Spike in ER visits related to Meth

A new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows an alarming spike in the number of people being treated in emergency rooms for methamphetamine abuse. Dr. Westley Clark, director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, shared these comments with CBS News. “Some people have been focused on things like marijuana and heroin but in the background meth is gradually making a return.” The rise in meth use comes after a two year decline. Dr. Clark says that most of today’s meth comes from south of the border. “There are different ways of making it. It is believed that current meth may be coming from Mexico.” Use of the drug can lead to dental problems, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood swings and violent behavior. Side effects of the drug’s use include dangerously high blood pressure, seizures, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.