been found in the Southwest corner of the State. Meth is the number one drug problem in Southwest Michigan. An increasing number of labs are being found in the mid-Michigan area. 50 tables, 6 exhibits, 11 references