As the drug epidemic in the country worsens, and overdose deaths continue to pile up, many drugs have risen up in the wake of the emergence of opioids, as well as the presence of rehab in Indiana.
According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse there were over 10,300 overdose deaths that involved methamphetamine in 2017. This is an abrupt rise compared to just 1,378 deaths ten years before. Methamphetamine overdose death rose by almost 650 percent in that ten-year period.
When you look more closely at the problem, you notice that many states begin to stand out when it comes to methamphetamine. For example, one state that has seen its share of problems due to methamphetamine production and use is Indiana.
In fact, the state has its own investigation entity in place called the Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System (IMIS). The state’s situation has gotten better in recent years when it comes to meth, the issue was extremely worrisome in the early 2010’s.
Indiana Methamphetamine Manufacturing
Methamphetamine manufacturing in Indiana did not use to be a problem. In fact, according to IMIS, in the late, 1990’s, the state only averaged about 22 clandestine methamphetamine lab incidents. However, this number would eventually skyrocket 1137 lab incidents in just five short years. That means between 1999 and 2004 the state saw a 2250 percent increase in clandestine meth labs.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of it. The number of methamphetamine labs dropped slightly in the late 2000’s but rose again in the early and mid-2010’s to 1808 incidents in 2013. Arrests for meth labs peaked this year, with over 1550 arrests, almost triple the arrest number from 2007.
One of the reasons for the the decrease in meth labs in the state could be from drug cartels in Mexico cornering the market. According to information from the DEA, domestic clandestine meth labs have decreased due to some federal legislative efforts.
It should be noted that crude, domestic laboratories pose a major health threat as the production of methamphetamine uses highly combustible materials that can cause fires and explosions that can cause damage to everything in the vicinity.
Meth Use In Indiana
In many areas across the state, methamphetamine use has been climbing. According to one local news story, Wayne, a prominent county in the state, once saw crack cocaine as the primary drug which eventually transitioned to heroin. However, in recent years, meth has become the popular drug of choice.
The meth is really starting to come out,” said Scott Crull, a supervisor of the Wayne County Drug Task Force. “We’re purchasing a lot more meth and investigating a lot more meth cases now than ever before.”
The county says that it is seeing more meth use because it isn’t as deadly as other drugs and is more prevalent and readily available.
In 2017, the state released a drug abuse report found that while heroin and prescription opioid use are the most immediate threats to the state, methamphetamine remains a public health concern.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a stimulant, it is a highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. The drug is injected or smoked for a brief, intense sensation or rush. This rush and high are believed to be a result of the high levels of dopamine that is released into areas of the brain. These increased dopamine levels lead to increased feelings of pleasure. Long-term meth results in a number of damaging effects, including addiction.
Regular meth use leads to users exhibiting violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and some psychotic features including paranoia, aggression, visual and auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, and delusions.
There are a number of physical effects that methamphetamine has on the body. Even taking small amounts of methamphetamine can lead to symptoms such as:
- Increased wakefulness
- Increased physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Hypothermia
High doses of methamphetamine can lead to overdose effects such as stroke, heart attack, or multiple organ problems that can cause overheating and can result in death.
Methamphetamine is Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has high potential for abuse and a currently accepted medical use.
Indiana Meth Laws
Methamphetamine is obviously an illegal substance in the United States. It is featured on the Controlled Substances Act. While this is obvious, it is important to learn more about specific laws in the state and how your or a loved one may be affected. It is also important that you know the class of felonies in the state of Indiana:
Level 5 Felony — The possible sentence for Level 5 felony between one and six years. The advised sentence is three years. Also the person may be fined up to $10,000.
Level 4 Felony — The possible sentence for Level 4 felony between two and 12 years. The advised sentence is six years. Also the person may be fined up to $10,000.
Level 3 Felony — The possible sentence for Level 3 felony between three and 16 years. The advised sentence is nine years. Also the person may be fined up to $10,000.
Level 2 Felony — The possible sentence for Level 2 felony between 10 and 30 years. The advised sentence is 17.5 years. Also the person may be fined up to $10,000.
Level 1 Felony — The possible sentence for Level 1 felony between 20 and 40 years. The advised sentence is 30 years. Also the person may be fined up to $10,000.
Possession
Obviously, any type of possession of the drug is illegal both at the federal and state level. A person who knowingly possess methamphetamine commits this crime, the punishment for which ranges from a Level 5 to Level 3 felony.
Selling
Dealing and the sale of methamphetamine is a felony offense in the state of Indiana. This includes a person who knowingly or intentionally delivers methamphetamine or possesses the drug with the intent to deliver.
