Whenever you think about hot spots for meth production in the United States, what areas initially come to mind? Some obvious choices may include Midwestern states like Ohio and Indiana, which have long held notorious reputations for meth production. On the other hand, you may think about Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, or any more states that are situated in the Deep South, where swamplands provide perfect cover for meth cooks. However, would you ever imagine that a crystal meth tragedy is taking place in Alaska, our northernmost territory? How, you may be asking, can this be a problem in the coldest U.S. state and one of the most isolated regions of America? Let’s take a closer look at the tragedy of crystal meth in Alaska.
The Destructive Force of Meth
According to a new report, crystal meth is reappearing as a destructive threat to public health in Alaska, which is pretty bad news considering the span of the American Opioid Crisis. As highlighted in the “Health Impacts of Methamphetamine in Alaska” study conducted by the State of Alaska’s Department of Health and Human Services, 193 people have died due to crystal meth-related overdoses from 2008 to 2016. Unlike cases with heroin and other opioids, medical professionals cannot reverse meth overdoses, making the situation even more sinister.
Dampening for a Time
In one interview, Mike Root, a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Alaska office, explained that the government’s crackdown on meth in 2006 helped calm the waters. In fact, he recalls a time when he and his team busted 100 meth labs in Utah during the rise in meth use.
However, Dr. Jay Butler, a physician and the Chief Medical Officer of Alaska, explains how the real danger lies in tainted, imported meth. In many cases, Dr. Butler reveals, meth addicts are combining the stimulant with opioid painkillers in an attempt to self-medicate an overdose. However, crystal meth cannot reverse the effects of opioids and, obviously, makes the situation worse. So, how do we stop this problem in the Last Frontier?
Dr. Jay Butler has a simple solution: improving education.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
People from all around the world suffer from drug abuse and addiction every day, but, in a way, you can also find reprieve in the fact that hundreds of them are also finding ways to heal. Although the battle against illegal drugs continues to wage on in the United States, Australia, and other countries, you can join the thousands who rally together to find peace and to heal. With the right amount of determination and a little bit of love for yourself, anything is possible.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
