What Methamphetamine is Costing YOU

Methamphetamine is one of the most powerful and pernicious drugs, potentially addictive from the first use. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors):The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. -6 Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

After methamphetamine use is stopped, severe withdrawal symptoms occur, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, paranoia, aggression, and an intense craving for the drug. Psychotic symptoms can persist for months or years after use has ceased. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Board is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Interim CEO is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Methamphetamine use can result in hyperactivity, disturbed sleep patterns, irritability, paranoia, aggressive behavior, shortness of breath, involuntary muscle movements, malnutrition, and severe depression with suicidal tendencies. Chronic users may develop sores on their bodies from scratching at “crank bugs,” the term that describes the common delusion that bugs are crawling under the skin. Long- term use may lead to fatal kidney and lung disease, brain damage, liver damage, stroke, lowered resistance to illnesses, tooth decay, and permanent psychological problems such as drug-induced psychosis. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Board is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim -6 agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Interim CEO is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Division and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy results in a higher risk of premature births, babies with low birth weight, cardiac blockages and other birth defects. The use of methamphetamine during pregnancy impacts the fetus by reducing blood flow or by a direct toxic effect on the developing brain. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Board is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Interim CEO is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Currently, there is no law that specifically protects a fetus from a parent who causes or is causing harm to the fetus by the use of any illegal drug, including methamphetamine. Penal Code section 273a, endangering the health of a child, applies only to birthed children. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department -6 with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The ADOP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Division and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Children who are exposed to methamphetamine via second-hand smoke can have detectable levels of methamphetamine in their urine. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Board is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Interim CEO is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. In addition, detectable levels of methamphetamine can be found in a child’s blood and hair samples. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Division and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Children who are legally removed from a methamphetamine environment cannot take with them their clothing and toys due to contamination. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. -6 Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. In a disturbing trend, children’s toys, clothing, and car seats are often used as a hiding place for methamphetamine from law enforcement. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Division and its staff are not trained or certified in social work to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Children of methamphetamine-using parents are raised in a highly traumatic environment and often subjected to physical and emotional neglect. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Division and its staff are not trained or certified in social work to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Many Child Protective Service and domestic violence cases in Mendocino -6 are directly related to the use of methamphetamine by a parent or family member. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the Division and its staff are not trained or certified in social work to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Substance abuse programs in Mendocino County are provided by: a. Mendocino County Alcohol and Other Drug Program (AODP) b. the Ford Street Project c. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) d. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. However, a number of private treatment facilities are in place locally that are funded by private insurance and some federal and state money. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health -6 Response): The Department and its Divisions agree with this finding. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

