My girlfriend, Diane, called desperately seeking help. She was frantic and she was babbling. In all of the years I have known her, I have never once heard her in this state and I became frightened for her.
“Diane, try to calm down. What is going on?"
“Everything’s caving in on me and I need to get out of here. I need money, Judi; I need at least $5000.00 by tomorrow morning. I need it for my kids, Judi, for my kids."
She needs it for her kids? Her ‘kids’ are all grown up and married. Actually Diane has two grandchildren and is excessively wealthy. What on earth is going on?
“Where is Robert? Diane, try to calm down and tell me what is going on, pl-l-l-e-e-e-zzzz."
“I will, Judi, but I can’t right now; tomorrow, I promise, I will tell you everything, tomorrow. Just send the money Western Union by tomorrow morning. I really need it."
“Di-…" – dial tone, she hung up on me. I instantly dialed star 69 but the number was unlisted.
As I picked up the phone to call Robert, there was someone already on the line.
“Hello?"
“Judi, is that you?"
“Yes, who is this?"
“Robert."
“Robert? What the heck is going on? I just got off of the phone with Diane and she was frantic. What’s going on?"
“Judi, I need to talk with you. I know you’re busy with Laura and your father…when can we speak uninterrupted?"
“Speak now, Robert, or I will go crazy…."
I silently listened to Robert and was literally getting nauseous. Once their youngest daughter, Marcy, married two and a half years ago, Diane apparently embraced her newfound ‘freedom’ aggressively.
According to Robert, Diane mysteriously started to go out once or twice a weeknight with it eventually progressing to the entire week. At first, Robert suspected an affair, but, even more tragic, discovered ‘the affair’ to be with crystal meth, or ‘ice’.
Huh? Diane? How could this be? We have known each other since we were five years old and the ‘riskiest’ thing either one of us ever did was drink a six-pack of beer together when we were in the twelfth grade. I was ‘straight’, but Diane was even ‘straighter’.
Robert further explained his true heartbreaker: Diane was not the only one on drugs; his youngest daughter, Marcy, was just as addicted and they ‘partied’ constantly together.
Robert swore me off sending her a dime or to speak with her. He warned me that I would be conned and lied to. He also educated me about interventions and that they were planning one within the next twenty-four hours. He then told me to check my e-mail in about thirty minutes.
I hung up emotionally frozen. I could not believe what I had just heard. Diane? Marcy? My mind was racing. I have known Diane for over forty years and I thought we were very close. I was a part of every important event in her life and was genuinely happy for her and Robert.
She did well with Robert. I have known him since my junior year of High School. He was a really good, honorable guy with a great sense of humor. Robert’s business eventually boomed and they bought a magnificent estate in East Hampton, L.I.
They had it all, or so I thought.
Because of my work, I am always online and my curiosity kept drawing me towards my e-mail. The next thirty minutes seemed like an eternity. Finally his e-mail arrived with a number of photos attached. It was sickening. Diane’s daunting image stared at me head on. This was not my Diane; this was an old, ragged, boney woman. And Marcy? A front tooth was missing and her face was covered with scabs; she too was a stranger. This was not the young, beautiful woman I knew who was planning a stupendous garden wedding three years ago; this person was unrecognizable to me.
I trashed the pictures and prayed. What is going on, Lord? I do not understand this epidemic. What is so great about the ‘high’ that draws so many people down the valley of hell? Where is the seduction?
I strongly believe that drugs are behind the decay of our younger generation and, like Diane’s situation, the street drugs have moved to all aspects of society.
With the world always at our fingertips, I proceeded to look up everything I could on the Internet regarding Crystal Meth. What I found was alarming but important to know. God help us, and God help our kids for this surely is ‘the devil’s candy’.
SOME FAST FACTS ABOUT CRYSTAL METH
I. What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is the most potent form of speed available. It is also known as crystal, crank, tweak, go-fast, and dozens of other names. In medicine, it comes in tablet form, as the prescription drug, Desoxyn®. More often, though, it's cooked in makeshift labs and sold on the street as a powder, which is injected, snorted, or swallowed. A smokeable form of crystal meth, called "ice," is also used.
