JEFFERSON CO., Pa. – Methamphetamine is emerging as the drug of choice for people with drug dependence now that the awareness of the opioid addiction has made opioids less likely to be prescribed by doctors.
Kami Anderson, Executive Director of the Drug and Alcohol Commission for Armstrong, Clarion, and Indiana Counties, said there has been an increase in the usage of methamphetamine, often in conjunction with heroin and cocaine.
“Oftentimes, a person with substance abuse disorder will use more than one substance,” Anderson told exploreJeffersonpa.com.
“We’re finding a lot of times that they’re using methamphetamines and cocaine and heroin. Methamphetamine and cocaine are stimulants, and they’re using them to bring them up from the heroin that slows everything down.”
Because those who abuse methamphetamine tend to be violent and potentially dangerous, it can be difficult to find a place where they can get treatment, according to Susan Ford, Executive Director of the Clearfield/Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission.
Although some users say they use methamphetamine because they don’t want to die, the commission is working to dispel the belief that it is a less dangerous alternative to opioids.
Ford said that users believe that meth is a better drug choice – “meaning they don’t want to overdose.”
“That is such a huge error in judgment. It’s a myth. While they may not overdose in the way you would with an opiate, it’s a slower death with methamphetamine, unfortunately.”
According to a ruling released by Venango County Coroner Christine Rugh in November, methamphetamine is the cause of the deaths of two Venango County women whose bodies were found days apart during the summer.
– The body of a 22-year-old Oil City woman was discovered on July 19, 2019, at the Days Inn in Oil City.
– The body of a 36-year old Franklin woman was found on July 23, 2019, along the railroad tracks near Franklin Industries.
According to Rugh, authorities have seen an increase in the use of methamphetamines as doctors are no longer prescribing as many opioids.
There are many negative health effects that can develop with the use of meth.
Kathleen Barefield-Painter, Drug and Alcohol Facility Director for CenClear Inc., said that “teeth damage, skin damage, hair loss, and numerous other health concerns can develop with prolonged use of the drug,”
Barefield-Painter, who operates rehabilitation programs in Clarion and Jefferson Counties, explained that “meth is more available at this time than it was in the past. With availability, the price has decreased which makes it more appealing to use.”
While addiction to methamphetamine crosses all demographics, it is more common in those in their 20’s and 30’s, according to Anderson.
In addition to the danger that comes from the drug itself, those buying drugs on the street are often not getting what they think they’re buying.
Anderson said that methamphetamines are sometimes laced with heroin or the opioid fentanyl.
Methamphetamine addiction can be a challenge to treat.
“It takes a while longer to get the brain back in working order. You’re in treatment a lot longer with methamphetamine than you are with heroin,” Anderson added.
In addition, there is no medication available to help with the symptoms of detoxing from a methamphetamine addiction as there is for opioids or heroin. This adds to the challenge of rehabilitation from the drug.
Anderson urges intervention for anyone who is addicted to methamphetamine as soon as possible.
“They need to call our office. They can call the crisis line and ask to talk to a certified recovery specialist. We man that line 24 hours per day.”
In Clarion County, call 814-226-7223.
In Jefferson County, anyone in crisis is urged to get medical help at a local hospital and will be referred to a program.
In Venango County, call 1-800-622-HELP (4357).
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