The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner is expressing concern after the Regional Science Forensic Laboratory saw an increase in methamphetamine tested within the past year.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can lead to long-term consequences such as weight loss, severe dental decay, open sores, and heart and brain damage.
The types of methamphetamine that have been seen include methamphetamine tablets (fake ecstasy pills) and crystal methamphetamine.
In 2016, there were 77 cases of fake ecstasy pills and 37 cases of crystal meth. In 2017, those numbers shot up — with 135 cases of fake ecstasy pills and 181 cases of crystal meth.
If you talk to recovering addicts in Northeast Ohio, they’ll tell you it’s harder than ever to stay sober and harder than ever to stay alive.
“I lost two brothers, my dad and a whole lot of friends in the last couple of years," said John Thrash.
Thrash stopped using meth when his brother died from a heroin overdose 17 months ago.
"If you’re an addict nowadays, you’re going to die. It’s just only a matter of time," he said.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is commonly referred to as ecstasy (also known as “E” or “Molly”). However, MDMA has not been present in the tablets tested at the Cuyahoga County office, but methamphetamine has.
If you or anyone that you know needs additional information about drug addiction recovery, contact the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County on their 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.
