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As the nation’s drug epidemic worsens and overdose deaths continue to rise, numerous substances have surged alongside the opioid crisis, including methamphetamine, which has become a significant issue in Indiana.
Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that over 10,300 methamphetamine-related overdose deaths occurred in 2017, a stark increase from 1,378 deaths a decade earlier. This represents an almost 650 percent rise in methamphetamine overdose deaths during that period.
When examining the issue further, certain states, such as Indiana, stand out due to methamphetamine production and use. The state has faced considerable challenges, prompting the creation of the Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System (IMIS). While the meth situation in Indiana has improved in recent years, it was particularly alarming in the early 2010s.
Methamphetamine Manufacturing in Indiana
Methamphetamine manufacturing was not always a significant issue in Indiana. According to the Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System (IMIS), the state averaged only about 22 clandestine meth lab incidents in the late 1990s. However, this number skyrocketed to 1,137 lab incidents within just five years, resulting in a staggering 2,250 percent increase from 1999 to 2004.
Unfortunately, this surge was not the end of the problem. Although the number of meth labs decreased slightly in the late 2000s, it rose again in the early and mid-2010s, reaching 1,808 incidents in 2013. That year also saw meth lab-related arrests peak at over 1,550, nearly triple the number of arrests recorded in 2007.
One factor contributing to the decline in meth labs in Indiana may be the influence of Mexican drug cartels, which have increasingly dominated the market. According to the DEA, domestic clandestine meth labs have decreased due to several federal legislative efforts.
It’s important to recognize that these crude, domestic laboratories pose a significant health hazard. The production of methamphetamine involves highly combustible materials, which can lead to fires and explosions, causing damage to everything in the surrounding area.
Methamphetamine Use in Indiana
Methamphetamine use has been on the rise in various areas across Indiana. A recent local news report highlighted that Wayne County, once dominated by crack cocaine and later heroin, has seen a shift toward meth as the drug of choice in recent years.
“The presence of meth is really starting to increase,” stated Scott Crull, a supervisor with the Wayne County Drug Task Force. “We’re purchasing a lot more meth and investigating many more meth cases than ever before.”
The county has noted an uptick in meth use, attributing it to the perception that meth is less lethal than other substances and its greater availability.
A 2017 state drug abuse report indicated that while heroin and prescription opioids are the most immediate threats to public health in Indiana, methamphetamine remains a significant concern.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that is highly addictive and impacts the central nervous system. Users typically inject or smoke the drug to experience a brief, intense high or rush, which is attributed to elevated dopamine levels released in specific areas of the brain. These increased dopamine levels result in heightened feelings of pleasure, but long-term use can lead to severe damaging effects, including addiction.
Regular methamphetamine use can cause individuals to display violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, aggression, visual and auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, and delusions.
Methamphetamine also has numerous physical effects on the body. Even small amounts can produce symptoms like:
- Increased wakefulness
- Heightened physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hypothermia
High doses of methamphetamine can lead to life-threatening overdose effects, including stroke, heart attack, and multi-organ failure, which can result in overheating and death.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II stimulant, indicating a high potential for abuse, although it does have accepted medical uses.
Indiana Meth Laws
Methamphetamine is classified as an illegal substance in the United States and is included in the Controlled Substances Act. While this is well-known, it is essential to understand the specific laws in Indiana and how they may affect individuals and their loved ones. Here is an overview of the felony classifications related to methamphetamine offenses in the state:
Level 5 Felony
The possible sentence ranges from one to six years, with an advised sentence of three years. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed.
Level 4 Felony
The possible sentence ranges from two to 12 years, with an advised sentence of six years. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed.
Level 3 Felony
The possible sentence ranges from three to 16 years, with an advised sentence of nine years. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed.
Level 2 Felony
The possible sentence ranges from 10 to 30 years, with an advised sentence of 17.5 years. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed.
Level 1 Felony
The possible sentence ranges from 20 to 40 years, with an advised sentence of 30 years. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed.
Possession
Possessing methamphetamine in any form is illegal at both the federal and state levels. A person who knowingly possesses methamphetamine is committing a crime, which is punishable as a Level 5 to Level 3 felony.
Selling
The sale and distribution of methamphetamine is a felony offense in Indiana. This includes individuals who knowingly or intentionally deliver methamphetamine or possess the drug with the intent to deliver.
