Despite the long list of negative mental and physical effects related to methamphetamine, it remains a popular stimulant throughout central Kansas.
Because of its widespread use among teenagers and adults, Scot Yarnell and Jill Hulse wanted to provide basic information about meth in observance of National Prevention Week May 7-13.
Yarnell and Hulse see clients at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway. Yarnell is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, while Hulse is a family practitioner studying to add PMHNP to her credentials.
“Methamphetamine is highly addictive and, unfortunately, it is easily available in this area,” Yarnell said. “One of the more eye-opening statistics is that the rate of deaths related to meth overdoses increased 180 percent – yes, 180 percent - from 2014-2019.”
In many instances, there is a relationship between meth use and an underlying mental illness. These illnesses include post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, major depression and panic disorders.
“We can treat these co-occurring problems here at The Center,” Yarnell noted. “Depending on an individual’s circumstances, we can use a variety of therapies to support someone who wants help and/or is suffering withdrawal symptoms.
“Also, we offer urine tests to educate clients on what drugs they actually have in their system. Sometimes it is not just meth; it is meth laced with fentanyl or some other potent drug.”
Hulse noted that the use of stimulants sometimes begins in elementary school when Adderall is prescribed for attention deficient hyperactivity disorder, or other conditions.
“Even when a prescription for Adderall is indicated, the drug is often misused,” Hulse said “In fact, statistics show that almost half of young adults misuse their prescription.
“We would just suggest that parents have a conversation with their prescribing physician. They could ask for guidance on how to prevent their child from getting addicted to a drug.”
A couple of Adderall statistics are telling about use and abuse in the United States. In 2013, for example, there were 18 million prescriptions for the for the drug; in 2021, that number had exploded to 41.4 million.
In addition, America consumes 80 percent of the drug’s global supply.
Meth/stimulant effects
The abbreviated list of side effects from meth and other stimulants includes increased energy, euphoria, sleep-pattern problems, weight loss, tooth decay, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, aggression, paranoia and memory impairment.
Meth also has been associated with high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, aortic problems, heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.
“Risky behaviors that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases should also be on the list,” Hulse said. “This is because meth can affect impulse control, while causing cognitive deficiencies and impaired thinking.”
National Prevention Week is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
