Editorís note: In a continuing effort to do its part to make people aware of the issues surrounding what Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard has called an ìepidemic,î the Post Review offers more information from the meth forum in Rush City.

Carol Falkowski is the Director of Research Communications at Hazelden Foundation in Center City. Since 1949, Hazelden ñ a non-profit organization ñ has been a leader in the treatment of people afflicted with chemical dependencies.

In her pamphlet, ìDangerous Drugs Methamphetamine,î Falkowski writes, ìThe consequences of use, abuse and addiction include loss of life, physical and psychological damage, lost productivity, criminal activities associated with the illegal drug business, damage inflicted on others by people who are under the influence and/or addicted, and all the legitimate and costly social, health, and criminal justice efforts required to treat addiction and enforce the law.î

Effects and Signs
of possible meth problems:
ï talkativeness
ï high energy level/restlessness
ï dry mouth, dilated pupils
ï loss of appetite
ï extreme, rapid weight loss
ï notable acne breakouts, uncontrollable itching of skin
ï miss/skip work or school ñ may want to stay home from school to sleep after along weekend out
ï declining performance at school, work or home due to use
ï damaged relationships due to use
ï steals or borrows money from work, home or friends
ï secretive, defensive behavior about activities and possessions
ï unusual mood changes
ï abrupt temper outbursts
ï uncooperative, combative attitude
ï changes in eating or sleeping habits
ï changes peer group-new friends, donít know them
ï deterioration in personal appearance or hygiene
ï loss of interest in usual activities, pastimes and hobbies
ï elevated blood pressure
ï distorted perceptions, paranoia

Signs of a meth lab:
ï frequent visitors coming and going at odd hours of the day and night
ï occupants may appear unemployed but have plenty of money/pay with cash
ï occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive
ï occupants watch cars passing suspiciously
ï curtains are always drawn
ï evidence of burn spots or dead spots on lawn
ï occupants display ìkeep outî signs on lawn
ï lots of trash ñ things like gasoline cans, Heet, camping fuel, blister packs, tubing, muriatic acid, gun scrubber, lye, kitty litter, liquid plumber, batteries, anhydrous ammonia, coffee filters
ï strong chemical odor coming from the house, garage or detached building

What to do about it:
ï report your suspicions to law enforcement
ï if you have already done that and nothing's happened, call them again, be persistent
ï Do Not confront a person on meth ñ they can be aggressive and dangerous
ï Do Not enter a suspected meth lab ñ they are dangerous, toxic and explosive

Some chemicals associated with the production of meth include:
ï alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing)
ï Toluene (brake cleaner)
ï Ether (engine starter)
ï Sulfuric acid (drain cleaner)
ï Red phosphorus (matches/road flares)
ï Salt (table/rock)
ï Iodine (teat dip or flakes/crystal)
ï Lithium (batteries)
ï Trichloroethane (gun scrubber)
ï MSM (cutting agent)
ï Sodium Metal
ï Methanol/alcohol (gasoline additive)
ï Muriatic acid
ï Anhydrous ammonia (farm fertilizer)
ï Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Pseudoephedrine (cold tablets)
Ephedrine (cold tablets)
ï Acetone
ï Kitty litter

Equipment often found in meth labs:
Pyrex or Corning dishes, jugs, bottles, paper towels, coffee filters, thermometer, cheesecloth, funnels, blender, rubber tubing/gloves, pails/buckets, gas cans, tape/clamps, Internet documents/notes, strainers, aluminum foil, propane cylinders (20-lb.), books on how to make methamphetamine, hotplates, plastic storage containers/ice chests, measuring cups, towels/bed sheets, laboratory beakers/glassware.

---------------

Where can you get help?

Chisago County meth resource numbers:
Law enforcement:
North Branch Police Department (651) 674-8848
Wyoming Police Department (651) 462-0577
Chisago County Sheriff's Department (651) 257-4100

Treatment Centers:
Hazelden Foundation 1-800-257-7800 pr (651) 213-4000
Drug and Alcohol Treatment National Referral hotline
1-800-662-4357
Treatment resources 1-800-NO-DRUGS

Hospitals:
Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center, Wyoming
(651) 779-2200
Fairview Chisago Lakes Clinic (651) 257-8499
Fairview Lakes Rush City Area Clinic (320) 358-4784

Crisis Lines:
1st Call for Help (east metro) (651) 224-1133
Youth Emergency Services (YES) (612) 379-6363
National Helpline 1-800-HELP-111
Family Violence Network (651) 770-0777

Interventions:
Addiction Intervention Resources 1-800-561-8158

Human Services:
Health and Human Services:
Chisago County (651) 213-0324
Anoka County (612) 422-7000
Washington County (651) 430-6455

Child Protection:
Chisago County (651) 257-0324
Anoka County (612) 422-7125
Washington County (651) 430-6457

Web site:
www.crystalmethanonymous.org

Miscellaneous numbers:
Community Partnership: (651) 674-4085
Fairview Recovery Services: (651) 672-2222
Five County Mental Health Center: 1-800-223-1513
Family Violence Network: (651) 770-8544
MN Dept. of Health: Meth Lab programs- 1-800-657-3908
or Deborah Durkin (651) 215-0778

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