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A man from New Orleans pled guilty at the end of last month to a federal charge for taking part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout the city. He was convicted of possession with intent to distribute and intent to distribute a minimum of 50 grams of meth.
The man reportedly worked with a man from Los Angeles to traffic meth into New Orleans for most of last year. Though shipments went through the mail and he reportedly had quite a few customers, he was caught at a routine traffic stop when officers smelled burnt marijuana coming from the car and searched the vehicle, finding about 52 grams of meth divvied up into 25 small baggies. A digital scale and syringes were also found.
The man will be sentenced in a couple of months and could spend anywhere from five years to 40 years in prison and pay a fine up to $5 million.
Is Meth a Problem in New Orleans?
So much attention is paid to heroin, fentanyl, and opiate addiction in the media that it can feel like no one is using drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and synthetic substances – at least not with any harmful effects that make it newsworthy.
The truth is that these drugs are all deadly in their own right. Regular use can be part of an addiction disorder, just like with any other substance, and can contribute to a sense of disconnection and isolation that makes it impossible to heal or function healthfully on any level.
If your loved one is using and abusing methamphetamine, do not feel like it is only happening to you. It is exceptionally common – so much so that there are a number of research-based treatment options that have proven to help individuals stop use of all substances and learn how to live in recovery.
Signs of Crystal Meth Abuse
It may be that you are seeing signs of addiction manifest in a number of different ways in your loved one – compulsive shopping, problem gambling, binge drinking – and you are concerned that crystal meth abuse may be another manifestation of the problem. Here are some of the signs to look for:
- Lack of appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Rampant insomnia, especially staying up for days on end
- Dilated pupils
- Picking at the skin or hair (also, scars on the skin due to picking)
- Twitching, tics, big gestures, or jerky movements
- Talking incessantly
- Erratic behavior and explosive mood swings
- Lack of care for personal hygiene and appearance, or conversely, obsessive attention paid to personal hygiene and appearance
- “Tweaking,” or focusing long and hard on one activity
- Stealing or “borrowing” money and not paying it back
- Selling possessions and avoiding employment
- Hallucinations, paranoia, and psychosis, especially after days of being awake on a binge
Treatment Is Effective
Use of crystal meth on a regular basis can be indicative of an ongoing addiction disorder. While there are rarely any significant physical withdrawal symptoms that come with cessations of use, there are serious emotional and mental health withdrawal symptoms – namely, deep depression often characterized by fatigue, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It can be difficult to get through the first days and weeks without use of the drug, but once stable and drug-free, the individual is able to begin the real work of recovery.
Addressing underlying trauma, co-occurring mental health disorders, and the perspectives and assumptions that drive certain patterns of behavior is key to detaching from addiction behaviors and beginning to live a fuller life in recovery. It takes time, therapeutic interventions, and medical monitoring, but it is well worth the effort.
If your loved one needs treatment, it may be your support and objective view that help them to recognize what they are facing. Letting them know that you see addiction as a medical and psychological disorder rather than a moral failing is the first step. Then, helping them to understand their treatment options and encouraging them with your support are the next steps. Lastly, letting them know that you will no longer enable their use of substances or any addiction behaviors going forward is an essential piece of the puzzle. It is important to make it clear that they will no longer be living comfortably in addiction – at least not with your help.
The Scope of the Problem
According to a 2020 report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States used methamphetamine in the past year. In Louisiana, meth use has been on the rise in recent years, with an increase in meth-related deaths and hospitalizations.
In New Orleans, meth use is a growing problem that affects individuals from all walks of life. It has been particularly prevalent among the city's homeless population, who may turn to meth as a way to cope with the challenges of living on the streets.
The Dangers of Meth Use
Methamphetamine use can have serious and long-lasting effects on the body and mind. Short-term effects of meth use can include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hyperthermia. Long-term use can lead to a range of health problems, including:
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Skin sores and infections
- Brain damage and memory loss
- Psychosis and paranoia
- Heart disease and stroke
In addition to the health risks, meth use can also have devastating consequences for individuals' personal and professional lives. Meth addiction can lead to job loss, financial problems, and strained relationships with family and friends.
Meth Use in New Orleans Compared to Other Cities
While methamphetamine use is a problem across the United States, some cities have been hit harder than others. According to a recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), New Orleans has a higher rate of meth use than many other major cities.
The study found that, among adults aged 18-25, New Orleans had the second-highest rate of past-year methamphetamine use, behind only Salt Lake City. In addition, New Orleans had the fourth-highest rate of past-month meth use among this age group.