The penalties for selling methamphetamine vary based on the quantity involved, ranging from a Level 5 to a Level 2 felony.
Manufacturing
As previously mentioned, methamphetamine manufacturing remains a significant issue in Indiana. Although the situation has improved, law enforcement still dismantles hundreds of meth labs each year.
Indiana law states that anyone who knowingly manufactures or finances the manufacture of methamphetamine commits a crime that is classified as a Level 4 to Level 2 felony.
Rehab in Indiana for Methamphetamine
If you or a loved one is struggling with methamphetamine addiction or dependence, treatment options are available. Research shows that treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users are comparable to those of users of other drugs, such as cocaine, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
“In the year following discharge from treatment, no differences in treatment outcomes, such as treatment readmission, arrests, convictions, and employment, have been found between methamphetamine users and users of other substances.”
Methamphetamine users tend to have similar recovery trajectories to those of users of other drugs. However, some methamphetamine users are more likely to complete treatment than others. Factors such as being over 40, having less severe drug use patterns, and being court-ordered into treatment have all been associated with higher completion rates.
This raises the question: what does substance use disorder treatment involve?
Generally, treatment for methamphetamine and other substances includes detoxification, inpatient care, and outpatient services.
Detoxification
Detoxification is crucial in addressing substance abuse, particularly for methamphetamine. During treatment, it is essential for patients to navigate the initial withdrawal symptoms to fully engage in the rest of their recovery process. If not managed properly, these withdrawal symptoms can result in various physical health issues and may even be life-threatening.
When patients undergo medically supervised detox, they can safely address these challenges, allowing them to concentrate on other aspects of their treatment. Common symptoms associated with methamphetamine withdrawal include paranoia, red eyes, sleep disturbances, lack of motivation, fatigue, and increased appetite. Some patients may also experience depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts.
Inpatient treatment typically includes individual and group counseling sessions. Various therapeutic approaches are implemented during this stage, all designed to assist patients in managing urges and cravings.
Behavioral Therapies and Inpatient Treatment
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse identifies behavioral therapies as one of the most effective methods for treating methamphetamine addiction. One prominent approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which was specifically developed to help prevent relapse in individuals dealing with substance abuse issues.
CBT helps individuals recognize and modify problematic behaviors by employing a variety of skills aimed at reducing drug use. A key component of CBT involves anticipating challenges that patients may encounter and developing coping strategies to address them. Techniques explored in CBT include examining the negative consequences of ongoing drug use, self-monitoring to identify early signs of cravings, and devising strategies to handle high-risk situations, such as being around drugs after treatment.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the skills acquired through CBT tend to persist after treatment completion.
Outpatient
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is integral to both inpatient and outpatient care. Typically, after completing inpatient treatment, reputable facilities create a discharge plan to support patients in continuing their recovery journey. For many treatment centers, this plan includes outpatient treatment, which helps individuals maintain their path to sobriety while expanding their sober support networks.
Outpatient treatment allows patients to readjust to life after inpatient care while still engaging in key aspects of their treatment. They will participate in similar therapy sessions, both individually and in groups.
Overall, if you or a loved one is grappling with addiction, prioritizing treatment and sobriety should be of utmost importance.
Next Steps
Methamphetamine poses a significant threat in Indiana and across the nation. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in the drug epidemic. While this crisis is predominantly driven by opioids, it has also contributed to rising risks associated with other substances, including heroin and meth.
In Indiana, methamphetamine manufacturing was a critical issue during the late 2000s and early to mid-2010s. Although this problem has diminished somewhat, there are still numerous meth lab busts each year. However, the production of the drug has largely shifted to Mexico, with drug cartels filling the gap by supplying their own methamphetamine. Despite the decrease in meth labs, the drug’s usage remains steady and is even increasing.
For individuals struggling with substance abuse, the consequences can include a range of physical and behavioral health issues, such as increased heart rate, stroke, overheating, and even death. Fortunately, treatment options are available for those facing meth addiction.
Our addiction rehab center in Jeffersonville, Indiana is one of the treatment facility that offers support for those in need. Sunrise Recovery is committed to being part of the solution and provides access to personalized, evidence-based treatment plans designed to help individuals overcome their struggles with substance use.
If you are interested in learning more about Sunrise Recovery and how we can assist, please visit our website and reach out to our admissions staff today to discover a personalized path forward.