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It seems that we often read about meth-related crimes in The Union. Throughout the country, methamphetamine has wreaked havoc on families and community. Even People magazine recently profiled a family’s struggle with its son’s crystal meth addiction.
California recently awarded 15-month grants to 10 California counties to implement a community awareness program that incorporates awareness, education and prevention though the formation of a county Meth Action Team. The team is comprised of at least 60 percent youth, ages 15 to 24. This is because statistics show that the highest use of methamphetamine occurs by people age 18 to 24. The second largest group using meth is age 14 to 17. Nevada County was one of the counties selected.
Methamphetamine has a lot of street names — crystal meth, ice, crank, zip, etc. Meth can be snorted, smoked or injected. It is highly addictive and can ruin lives, damage physical and psychological health and adversely affect those close to the user.
The recipe for making meth, unfortunately, is not difficult. It is dangerous; explosions are a real threat. “Homemade” meth labs create many adverse consequences. For every pound of meth created, five to seven pounds of toxic waste is also created. This toxic waste is buried, dumped or thrown into waterways — compromising our environment, wildlife and our community’s health. Exposed to heavy metals and toxic fumes is another consequence. Children are especially vulnerable.
Clandestine local meth labs have decreased in the last few years, due in part to laws limiting the quantity individuals can buy of certain common household products used to make meth. Unfortunately, Mexican cartels have taken up the slack. Most meth in the United States now comes from these sophisticated illegal avenues.
Meth users initially experience a rush of energy and euphoria, followed by a hard come down. During meth withdrawal, the body’s biochemistry changes, and people in recovery may go through a difficult time when everything feels flat and colorless. This is a risky period. People would be well advised to receive support and treatment to avoid further risks to health and well being. Resources are available.
The Nevada County Meth Action Team is comprised of youth and adult mentors and is run under the auspices of Nevada County Behavioral Health and Friday Night Live. Our goal is to create long-lasting change in community norms, policies and laws, incorporating policy and media strategies, community organizing and the engagement of our valuable local resources.
We have several programs designed to provide accurate and helpful information about this issue. Our public speaking program is in place. We have presentations and speakers ready to speak to your organization or school. Visit our Web site at www.nevadacountymethactionteam.com or www.unziplive.com to learn about meth facts and receive information about our Nevada County education and prevention campaign. We also have a MySpace/ncmeth.com page.
One youth member, in partnership with Child Protective Services, created a CARE package program. Children who are removed from unsafe environments by CPS workers may not be able to bring personal belongings with them, especially when in meth environments, where toxic contamination may have occurred. This project provides age appropriate bags of healthy food, blankets, activity books, safe toys, socks and more for these children. We need your donations to fill the bags. We’ll be happy to talk to your group, class or organization.
We have educational materials available to the public — an overall meth awareness brochure and several detailed fact sheets about psychological and physical effects, recovery resources, effects on children, high- risk behaviors and environmental hazards. Every Monday on the KVMR 89.5 “News Hour” ( around 6:45 p.m.), we host a meth awareness show featuring guests and information; KNCO also airs meth awareness shows.
On Tuesday, March 18, our first annual UNZIP art and film contest kicks off. We are looking for creative entries about meth awareness and education. There are three categories — Under 18, 18 or older and a film category. First prize for each is $300, second is $200. Call 470-2644 or visit our Web site for registration forms and information.
Art and film entries will be showcased on Sunday, May 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Miners Foundry at a day-long festival that will feature food, music, a raffle and speakers.
Our partnerships with the Coalition for a Drug Free Nevada County and Substance Abuse Advisory Board are invaluable. NCMAT and the coalition recently made a film of local recovering addicts’ stories, interspersed with meth facts.
If you would like more information about our programs or community services, call 470-2644 or visit www.nevadacountymethactionteam.com.
Michele Schiro is the project coordinator of the Nevada County Meth Action Team.
California recently awarded 15-month grants to 10 California counties to implement a community awareness program that incorporates awareness, education and prevention though the formation of a county Meth Action Team. The team is comprised of at least 60 percent youth, ages 15 to 24. This is because statistics show that the highest use of methamphetamine occurs by people age 18 to 24. The second largest group using meth is age 14 to 17. Nevada County was one of the counties selected.
Methamphetamine has a lot of street names — crystal meth, ice, crank, zip, etc. Meth can be snorted, smoked or injected. It is highly addictive and can ruin lives, damage physical and psychological health and adversely affect those close to the user.
The recipe for making meth, unfortunately, is not difficult. It is dangerous; explosions are a real threat. “Homemade” meth labs create many adverse consequences. For every pound of meth created, five to seven pounds of toxic waste is also created. This toxic waste is buried, dumped or thrown into waterways — compromising our environment, wildlife and our community’s health. Exposed to heavy metals and toxic fumes is another consequence. Children are especially vulnerable.
Clandestine local meth labs have decreased in the last few years, due in part to laws limiting the quantity individuals can buy of certain common household products used to make meth. Unfortunately, Mexican cartels have taken up the slack. Most meth in the United States now comes from these sophisticated illegal avenues.
Meth users initially experience a rush of energy and euphoria, followed by a hard come down. During meth withdrawal, the body’s biochemistry changes, and people in recovery may go through a difficult time when everything feels flat and colorless. This is a risky period. People would be well advised to receive support and treatment to avoid further risks to health and well being. Resources are available.
The Nevada County Meth Action Team is comprised of youth and adult mentors and is run under the auspices of Nevada County Behavioral Health and Friday Night Live. Our goal is to create long-lasting change in community norms, policies and laws, incorporating policy and media strategies, community organizing and the engagement of our valuable local resources.
We have several programs designed to provide accurate and helpful information about this issue. Our public speaking program is in place. We have presentations and speakers ready to speak to your organization or school. Visit our Web site at www.nevadacountymethactionteam.com or www.unziplive.com to learn about meth facts and receive information about our Nevada County education and prevention campaign. We also have a MySpace/ncmeth.com page.
One youth member, in partnership with Child Protective Services, created a CARE package program. Children who are removed from unsafe environments by CPS workers may not be able to bring personal belongings with them, especially when in meth environments, where toxic contamination may have occurred. This project provides age appropriate bags of healthy food, blankets, activity books, safe toys, socks and more for these children. We need your donations to fill the bags. We’ll be happy to talk to your group, class or organization.
We have educational materials available to the public — an overall meth awareness brochure and several detailed fact sheets about psychological and physical effects, recovery resources, effects on children, high- risk behaviors and environmental hazards. Every Monday on the KVMR 89.5 “News Hour” ( around 6:45 p.m.), we host a meth awareness show featuring guests and information; KNCO also airs meth awareness shows.
On Tuesday, March 18, our first annual UNZIP art and film contest kicks off. We are looking for creative entries about meth awareness and education. There are three categories — Under 18, 18 or older and a film category. First prize for each is $300, second is $200. Call 470-2644 or visit our Web site for registration forms and information.
Art and film entries will be showcased on Sunday, May 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Miners Foundry at a day-long festival that will feature food, music, a raffle and speakers.
Our partnerships with the Coalition for a Drug Free Nevada County and Substance Abuse Advisory Board are invaluable. NCMAT and the coalition recently made a film of local recovering addicts’ stories, interspersed with meth facts.
If you would like more information about our programs or community services, call 470-2644 or visit www.nevadacountymethactionteam.com.
Michele Schiro is the project coordinator of the Nevada County Meth Action Team.