These statistics suggest that meth use is a particularly pressing issue in New Orleans and that more needs to be done to address it. While there are no easy solutions to this complex problem, increased access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services could help reduce the harm caused by methamphetamine use in the city.
The Impact of Meth Use on Crime Rates in New Orleans
Methamphetamine use not only poses a serious threat to individuals' health and well-being, but it can also have a significant impact on crime rates in the city. Meth users may engage in criminal activity to support their addiction, such as theft or drug dealing.
In addition, meth use can also lead to violent behavior and aggression. Studies have shown that individuals who use methamphetamine are more likely to commit acts of violence than those who do not use the drug.
The link between meth use and crime is particularly concerning in New Orleans, which has long struggled with high levels of crime. According to data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, New Orleans has consistently had one of the highest rates of violent crime among major U.S. cities.
While it is difficult to determine exactly how much of this crime is related to methamphetamine use, there is evidence to suggest that addressing the issue could help reduce crime rates in the city. By providing access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services for those struggling with meth addiction, we can help break the cycle of drug-related crime and make our communities safer for everyone.
Access to Treatment for Meth Addiction in New Orleans
While methamphetamine use is a growing problem in New Orleans, there are resources available for individuals struggling with addiction. However, accessing these resources can be difficult, especially for those who are homeless or low-income.
One option for treatment is medication-assisted therapy (MAT), which involves the use of medications like buprenorphine and methadone to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. MAT has been shown to be effective in treating methamphetamine addiction, but it may not be accessible to everyone due to limited availability of providers and insurance coverage.
Another option is behavioral therapy, which can include individual counseling, group therapy, and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. These services may be more widely available than MAT but may not be as effective on their own.
Unfortunately, many individuals struggling with meth addiction in New Orleans face barriers to accessing treatment. Homelessness, lack of transportation, and stigma surrounding addiction can all make it difficult for people to seek help.
To address these barriers, some organizations in the city are working to increase access to treatment services. For example, the New Orleans Health Department offers free HIV testing and substance abuse counseling at several locations throughout the city. The Metropolitan Human Services District also provides mental health and addiction services on a sliding scale based on income.
However, more needs to be done to ensure that all individuals struggling with meth addiction have access to the care they need. This could include expanding access to MAT providers and increasing funding for harm reduction initiatives like syringe exchange programs. By investing in these resources, we can help improve outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction and reduce the overall harm caused by methamphetamine use in our communities.
Strategies for Preventing and Reducing Meth Use Among Vulnerable Populations
Homeless individuals and those living in poverty are particularly vulnerable to methamphetamine use due to a range of factors, including stress, trauma, and a lack of access to healthcare resources. To address this issue, it is important to implement targeted strategies that can help prevent and reduce meth use among these populations.
One approach is to provide education and outreach services that raise awareness about the dangers of methamphetamine use and the availability of addiction treatment resources. This could include distributing informational materials at homeless shelters or setting up mobile clinics that offer free HIV testing and substance abuse counseling.
Another strategy is to increase access to harm reduction services like syringe exchange programs. These programs can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS while also providing an opportunity for individuals struggling with addiction to connect with healthcare providers who can offer support and guidance.
In addition, expanding access to affordable housing and job training programs could help address some of the underlying factors that contribute to methamphetamine use among vulnerable populations. By providing stable housing and employment opportunities, we can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which may in turn reduce the risk of drug use.
Finally, it is important to recognize the impact of trauma on individuals who are experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. Trauma-informed care approaches that prioritize compassion, empathy, and understanding can be particularly effective in helping these individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery.
By implementing a range of targeted strategies that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations, we can help prevent and reduce methamphetamine use in our communities while also promoting health equity for all individuals.
Resources for Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, there are resources available in New Orleans to help. The Metropolitan Human Services District offers substance abuse treatment services, including detoxification, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment.
Other resources include:
- The Bridge House/Grace House, which offers residential and outpatient treatment programs for addiction
- Odyssey House Louisiana, which provides a range of behavioral health services, including substance abuse treatment
- Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, which can provide support and community for individuals in recovery
Conclusion
Methamphetamine use is a growing problem in New Orleans, with serious health and social consequences for individuals and the community at large. By raising awareness of the issue and providing resources for help, we can work to combat this dangerous and destructive drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Are you ready to help your loved one connect to life-saving treatment?
