In general, most heroin comes from opium poppy farms in SW Asia (the “Golden Crescent,” primarily Afghanistan and Pakistan), SE Asia (the “Golden Triangle,” primarily in Myanmar), and Latin American (primarily Colombia). Heroin trafficking is heavy worldwide. According to U.N. sponsored survey, as of 2004, Afghanistan accounted for production of 87 percent of the world's heroin. Methamphetamine can be produced in home laboratories using pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, the active ingredients in over-the-counter drugs such as Sudafed and Contac. In 1988, about 300,000 infants were born addicted to cocaine. Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that increases brain activity. Short term effects, lasting up to 12 hours, include increased alertness, insomnia, hyperactivity, headache, decreased appetite, irritability, aggression, anxiety, nervousness, teeth grinding, convulsions and heart attack. Chronic abuse can lead to tooth decay, acne and skin sores (speed bumps), psychotic behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, rage, extreme violence, depression, fatal kidney and lung disorders and brain damage. Babies born to meth-using moms can be born addicted to meth and suffer birth defects, low birth weight, tremors and behavior disorders. |
