Every state likes to have its points of pride to brag about. One has the highest mountain and another has the most lakes. One boasts of the largest trees and another of the prettiest flower gardens. Each state mentions who was born there and tells about what wonders were done right there, which, by the way, for a small fee, you can go and visit.
But there are some matters that aren’t worth bragging about, and a recent report from the Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index has our fair state listed as second highest – among fifty, that is, in “Methamaphetamine Use in the Workforce.” Let’s not take a bow.
First they figured out what the average number was, by comparing testing results that are done in Quest labs nationwide. Then they figured out which states had the highest percentage in comparison with the average. Hawaii came in at number one, with 410% greater that the national average. Our fair state of Arkansas came in second, being 240% greater than the national average. Oklahoma was right behind us with 240%.
The study was based on over 4.5 million urine specimens that were collected in 2010. In general, it is interesting to note that the western states have tested the highest in methamphetamine usage, but that the trend seems to be moving eastward.
All over the USA efforts have been made to control the availability of meth and the ability of people to create meth labs. Regulating the purchase of Sudafed, for instance, has helped cut down on the number of homemade meth labs that are being found.
But drug consumers, never fear! When one source dries up, another takes its place. Recently, cross-border drug cartels have begun operating "superlabs" that are providing the supply for the demand for methamphetamine in the U.S. Also, new “recipes” for making one’s own meth have sprung up all around the USA.
Methamphetamine continues to be a highly addictive drug stimulant that produces short, intense periods of great happiness, alertness, concentration and energy. It also promotes restlessness and aggressiveness and has very difficult withdrawal symptoms.