Crystal meth is a Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant and is a powerful and highly addictive illegal drug. It is made up of a chemical compound that is toxic to humans. An estimated 42% of first time crystal meth users report an intense desire to use the drug again. It is estimated that 84% of second time crystal meth users begin a dangerous pattern of increasing their meth use. Amazingly, some first-time users report that they did not even think that they were high initially because they just felt so great! The initial addiction is "mostly mental", users want to "feel great" (get high again - stay on a drug run), and do not realize the damage that is being done "internally" to their body and brain.
I. General Symptoms of a Meth User
Users may experience: agitation, excited speech, decreased appetites, and increased physical activity levels (Other common symptoms include dilated pupils, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated body temperature). Occasional episodes of sudden and violent behavior, intense paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and bouts of insomnia. A tendency to compulsively clean and groom and repetitively sort and disassemble objects such as cars and other mechanical devices.
- increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
- flushed or tense appearance
- dilated pupils
- bloodshot eyes
- a chemical odor on their breath
- excessive sweating
- rapid speech
- inability to sleep or eat
- severe weight loss
- rotting teeth
- scars and open sores
- paranoia
- hallucinations (often times auditory)
- repetitive behavior
- memory loss
- depression
- psychosis
- teeth grinding
- restlessness
- tremors
III. Alarming Information For Parents Of Younger Children:
Flavored Meth Use On the Rise (“USA Today", April 2007)
‘Reports of police candy-flavored methamphetamine are emerging around the nation, stirring concern among and abuse prevention experts that drug dealers are marketing the drug to younger children….
… Drug traffickers are trying to lure in new customers, no matter what their age, by making the meth seem less dangerous," DEA spokesman Steve Robertson says….
…Among the new flavors are strawberry, known as ‘Strawberry Quick,’ chocolate, cola and other sodas, Robertson said. One agent reported a red methamphetamine that had been marketed as a powdered form of an energy drink, he said.’
If you or someone you know is suspected of using this deadly drug, seek out help immediately. For further information, go to: http://www.stopmethaddiction.com/index.htm or call: 1.800.871.4350.
Judi Lynn Lake has kept up with leading edge business trends throughout her varied and successful career. She had already had her ‘15 minutes of fame’ over and over again before starting her family. Judi and her family now reside in South Carolina but, having been born and raised on Long Island, NY, it is clearly evident that she will always be a "New Yorker." Today, she successfully runs her own advertising agency which handles everything from logos, branding and package design while she continues to work closely with self-published authors from design to promotion.
» left by David Tanguay (2 years 220 days ago.)
Judi, i read this article first thing this morning i wasn't going to comment on it but let me say I just sent James a message on his contact author link as a response to my poem "straight A's in love" You don't have a contact author link with your bio if you would put one in I'd sent you a message regarding your article. I used to shoot speed (Chrystal meth) 35 years ago I'd like to give you my opinion about it. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 220 days ago.)
Thanks, David - I had no idea about putting up the contact info, so it's done and I also sent u an e-mail. I guess I am very sheltered but I force myself to become informed not only because I have a child but because I really care and if we can save a few souls in the process, how good is that? Your writing does that, David, and I am certain that in the process of that, you are saving a number of souls and for that I appreciate your writing. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 214 days ago.)
A bold article. I hope people take this seriously and I thank you for the courage to write it. I am a meth addict who has lost everything. I had a good career and a good husband and two beautiful little girls but I guess it just has the best of me. Pray for me and everyone else because it is really the road to hell.Thank you again. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 213 days ago.)
I do not understand addiction, but I do understand being a mother and our children truly need their mothers. I urge you, I beg you and I pray that you find the courage to seek help or at least call the number within this article. If anything, your little girls needs their mother; a healthy mother. Do it for them if you can't for yourself. I will continue to pray for you. Thank you for your courageous comment. Respond to this comment
» left by James P Krehbiel(1,110) James P Krehbiel (2 years 213 days ago.)
Judi,
Thank you for this important article. I cannot even relay how painful this all is. I recently had a kid as a patient who was a pot smoker. He went on a joy ride and drove a car though someone's front yard doing over 75,000 dollars worth of damage over his stupidity. He was clocked at 110 miles per hour. I feel bad for your relationship that has gone sour. I hope she gets help ASAP. Take care. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 213 days ago.)
