Sober living

Meth Awareness Day: Recognizing Signs of Meth Use

People who are addicted to methamphetamine and who use the drug long term may exhibit symptoms that can include significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. They also may display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping under the skin). This time of year can also trigger difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors—which can affect your mental health and use of substances (including alcohol). Let your friends, family, and communities know that confidential support is available 24/7 for both mental health and substance use. On this occasion, we seek to educate the public about methamphetamine and how it impacts families across America.

  • Other devastating consequences of meth use include the act of tearing apart families as loved ones spiral out of control, sometimes leading to financial ruin and even criminal activity.
  • We need to spread awareness about this potentially fatal substance and its effects.
  • It also highlights the fact that help is available to those with an amphetamine use disorder.
  • Robin is an advocate for education and volunteers at Coopertown Elementary School.
  • After the war, the drug was majorly used to treat conditions such as obesity, depression, and A.D.H.D. However, it later became a recreational drug used to stay awake or for its euphoric and aphrodisiac qualities.
  • Methamphetamine is a drug that affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

As past chair of NAATP’s Ethics Committee, Jay was instrumental in important changes made to the organization’s code of ethics. In addition, Jay serves as Treasurer/Secretary of the Foundation of Recovery Science and Education. He has also served on an advisory committee with LegitScript, certification that lets search engines know which treatment centers operate safely and legally. Meth Awareness Day is a national day of awareness for Methamphetamine addiction. It was officially recognized in a proclamation signed by President George W. Bush in 2006. The proclamation formally declared that November 30th was to be National Meth Awareness Day.

A Brief History of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day

Randal Lea, our Chief Community Recovery Officer is a licensed addictions counselor with 30 years of clinical and administrative experience. Kathi McCarty never thought her beautiful home would be contaminated with meth toxins. During World War II, methamphetamine was used by soldiers as well as pilots from various countries to enhance wakefulness and combat fatigue. It allowed them to stay alert for extended periods, increasing their performance and endurance.

meth awareness

All Months

Observed on November 30th, National Meth Awareness Day attempts to educate the public about the effects of methamphetamine abuse on addicts, their families, and ultimately, the entire community. According to the Centers for https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ Disease Control & Prevention, the availability of meth and the damage it causes have been on a steady increase over the past few years. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that a tolerance to meth’s pleasurable effects develops when the drug is taken repeatedly.

Meth Awareness Day: Everything You Need to Know About an Amphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Lead by Example – Be a positive role model by making healthy lifestyle choices and avoiding substance abuse. Your actions can influence others and contribute to a culture of well-being in your community.

The state is providing increased resources and support for those who are in need, as well as those who want to advocate for meth’s demise in their communities. Prior to his current role as Chief Community Recovery Officer, Randal served eight years as Assistant Commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. In 2008, he was recognized by the Praed Foundation as a national “Systems Champion” for implementing a statewide children’s Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules assessment for DCS. He also received the Friend of Children Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 from Tennessee Voices for Children after seven years on their board.

meth awareness

Sadly, in 2021, over 32,000 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants, primarily methamphetamine, according to statistics by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. On a broader scope, active addiction to methamphetamine affects the person abusing the substance and those around them, leaving no one untouched. Families, friends, and communities are all impacted once an individual is actively addicted to meth, making it especially critical to address. People who use this substance often experience rapid, extreme weight loss. Often, this drug causes severe dental problems – you may notice that your loved one’s teeth have begun to yellow or rot, even if they always had great dental hygiene.

Military use of methamphetamine

National Methamphetamine Awareness Day was first established on November 30, 2006, by a proclamation from President George W. Bush. The goal of this awareness day was to educate the American public about the effects of methamphetamine abuse and to underscore the dangers it poses to families and communities. National Methamphetamine Awareness Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a call to action for change.

The dependency can develop rapidly due to its intense euphoric effects, leading users to seek repeated doses to maintain the high impact. Support Others – If someone you know is facing addiction, extend your support by actively listening, consulting professionals, and exploring treatment options. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of methamphetamine with the same stimulating properties as methamphetamine. Governor Kristi Noem has supported funding for treatment facilities and school-based prevention programs. Cindy Patterson accepted her role as Chief Development and Marketing Officer in 2019. Cindy has more than 16 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, most recently serving as Development Officer for United Methodist Higher Education Foundation.