The need for effective drug rehab and addiction treatment in Oklahoma is clearly evident due to the fact that the drug problem is destroying the lives of far too many people throughout the state. According to law enforcement officials throughout Oklahoma, methamphetamine abuse is high and is still on the rise. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can induce anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings, delusions, and violent behavior, particularly during the "tweaking" stage of abuse.
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 9.8 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized in Oklahoma in 2007. Over the last decade there have been thousands of methamphetamine lab incidents reported in Oklahoma with 57 federal drug case sentencing. With 3,322 individuals checking in to treatment for methamphetamine in Oklahoma in 2007, it is safe to say that something else needs to be done to handle the methamphetamine problem in Oklahoma.
Violence is more commonly associated with the production, distribution, and abuse of methamphetamine than with any other illicit drug. As the euphoric effects of methamphetamine diminish, abusers enter the “tweaking” stage in which they are prone to violence, delusions, paranoia, and feelings of emptiness and dysphoria. During the “tweaking” stage the user often has not slept in days and consequently is extremely irritable. The "tweaker" also craves more methamphetamine, which results in frustration and contributes to anxiety and restlessness. At this stage methamphetamine users may become violent without provocation. Case histories indicate that “tweakers” have reacted violently to the mere sight of a police uniform.
As more information is gathered by Oklahoma law enforcement and addiction treatment centers regarding methamphetamine addiction, it is becoming easier for authorities to spot users more quickly even if they are not caught in possession of the drug. The nightmares that plague these abusers and their loved ones do not seem to be ending any time in the near future. Therefore it is up to officials to do all they can to stop the manufacturing and distribution of the drug as quickly as they can. With so many new ways to make the drug it is now easier for methamphetamine addicts to carry the tools they need for its production. One of the newest ways of making the drug referred to as “shake and bake” only requires a plastic liter bottle and a few pills combined with some household chemicals. Even though this new method is fairly easy it is still remarkably dangerous and can cause an explosion if air enters the bottle.
Oklahoma officials are working hard to seize this dangerous drug and stop the violence caused by it. To find out how you can help or get help for methamphetamine addiction in Oklahoma, please contact us at 1-800-468-6933.