The number of patients needing medical services rises significantly in Mendocino County emergency rooms when there is a rise in the purity of the methamphetamine available on the streets. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Board is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Interim CEO is not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney partially agrees with the finding. The “purity” of methamphetamine, in our opinion, is not the main factor in any increase in the number of patients needing medical services. Unlike cocaine or heroin, which are extracted from plants, there is no such thing as “pure” methamphetamine, which can and is made from a number of different combinations of chemicals and processes. The greatest health risks come from (1) the potency of the drug, (2) the probability of “impure” or contaminated methamphetamine, and (3) the method of ingestion. Smoking or injecting the drug creates a faster, stronger effect. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department does not collect this information and does not know if this statement is correct. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The AODP Division agrees with this finding, with the comment that while the AODP Division and its staff are not medically trained or certified to make this determination our treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): Without further information, I can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Efforts to secure funding for programs to combat methamphetamine use require considerable staff time, though the yield is generally a short-term grant for a long- term need. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of -6 agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department cannot comment on this topic. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The AODP Division agrees with this finding. AODP applies for and has received many grants for AOD prevention, intervention, and treatment and this is the Division’s experience. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): Without further information, I can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Gangs are involved with methamphetamine manufacture and sales in Mendocino County; gang violence can also be attributed to methamphetamine. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not maintaining statistics and information sufficient to make this determination. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The Public Health Department, Health Officer, and Divisions agrees with this finding, with the comment the Division and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. -6 Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Biker gangs are becoming more active in the distribution of methamphetamine. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Biker gangs, especially the Hell’s Angels, have been involved in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine since the drug first appeared on the drug scene. The Hell’s Angels had been a dominant force in Mendocino County, but a number of recent prosecutions have resulted in long prison sentences for Hell’s Angels members and their affiliates. New biker gangs have appeared on scene, but the extent of their involvement in methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution is not known at this time. Hispanic gangs have recently become more involved in the local manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The Department, Health Officer, and Divisions agrees with this finding, with the comment the Division and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): I agree that biker gangs are active in distribution of methamphetamine, however this is not a new activity for them. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Many individuals and departments funded by Mendocino County taxpayers are involved in the arrest, prosecution and incarceration of methamphetamine users. These include city police, the Sheriff’s Department, the Major Crimes Task Force, judges, court staff, probation officers, District Attorney staff, and Public Defender staff. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. -6 Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The Department, Health Officer, and Divisions agree with this finding. There is an additional County cost- Environmental Health is a County taxpayer funded division and it is involved in the cleanup of methamphetamine labs. The EH Division seldom receive any reimbursement funds from the responsible parties (because they are either in jail or gone). Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Law enforcement personnel express frustration over the lack of meaningful consequences for those enrolled in the Proposition 36 program, which attempts to provide an alternative to confinement for drug abusers. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. While meaningful consequences [incarceration] may be lacking under Penal Code section 1201.1 probation, meaningful treatment is made available to the probationer. If treatment is rejected or the probationer is ultimately found to be unamenable to treatment, incarceration is available and likely to be imposed. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health -6 Response): The Department, Health Officer and Divisions, agrees with this finding. Prop 36 regulations do not provide incarceration as a sanction for not completing treatment. However, AODP supports regulation reform. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): I agree with this finding as there are not enough consequences built in for repeat offenders. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Many of the items required to produce methamphetamine are readily available at local grocery and hardware stores. Because many of the chemicals used to make methamphetamine are explosive, caustic and carcinogenic, they pose serious health hazards if mixed together or stored improperly. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. The District Attorney has vigorously and successfully prosecuted cases of manufacturing and possession with intent to manufacture. The courts have imposed stiff prison sentences in those cases. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The Department, Health Officer and Divisions agrees in part with this finding. Laws, which have been recently passed to monitor the purchase of decongestants containing ephedrine, have made it more difficult to purchase this vital ingredient. The chemicals used to make methamphetamine are also poisonous, reactive and acidic. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

With a cash outlay of less than one hundred dollars, a batch of methamphetamine can be manufactured (cooked) and sold on the streets for several thousand dollars. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisor agrees with this finding. -6 Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The Department, Health Officer, and Divisions agrees with this finding, with the comment the Division and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

For every pound of methamphetamine manufactured there are six pounds of toxic waste materials that must be disposed of. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. The toxic wastes created from the manufacture of methamphetamine are almost always dumped, often times polluting underground and above ground water sources, creating an enormous health risk. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding, with the comment that the Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department and its staff are not directly involved with this aspect of law enforcement and has no direct data on this question. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department Response): The Department, Health Officer, and Divisions agrees with this finding, -6 the comment the Division and its staff has no direct data on this question. Environmental Health usually says that 95% of the chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine end up as hazardous waste. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):

Professionals who work to combat drug abuse in the County agree that the problem is intensified because there is in the County both a high level of tolerance for general drug use and a lack of awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine. Response (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Response (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County): The Interim CEO agrees with this finding. Response (District Attorney, Mendocino County): The District Attorney agrees with the finding. Response (Department of Social Services, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Mental Health Department, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Chief Probation Officer, Mendocino County): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Public Health Department, Health Officer, Environmental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Program, a Division of the Public Health Department): The Department, Health Officer, and Divisions agrees with this finding, particularly AODP’s treatment staff, which is trained and certified for AOD treatment, specifically in AOD risks and effects, would agree. However, awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine has increased over the past several years, due in part to the high profile of methamphetamine involved crimes and prosecutions, and currently methamphetamine use is not as tolerated as alcohol and other drugs. Response (Sheriff, Mendocino County): The Sheriff agrees with this finding. Response (Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force):