Meth's Effects on Children
Not only does meth have negative, long-lasting effects on users, it also has destructive impacts on everyone around it. Tennessee's children are falling victim to this horrible epidemic everyday.
Abuse and unimaginable neglect are common, and the physical health of children who live in homes where meth is made is especially at risk. They breathe in toxic fumes just by playing on the floor or in a yard where poisonous wastes are dumped.
40 percent of child welfare officials surveyed report that methamphetamine has led to an increase in the number of children removed from homes. – National Association of Counties survey polling 500 sheriffs' departments in 45 states.
"It makes you so cold and ruthless. I love my children with all my heart, but at the time I never thought about them." – Recovering addict, Putnam County, TN
"You see people–good people–people that were good parents at one time, people that genuinely loved their children, and they give everything up for the drug." – Betsy Dunn, Tennessee Department of Children's Services
Click the links below to view video testimonials of some of Tennessee's youth affected by meth.
Ryan McCord, age 17 from Hamilton County
"I remember my father as an amazing person with a love for his family and especially for me, so you can only imagine how I felt when they told me he had gotten high on meth and hanged himself..."
Shelby Noland, age 12 from Davidson County"On April 14, 2002, my mom was arrested and taken to jail, and me and my younger brother, Stephen, were taken from our home..."
Click here to read more testimonials of how Tennessee's children are affected by meth.
For more information on the dangerous chemicals found in a meth lab, visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Web site.
