A former methamphetamine addict told 7NEWS Wednesday that the increasingly popular drug is like "the devil living inside you."

ADDICTIVE DRUGS

Former Addict Says Drug Is Like Devil

Meth may be the fastest growing drug of choice among teens, and also one of the most dangerous, 7NEWS reported. The North Metro Drug Task Force has already busted twice the number of meth labs as they had at this point last year. Makeshift labs have been found in hotels, apartments and upscale neighborhoods, all of them designed to meet a growing demand for the drug. "It's like the devil living inside of you that just takes over your whole entire body and you cannot control your actions," a former addict named Lucy said. Lucy tried crystal meth at age 16. She'd experimented with softer drugs for several years, but began taking the harder stuff and found herself addicted for four long months. "It's just a really addicting drug," she said. "You can go to a gas station and run into somebody that has it. It's really not that hard to find," she said. The drug gave her incredible energy, but also transformed her into a different person. She lost 30 pounds, never slept, developed acne, and became, her parents said, extremely aggressive and even violent. "You just don't even realize what you're doing to yourself," she said. "You seem to blame it on more people until you realize it was you that was the problem," she said. Her parents finally kicked her out of the house. She managed to break the habit, and has been clean of all drugs for almost a year. "I don't know, I'm really thankful that I was able to get away from it," she said. As for all those meth lab busts, Lucy said that she has little sympathy for those who are arrested by police. "I'm glad they're getting busted, because they're providing something that really should not be in this world," she said. A meth high lasts much longer than a cocaine high, and meth is also a little cheaper, Lucy said. These factors help explain why meth has become as popular and destructive as it has, 7NEWS reporter Hendrik Sybrandy said.

Drug Labs Also Pose Safety Hazard

Another concern about the growing popularity of meth is the danger posed by the labs that make the drug. The materials used in the labs are highly toxic and flammable. According to the Koch Crime Institute, for every pound of meth produced, there are five to six pounds of leftover toxic waste. Lab cleanups can cost up to $150,000. Lakewood authorities are trying to head off the problem by training hotel workers to spot labs, and what materials to be on the lookout for. "The products that are used to make meth are products that are found in your local hardware stores, grocery stores," Agent Mike Maestas of the Lakewood police said. Police hope that informing hotel employees about the labs will reduce the risk to patrons, and help authorities crack down on meth dealers. Previous Stories:

• May 9, 2001: Alleged Meth Lab Discovered At Brighton Business
• May 9, 2001: Meth Lab Busted In Upscale Thornton Community
• April 17, 2001: Suspected Meth Lab Explodes, Injuring Two
• April 16, 2001: Drug Labs Becoming More Common
• March 14, 2001: Drug Lab Busted In Hotel Room

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