METH DESTROYS                         CALL 211

WHO ARE WE?

The Larimer County Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (DEC), works to increase awareness of the dangers that drug use poses to children -- and we work to prevent drug abuse. Where drug abuse is already a problem, we provide resources to individuals, children, and families.

DEC is a coalition of organizations - non-profit groups, government agencies, treatment centers, churches, and others. Our group formed in response to the epidemic of methamphetamine abuse in our community. Larimer County DEC works locally, but we also embrace the mission and values of the Colorado Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, www.colodec.org, which is part of a national alliance. We are working aggressively to break the cycle of drug abuse in our county

WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive drug. It is a mental and physical stimulant that has a powerful effect on the central nervous system. Meth can be snorted, smoked, swallowed, or injected. People who use meth - even just once or "socially" -- can quickly end up addicted to it. Because of the way meth acts on the brain, addiction is faster and more likely than for almost any other drug.

Addiction is not the only risk for meth users. Meth users often stay awake for days at a time, which leads to irrational behavior. People who are under the influence of meth often become violent and lose all interest in their jobs, families, and loved ones. Getting high becomes the only important thing in life. With time, meth users become overly thin and suffer from major skin and teeth problems. Studies have also found that meth causes brain damage that is similar to Alzheimer's disease, even with relatively short-term use.

Methamphetamine has huge costs for our communities, as well as for individuals. The costs include increased costs for police and court, the child welfare system, jails and community corrections, healthcare, and mental health services.

FAST FACTS

Total Drug-Related Arrests

Larimer County Department of Human Services January - January 2007
2003: 102 (57 for meth)
2004: 109 (57 for meth)
2005: 175 (95 for meth)
2006: 97 (65 for meth)

Total Meth Labs Dismantled:
2003: 20
2004: 13
2005: 19
2006: 7

Meth Seized:
2003: 5.3 pounds
2004: 5.6 pounds
2005: 10.9 pounds
2006: 8.2 pounds

Cocaine Seized:
2003: 6.4 pounds
2004: 7.4 pounds
2005: 12.9 pounds
2006: .51 pounds

Marijuana Seized:
2003: 101.6 pounds
2004: 24.2 pounds
2005: 83.5 pounds
2006: 66.8 pounds

Living Marijuana Seized:
2003: 1120 plants
2004: 1079 plants
2005: 1894 plants
2006: 1344 plants

Larimer County Department of Human Services January - August 2005

• 52 children were placed outside their homes due to methamphetamine use by parents. Child Protection received 388 referrals in which it was alleged that children were living in homes where their parents abused methamphetamine.
• 256 methamphetamine related cases were investigated by Child Protective Services.
• 65 Dependency and Neglect petitions were filed with District Court

Larimer County Drug Task Force January - June 2005

• 65% of all information reported to the Task Force related to the use, possession, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine.
• Made 34 meth-related felony arrests.
• Investigated 12 meth labs that resulted in criminal charges.

8th Judicial District Adult and Juvenile Drug Court

• For adults, at intake 85% of offenders listed methamphetamine as their drug of choice in 2004. This was an increase of 34% since adult drug court began in 2001.
• For juveniles, at intake 16% of clients listed methamphetamine as their drug of choice in 2004. This was an increase of 16% since 2000.

Larimer County

• Total Arrests:
• In 2004: 109
• In 2005: 175
• Meth Arrests:
• In 2004: 57
• In 2005: 95
• Meth Labs Dismantled:
• In 2004: 13 Labs
• In 2005: 19 Labs
• Meth Seized:
• In 2004: 5.6 Pounds
• In 2005: 10.9 Pounds

If you would like to learn more about methamphetamine abuse, drug treatment and recovery, drug abuse prevention, and related issues, DEC provides free presentations to groups in Larimer County. Contact Angela Mead, 970-498-6562 or email: amead@larimer.org for more information.