Jay Crosson began his career with Cumberland Heights in 1993 and accepted his role as Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Prior to becoming CEO, Jay was the Chief Financial Officer for the organization. Cinde Stewart Freeman is Cumberland Heights’ Chief Clinical Officer and has been with Cumberland Heights for 30 years. During her tenure, Cinde has served in nursing, clinical management, and administrative roles.

However, like all treatments, methadone can have side effects, one of the most discussed being weight gain. Share Personal Stories – Sharing a personal story about the impact of methamphetamine use can be a powerful tool to raise awareness and reduce stigma. SAMHSA envisions that people with, affected by, or at risk for mental health and substance use conditions receive care, achieve well-being, and thrive. Long-term use of meth can lead to permanent brain damage, high blood pressure, severe dental problems, liver and kidney damage, and insomnia. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 2.5 million people aged 12 or older in the United States reported methamphetamine use in the past year. Although methamphetamine is legally available in the US by prescription, most methamphetamine used in the country is produced and distributed illicitly.

Meth Awareness Day – November 30, 2025

By increasing awareness and decreasing the demand for methamphetamine, communities are better equipped to protect themselves and their loved ones from the far-reaching consequences of this perilous drug. In 1996, the Meth Awareness Movement emerged to address the growing crisis of methamphetamine abuse. Concerned individuals and organizations came together to raise public awareness about the dangers and devastating effects of methamphetamine use. Their aim was to educate the public, promote prevention strategies, and support treatment and recovery options for individuals struggling with addiction. You may know it as ‘crystal meth’, or ‘meth’ for short, but either way, you have most likely heard about, used, or know someone who uses this very addictive drug. Methamphetamine is a drug that affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Get started on the road to recovery

This highly-addictive drug is well-known for creating a ruckus in people’s lives; therefore, on this awareness day, the aim is to provide education and help to those who need it the most. The impact of methamphetamine affects more than just the individual consuming it. The user’s families and communities are gravely affected when meth becomes a component of life. Meth addiction leaves physical and mental scars that can last a lifetime, including distressing symptoms like rotting teeth and skin sores to long-term mental health issues or regrettable behaviors. Methamphetamine, also called meth or crystal meth, is a highly addictive drug that inflicts havoc on its users and those around them.

  • Recovery from meth addiction must always start with supervised detox at a licensed facility.
  • National Methamphetamine Awareness Day was first established on November 30, 2006, by a proclamation from President George W. Bush.
  • There are strategies, support, and resources that can help you overcome this initial challenge.
  • To that end, here are some insights about the scope of meth addiction in the United States as well as a few things you can do to generate awareness regarding its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
  • It has encouraged individuals to seek help, communities to come together, and governments to allocate resources towards prevention and treatment programs.

Audio Resources

The stimulant properties of amphetamine were not widely recognized at the time. Robin is an advocate for education and volunteers at Coopertown Elementary School. Dr. Sledge has been named Nashville’s top addiction doctor by the Nashville Business Journal, a recognition only five percent of physicians in the United States hold. Dr. Sledge served on the board of directors for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and was among the first physicians to receive certification from them.

Their use by anyone should not be construed as an endorsement of the views, opinions, programs, or activities of the use, nor as a reflection of the views of HHS or SAMHSA. sober house Yaba tablets are tablets that contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, and are consumed orally.

On this occasion, we seek to educate the public about methamphetamine and how it impacts families across America. Please join us in spreading awareness about this substance, signs of addiction and the risks of using meth. One of the most visible signs of meth use is a change in a person’s physical appearance.

Recognizing National Methamphetamine Awareness Day: Understanding the Impact and Promoting Change

meth awareness

Street dealers often mix it with things like cornstarch, talcum powder, or flour to increase profits. As awareness continues to grow, more people are gaining the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and avoid the devastating consequences of methamphetamine addiction. Every year on November 30th, we observe National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, shining a spotlight on the devastating effects of this highly addictive and dangerous drug. Transitioning from the broader mission to the intricacies of methamphetamine abuse, it’s important to explore how Methamphetamine impacts both the physical and emotional facets of the human brain. Behavioral therapies like CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) are especially useful in the treatment of meth addiction. Ideally, a treatment center will combine one-on-one CBT counseling with other modalities, such as group sessions, family education, the 12 Steps and experiential therapies.

Withdrawal Symptoms

A study by Jama Psychiatry examined data from a national survey conducted between 2015 and 2019 involving 195,711 participants. The findings revealed a significant increase (43% to 105%) in methamphetamine use, frequent use, co-use with cocaine, and methamphetamine use disorder. Remember, every action, big or small, makes a difference in the fight against substance abuse. Fortunately, National Meth Awareness Day stands as an opportunity to come together and create a brighter future for individuals and communities devasted by meth. With the proper treatment and support in place, recovery from methamphetamine addiction is possible. Best of all, many who recover can go on to help others do the same if they feel inspired, as many do.

meth awareness

During this time, he developed two pilot addiction programs in the Greater West Tennessee area. Butch also maintained a private practice, specializing in family of origin work and addiction populations. Butch Glover, a state licensed and nationally certified addiction counselor, accepted his role as Chief Operations Officer in 2015. Dr. Sledge is a sought-after speaker in the industry, talking about the critical need to treat both the mind and body of those struggling with substance use disorder. In addition to working for Cumberland Heights, Dr. Sledge is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Nick’s work highlights Cumberland Heights’ commitment to outcome-oriented care, using proven techniques to put those struggling with substance use disorder on a path to success.

These and other problems reflect significant changes in the brain caused by meth addiction and misuse. Robin Cox is the Chief Financial Officer at Cumberland Heights, the Southeast’s premier alcohol and drug addiction treatment center. Methamphetamine – often shortened to “meth” or nicknamed ice, blue or crystal – is a highly addictive stimulant which acts on the central nervous system. It may take the form of a white, odorless powder or bluish white crystals.

Her core belief is that love is more powerful than the wounds we have experienced, and, in fact, can cause us to become our strongest at those places. Illegally manufactured meth is made by combining ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with other chemicals that are mostly poisonous or highly flammable. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of methamphetamine with the same stimulating properties as methamphetamine. In 1887, Romanian chemist Lazăr Edeleanu synthesized amphetamine for the first time.

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