Frequent visitors and activity at odd hours
Occupants are unfriendly and secretive
Occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior
Windows blackened or curtains always drawn
Extensive security, including signs saying “Private Property” or “Beware of Dog”
Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage, or detached buildings
Garbage contains many bottles and containers
Evidence of chemical or waste dumping (i.e. burn pits, or dead spots in the yard)

Any single activity may not be a sign of a meth lab, but a combination of signs may be reason for concern. Talk with your neighbors. What have they noticed?

Meth FAQs

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine, or “meth,” is a highly addictive stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally. It’s also called speed, chalk, ice, crystal, or glass. Methamphetamine users feel a short intense "rush" when first ingesting the drug. The effects of methamphetamine also include increased activity, decreased appetite, and a sense of well being that can last from 20 minutes to 12 hours.

Meth can be manufactured from common, easily accessible materials: antifreeze, white gas, ether, starting fluids, Freon, drain openers, paint thinner, acetone, and ephedrine or pseudoephedrine in cold medicines. It can be produced easily in a variety of locations (meth-labs): home, open areas, and even inside vehicles. Currently, most meth comes into Minnesota from outside of the United States, most commonly from Mexico.

Why is it so dangerous?

Addiction can occur after one or two more tries with no guarantee of 100% recovery.

Physical and mental damage can be severe, resulting in lifetime impairments or death.

With meth use, there is more stealing, violence, and domestic abuse.

Dealing with meth labs, users, and others exposed to the drug is a huge financial burden to everybody in the community.

How common is meth use?

According to the most recent Minnesota Student Survey on student behavior in 2004:

For 12th graders, 10% of males and 7% of females reported using meth at least once in the previous year
For 9th graders, 5% of boys and 4% of girls used meth
Nearly half of child protection cases involve meth

What are the early signs of meth use?

Every child reacts differently, but there are common behavioral, physical, and environmental indicators that may indicate meth use.

Behavioral signs include
- Increased, nonproductive energy or hyperactivity
- Excited speech and non-stop talking
- Compulsive behaviors
- Poor impulse control and judgment
- Aggression, tendency for violence
- An “I don’t care” attitude
- Lying
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in social behavior
Physical signs include
- Weight loss
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating
- Flushed skin
Environmental signs include
- Presence of hollowed out ink pens
- Missing light bulbs
- Burnt tin foil or gum wrappers
- Short on funds

How do I talk to my child?

Listen carefully to concerns and feelings and respect their views
Let them know it is okay to act independently from the group
Be aware of how you use and talk about drugs in front of children. They learn by watching you
Stress that children can and should make choices about their behaviors and are responsible for their decisions
Offer praise
If you suspect a problem, seek outside help, such as your physician, school counselor, or an independent drug counselor

Contacts

Emergency help. If you suspect someone is making meth, call 911 (you may remain anonymous).
United Way’s First Call for Help. Call 211.

Meth (Methamphetamine)

Meth Labs

Meth FAQs

Contacts

Links

Meth
(Methamphetamine)