Depending on the amount of drug that is being sold, the punishment can range from a Level 5 to a Level 2 class felony.
Manufacturing
As mentioned before, manufacturing of methamphetamine is a serious problem in the state of Indiana. While the issue has become better, there are still hundreds of meth labs that get busted each year.
Indiana law states that anyone who knowingly manufactures or finances the manufacture of meth commits this crime which is considered a Level 4 to Level 2 felony.
Rehab In Indiana For Methamphetamine
If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction or dependence to methamphetamine, or some other substance, treatment is an option. Research indicates that treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users are similar to that of other drug users, such as cocaine, a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report found.
“In the year following discharge from treatment, no differences in treatment outcomes, such as treatment readmission, arrests, convictions, and employment, have been found between methamphetamine users and of other substances.”
Methamphetamine users appear to be appear to be similar to that of other other drugs.
It should be noted that some methamphetamine users were more likely to complete treatment than others. For instance, those who were over 40, those with less severe drug patterns, and those who were ordered into treatment by the criminal justice system were all more likely to remain in treatment until completion.
However, this begs the question: what does substance use disorder treatment entail?
Generally, treatment for methamphetamine and other substances, generally includes detoxification, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment.
Detoxification
Detoxification is incredibly important when it comes to substance abuse, but methamphetamine specifically. When going through treatment, it is vital for patients to get through the initial withdrawal symptoms so that they are able to fully focus on the other aspects of treatment. Moreover, if not handled properly, the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with drug addiction can lead to many physical ailments and can even be life-threatening.
With that said, if a patient goes through a medically supervised detox, they will be able to safely overcome these issues, freeing them up to allow them to focus on the other aspects of treatment. Some of the common symptoms associated with methamphetamine withdrawal includes paranoia, red eyes, sleep difficulties, lack of motivation, fatigue, increased appetite, and more. Some patients are also known to experience depressive symptoms and even suicidal thoughts.
Some common features of inpatient treatment include individual and group counseling and therapy sessions. There are many common types of therapies that will be implemented during this stage of treatment, all of which can be effective for helping patients deal with urges and cravings to use.
Behavioral Therapies and Inpatient
According to a research report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one of the most effective methods for treating meth addiction is behavioral therapies. One common type of therapy for those suffering from this type of addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT was a method of treatment that was specifically developed to help prevent relapse when treating a problem related to substance abuse. Individuals who are exposed to CBT will learn to identify and correct problem behaviors by applying a range of different skills that can be used to stop drug abuse
A central element of CBT is anticipating problems that patients are likely to face and working to develop coping strategies. Some techniques that are explored during CBT include looking at the negative consequences of continued drug use, self-monitoring to recognize early onset of cravings, and developing strategies to deal with high-risk situations like being around substances following treatment.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research indicates that skills individuals will learn in CBT will carry over after completion.
Outpatient
CBT is a feature of both inpatient and outpatient care. Generally, after inpatient care, good facilities will create a discharge plan that they will use to help a patient continue treatment. For many treatment centers, this includes utilizing outpatient treatment to help those in recovery continue their path to sobriety while also expanding their sober support network.
During outpatient treatment, it gives patients the opportunity to readjust to post-inpatient life while also continuing some aspects of their treatment. The will be exposed to similar therapy sessions both in individual and group settings.
Overall, if you or a loved one is dealing with some sort of addiction, treatment and sobriety should be a top priority.
Next Steps
Obviously, methamphetamine poses a serious threat to Indiana, and the country overall. In recent years, the country has seen a drug epidemic rise to prominence. While this crisis is generally fueled by opioids, it is also leading to a number of increased risks when it comes to other drugs such as heroin and meth.
In Indiana specifically, the manufacturing of methamphetamine was a serious problem during the late 2000s and early to mid 2010’s. While the problem has subsided to some degree, there are still a number of meth lab busts each year. However, the manufacturing of the drug has largely been outsourced to Mexico as many drug cartels filled the void with their own drugs, including methamphetamine. Despite the drop in meth labs, the use of the drug remains consistent, and is even increasing.
For those suffering from substance abuse, the issue can lead to a number of physical and behavioral health consequences. Including increased heart rate, stroke, overheating, and even death. Luckily treatment is an option for those dealing with meth addiction.
Landmark Recovery is one drug and alcohol treatment facility with plans to open rehab in Indiana that is available for those who need help. Landmark is dedicated to being a part of the solution and can offer patients access to a personalized evidence-based treatment plan that can be effective in helping patients overcome their struggles with substances. If you are interested in learning more about what Landmark is and how we can help, please visit our website and reach out to our admissions staff today to learn more about a personal path forward.
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