James, I do not understand this at all and from what I've learned crystal meth is gaining popularity with housewives in my age group (40-50 year olds). Why? With all of the education available on drugs why start this late in life? In my state, SC, there are many below average income families that have parents abusing this and, sadly, their children are parenting themselves. There are always domino effects and the children will learn how to cope by how thier parents cope. Thanks for your comment, James. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 213 days ago.)
Judi,
The kid I was telling you about. His mother and father are alcoholics and his Dad is a rager. His stepmom is an addict who has been actually feeding him drugs. His mom was off with her boyfriend leaving him alone to party at his apartment. I just talked with this boy and his mom yesterday. He appears in court tommorrow. Nothing like some good role modeling, ha. What a crazy world we live in. I am so sorry for your loss, because that's what it is. jamespkrehbiel Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 213 days ago.)
Well, James, that's a perfact example of the 'domino effects' of addiction and bad behavior -- it will go generation to generation until something is done about it -- yep, it is a crazy world. The kids should be taken from these homes and heavy duty counseling should begin -- Although my clients come from all over the world, my 'little world' is within my home and sometimes I really like it that way; just too much crazieness iand with my personality, I surely would not have the patience to do what you do. Respond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward(10,703) Avis Ward (2 years 213 days ago.)
Judi, I am surprised I missed this article. It's an important and well-written article, thank you. I am with James, I hope your friend gets help as soon as possible, too. Take special care! Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 213 days ago.)
Well, Avis, it scares me about all the things that we, as a society, must educate ourselves on. Drugs always frightened me but as I had previously stated before, 'There but for the Grace of God could be me' -- My worries go towards the children, always the children and what kind of future they must face? Thanks for your comment! Respond to this comment
» left by James Carrick (2 years 213 days ago.)
That is a hard-hitting article, Judi. It's a scary world out there when a woman who you think would know better and has everything would delve into drugs like that. Wow! Keep us informed as to how things turn out. I will say a prayer for your friend! Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 213 days ago.)
That's what I don't get, James, you would think that she knew better.... why she began is beyond me. Thanks for your comment, James and thanks for your prayers -- that is something we all need to do for where society has gone to. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 213 days ago.)
Judi,
How ironic, I just receive a staff development brochure entitled "The Meth Epidemic." I noticed that they had a CD/Manual package available of the program. Not sure how much. If interested, call 1-800-843-7763. However you may want to take a leave of absence from all of this. It's so sad that this is/was your good friend. james Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,757) Judi Lake (2 years 213 days ago.)
Thanks, James; I will forward the phone number to her husband. Personally, for the sake of my family, I have to make the 'choice' of staying in the background as I am very well aware how conning drug addicts are and I have to protect my daughter, am a care-taker for my elderly father and of course there's my husband. I have told her husband he has my support but, sadly, I can not allow the toxity of this to enter my family and if I offer a 'pinkie' they will take everything. That's the tragedy of addiction and I suppose I can speak first hand since we recently experienced the suicide of my brother-in-law last Easter for precisely the same thing: drugs. My heart breaks and I truly pray for a healing but I can not put my family at risk. Addiction makes people do things 'they never thought they'd ever do'. Respond to this comment
» left by susan thom from new jersey (2 years 185 days ago.)
judi.
i have, as you know, a 16, 20, and 21 year old. i have been deathly afraid of many drugs, meth and heroin among the 2 highest, and most addictive, i think. my kids have done their sampling. it kills me, but they have, and i guess i should at least be glad that they thought they could tell me.
i, being in recovery, abhor all drugs, more so than alcohol. alcohol doesn't agree with me, but doesn't bother me if someone else wants to drink it, as long as i don't have to witness anyone drunk-too painful, and hasn't happened in 13 years, but drugs-the mother of my soulmate's 2 kids was a prescription drug user who moved on to heroin and methadon, and wasn't available to them from 5 through now, in their late 20's. they don't even see her. she lost her kids over drugs, and still shoots up. he lost his 2 brothers to Aids from Heroin use, and her brother.
it is an addiction that grabs hold, and won't let go until you are serious to make it let go, with help!
thanks for a great article,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or Question:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
