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Former meth addict talks about her addiction; group gathers to learn more

Posted Online: 11/5/02

By Rachel Weddig

Jessica started using drugs such as pot, speed and cocaine in 1987. Years later, she turned to methamphetamines and her life as she knew it, was nearly over. She tried killing herself, slitting her wrists, but then something happened. Something inside her clicked and she knew she couldn't do this to herself or to her parents. So she turned to someone, someone who wouldn't judge her and would help her turn her life around; God.

Jessica spoke to those gathered at the Cambridge Middle School during a presentation Monday night, led by Isanti County Investigator Tim Akers, to discuss the dangers involved with methamphetamines. Akers aid meth labs are becoming more of a problem in the county and they don't seem to be going away.

Akers explained he is one of 40-50 officers in Minnesota that are trained to enter and dispose meth labs.

"Because so many meth labs are starting in the area, it's hard to keep up with them," Akers said. "Years ago we used to arrest people for marijuana. Well, we can't find that anymore because everyone's turning to meth."

Akers gave a presentation explaining the different kinds of chemicals and tools that are used to manufacture methamphetamines. He explained parents and children need to be aware of these types of products, especially if they are involved in "Adopt a Highway," programs.

Akers stressed if anyone should come across what they believe is meth manufacturing tools, they shouldn't touch anything and should call the Sheriff's Department, because some of the tools or equipment may contain hazardous materials.

Akers said he's finding meth labs basically everywhere; in hotel rooms, campers, fish houses and nice homes. He said meth labs smell like "ammonia, rotten eggs or cat urine."

Equipment to watch for includes glass containers containing liquid; large quantities of camping type fuel; burning pits; brown/burned coffee filters; Pyrex glassware; ephedrine and pseudoephedrine; propane tanks and solvents such as distilled water and rubbing alcohol.

Akers also stressed the dangers involved with methamphetamines, something Jessica realized just in the nick of time, and now has been free of methamphetamines for 10 months.

"I've seen a lot friends who are dying inside," Jessica said. "They've sought out drugs and alcohol and they're losing the battle, and now their children are losing the battle as well."

Since Jessica stopped using meth, she's been trying to turn her life around and said she "feels a need from inside," to help others. She explained she is planning to provide a community resource center in North Branch called Divine Mercy, designed specifically to help any person who is being hurt by methamphetamines.

Divine Mercy, which will be located at Abundant Life Assembly of God, is set to open Nov. 29, and will offer weekly meetings educating people about the dangers associated with methamphetamines.

Jessica explained Divine Mercy will be a free service focused on helping loved ones hurt by methamphetamines and welcomes anyone without judgement or condemnation.

Jessica said by speaking to groups, she's hoping to make people aware of the dangers of using meth, but also to provide an inspiration to meth users, that they can "kick the habit," and lead a normal life.

"I lost my job, my dignity, my health, because of my meth addiction," Jessica said. "I thought people were hiding in the rafters . . . I would hear crying noises in the shower . . . I was constantly fidgety and paranoid."

Jessica explained she once spent five hours in K-Mart looking at curtains and towels and would only go to grocery stores in the middle of the night to avoid eye contact with people.

Signs to watch for in children include isolation, not wanting to talk, staying out late, attending field parties and hanging out with an older crowd, Jessica explained.

She said adults who are using meth, or individuals who have been using meth for several years, want to get help, but they don't have any money and don't know where to turn. That's why Divine Mercy is so important, Jessica explained.

"They want to be helped -- the "old-time users," Jessica said with tears in her eyes. "They know they want help, they just don't know how. That's why we need to educate people and educate students in schools."

Akers echoed Jessica's thoughts.

"What really concerns me is the kids," Akers said. "They're inhaling these fumes and they're becoming contaminated by these toxins. Meth is very toxic and poisonous and it can destroy peoples' lives."