Breaking the addiction

Drug use has been a part of the youth generation for decades, but widespread addiction among young people has become more prevalent than ever in recent years.More and more families and friends are experiencing battles with the addiction of loved ones and professionals say the results are startling.

Meth is one of the biggest drug problems in the country and is especially devastating in Arizona.

According to the Arizona Meth Project, 34 percent of young adults in the state have been offered meth.

A key element to the problem, according to professionals, is the way parents on the drug, many of whom never planned on having kids, treat their own children.

According to the group, 65 percent of Arizona child abuse and neglect cases involve meth.

“People don’t realize just how dangerous meth is,” said Amy Rex, Executive Director of the Arizona Meth Project.

“They tend to think its going to be just a good time and that they won’t get addicted.”

Rex explained that many people don’t realize how many harmful chemicals are in the drug.

“I think if these kids knew exactly what some of the ingredients in meth are, they may be less likely to put it into their bodies.

“I don’t think most people would deliberately put fertilizer, cleaner or brake fluid into their bodies.”

Rex added that few young people who become addicted to the drug are able to realize the affect the drug has on those around them.

“Every aspect gets affected, from their personal hygiene to school, job performance, and their relationships with family and friends, it’s really devastating,” she said.

Meth has many harmful effects on the body that addicts experience including a reduction in serotonin levels, the chemical that transfers information to the brain that dictates basic body functions like knowing when to eat and sleep.

While meth is a serious problem among young people today, it is hardly the only substance they are becoming addicted to.

“We get caught up in thinking of other drugs, but alcohol is extremely dangerous and is legal,” said Ken Lucas, Marketing
Director for the Valley Hope Association in Arizona.

According to Valley Hope, the most widespread drug rehab center in the nation, there are approximately 15 alcoholics for every one meth addict.

Lucas, a recovering alcoholic himself, added that heroin use has been rising significantly over the last few years.

“Heroin used to be an end drug, a drug that users would try after they had experienced everything else, but now 17, 18, and 19 year olds are becoming addicted,” he said.

Lucas added that while it is possible, getting over addiction without help is extremely difficult, and that young people should know they always have a place to turn.

“With recovery we want you to not just be dry, but to be happy and look forward to coming to the meetings and making friends.”

As much as addiction can ruin the life of a person who has the disease, it often also has negative impacts on those around them.

Rachel, a former MCC student, saw firsthand the terrors of addiction when her friend and roommate became addicted to a variety of drugs.

“Every morning when she woke up she was taking cocaine or meth to get her going through her day,” Rachel said.

“At night she would be so high on all kinds of different drugs that she would actually have to take sleeping pills or some other sort of depressants just to allow herself to sleep.”

She added that it was very tense to be around her roommate most of the time because she never knew how she was going to act.

“I was walking on eggshells because sometimes she would just snap at me or some of our friends without warning, and it was so sad because she wasn’t even the same person anymore.”

Drug addiction is often a key factor in domestic abuse cases as well.

Chris Morin, an officer for the Salt River Police Department said he sees many instances of drug abuse on the job.

“A large majority of our domestic abuse calls involve heavy drug and alcohol use,” Morin said.

Young adults make a large majority of those suffering from substance abuse.
According to drug-rehabs.org, young adults between the ages of 21 and 25 represent the largest group of people admitted into drug rehab in Arizona at 13.6 percent.

While rehab centers can provide help to those who have become victims of addiction, in Mesa, according to drug-rehabs.org, the typical success rate of rehab centers is 20 percent. There are some drug rehab centers with success rates as high as 75 percent.
The path to recovery is not an easy one and requires willingness, according to Lucas.

“In order to recover, addicts have to change their friends, change their lifestyle and attend meetings weekly,” he said.

“We can’t cure drug addiction, but we can sure hear you.”

Nick Kosmider, Elisa Vincitorio, Michelle Lawrence and Jesse Mock of the Legend staff contributed to this report.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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