Methamphetamine or meth is now regarded as a silent epidemic in Texas. While state and federal agencies are focused largely on opioids, meth use is becoming increasingly common. Meth has destroyed families and is increasingly becoming a problem for law enforcement as it can be made locally with over the counter drugs and household items.
How Meth Affects Local Communities
Addiction to methamphetamines, also known as crystal meth or ice, has become a major social and public health problem in Texas.
Since 2005 (when the federal government started to collect reliable statistics), the number of Americans who have tried methamphetamine has more than doubled. It’s worth noting that even though methamphetamine use has increased, there are still more people who smoke cigarettes than methamphetamine users in America.
The impact of meth goes beyond just the users but their families and community. Increases in cases of child neglect and violence as well as strained resources on health care, law enforcement and social services have been reported by communities across Texas.
Efforts to Curb the Meth Crisis in Texas
Meth is classified as a dangerous Penalty Group 1 drug by the State of Texas. Law enforcement in Texas is harsh in prosecuting meth-related cases. State and federal law enforcement have regularly teamed up in an effort to curb the epidemic. Arrests related to meth are serious criminal charges. The penalties can range from 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000 and up to 99 years in jail and/or a fine up to $100,000.
What You Can Do to Combat the Problem of Meth Abuse
There’s only so much an ordinary person can do in combating the meth problem. Helping a family member or friend with his/her meth problem is one way to go. The destructive nature of meth means that even if just one person is clean from the dangerous drug, it can massively help your family and community. The first step in helping your family member deal with his/her meth problem is to help with their meth-related charges. Having a person out of prison and recover in their own terms is a better way than just throwing people into prison. A skilled drug crime attorney can help you in getting a favorable result in a courtroom battle.