|
Smoking meth - what effect on children?
bad
mommy
|
Smoking meth - effects on
children
I know
I'm going to get slammed for asking this question but here I go.
What effect does meth have on children if they were in the same room
while people were smoking it? I know it's probably like second hand
smoke (cigarettes) but are there any medical proven fact that it
causes permanent/harmful damage to a child if they were around the
smell or smoke?
I will take all comments/answers as a lessoned learned. I'm trying
to get back on track. What I have done in the past I can't change..I
can only learn from it and try not to repeat the mistatke again.
Thanks all.
|
| Replies... |
Nyte
Passion
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Smoking
meth anywhere near children is going to put those children at
increased risk of mental and behavioral probelms. They might be
irritable, hyperactive and jittery. More importantly, children
exposed to meth can also suffer serious lung damage. Children who
breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma,
pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. They are also more
likely to have more ear infections.
Additionally, using meth leaves you in a postion where you are less
able to respond to the needs of your children. In an emergency
situation, this could result in harm or death to your children.
Research indicates that children in homes where there is drug use
are at increased risk of being abused or neglected.
Taken from:
studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/answerspot/message.php?message=2644
|
catest
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
I didn't
smoke it "around" my children. I smoked it in my bedroom and
bathroom behind locked doors. I thought I was being good...opening a
window, turning on the ceiling fan, not letting my kids sleep in my
room anymore for any reason.
But sometimes, the door was opened...and they came in. Never while I
was acively smoking...but it was still not a safe place for them to
be near.
My 4 year old son...I get teary-eyed when I remember this...his
clean clothes were sitting in my bedroom. I didn't think it would be
an issue. After a night of massive smoking by me and my tweaker
buddies, the clothes were put away in his room the next day. That
day, I had to watch my 4 year old son TWEAK. I kid you not, that boy
was high. Kids have energy, but...no way. And even in my altered
mental state, I still knew it was wrong and cruel. But did I re-wash
them? Or think about quitting? Not till a couple months later.
He still has "itchies" all over his legs and feet. Even after
everything has been cleaned and sanitized and disinfected. Some say
it may not be from the meth. I say, he and I are the only ones with
skin like this...along with my using pals. My hubby has em, too, but
his are not as severe. My other son...not a spot or scab.
I know this was long and I don't know if I was able to get my point
across. I will never condemn anyone here. You know it was wrong or
you wouldn't have come here. You can hear that voice inside, the
"Mommy", and she's probably real tore-up about this. Listen to her.
|
Medlore
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
The
second hand smoke, is the same meth chemicals that adults inhale.
Tobacco smoke is bad enough, meth smoke is much worse. Children of
meth users should be taken away, and meth users should give up their
children painful as it is until they are able to quit meth for good.
Often, meth users will quit meth in order to get their children
back. I haven't seen any children of meth users that are not at
least mentally abused, and the parents may have no idea or want to
think about it. The children walk around on glass, in fear of their
parents, because parents are angry inside and it shows. The kids try
but can do nothing to change things. This is an awful childhood at
best
|
anear
tolisten
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
the
effects on children i have recently learned are Meth is airborne
like cigs it gets on the walls and clothes and everywhere.The air
gets filled with toxins> Unfornatuately closed doors open windows
really will not help. God bless you and ur family
|
up
against
thewall
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Bad Mommy,
It is so very hard for me to have any smypathy (spl) for ANYONE who
would put anything above their flesh and blood. These children are
gifts to us from our heavenly Father who entrusted them into our
care, and this is the way some feel they are to be treated.
Not!!!!!!
I also find it very hard to agree with part of Medlore's response
"that the kids be taken away until the user quits" and "often users
quit to get their kids back." The user is so self centered and
geared only toward ME ME ME that I don't feel they deserve to have a
second chance. If this child is emotionally scarred for life how is
the child to make a good parent. This whole vicious cycle needs to
end for the sake of all God's children. Users who get their kids
back will use again. The pressure and stress of parenting is not in
their realm of reality and only keeps them that far away from their
next high.
So sorry I kinda got on my soapbox there. But I truly feel for these
kids who will suffer at the hands of their parents, prehaps for a
lifetime.
|
djmom11
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Upagainst the wall - when I first
started to work for Child Protective Services I thought I would hate
all these parents who abused their children, but I don't. The ones I
detest are the ones who physically abuse their children or molest
them. Not all, but a lot of the drug users I have sympathy for. Yes
they have chosen a horrible path and have put their children through
a lot. But I see that they love their children and are trying to get
clean and sober so that they can be good parents. I can't hate them.
I feel sorry for them. They chose to start using, but they did not
choose to become an addict. Yes, everyday they choose to use, but to
some degree the choice isn't theirs. I see drug using parents get
clean, get their kids back and stay that way. And yes, there are
those who "get clean", get their kids back and then go right back to
using drugs. Lots of times it is a vicious cycle and lots of these
drug using parents had drug using parents. It's all very sad.
|
up
against
thewall
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
djmom
I would not have your job for anything. How do you do it? Making
life altering decisions. How long would you give the parent to clean
up? How many times do you take the kids, return the kids, take the
kids??
I sympathize with the user to an extent. She has been using since 14
yo and she is 25 now. Isn't that long enough for her to get her crap
together. I know I'm probably to close to the situation and I have
the boys to raise for now.
Another question what do you think about emotional abuse or
abandonement?
While I do realize addicts start using for a variety of reasons.
When do you say enough is enough?
|
XOutlaw
Woman
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Bad
mommy, have you considered the outside influences? What about the
horny tweekers the children are exposed to? What happens when the
parent is crashing? What happens when the child picks up your pipe
or straw and puts it in his/her mouth? Just a few things to
consider.
What about using BIRTH CONTROL? Now there's a concept!
|
kell
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Quote: What about using BIRTH CONTROL? Now there's a concept!
You took
the words right out of my mouth. I can't understand why addicts who
continue to use keep having baby after baby after baby.
|
bad
mommy
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Before
you all start judging me let me just say you know nothing about me
to even say what kind of person I am. First off the reason why I ask
that question is because its been maybe a total of 3-4 times that I
(yeah that's right, me) personally smoke while my daughter was
sleeping in the same room. I would have the windows up and blow
smoke out of it. I know that does not justify my poor choice of
action but I did not always have her in the room while I was getting
high. As for any tweaker friends smoking around her, there was
absoulutly none. It was just me and my boyfriend and we were not
heavy users. I made some really bad choices in life, and this is one
of them. However since I can make the choice to use, I can also make
the choice to quit, but it doesn't help when people are looking down
at you all the time like your'e some kind of looser. I only have one
child and I love her very much. I did not neglect or abuse her in
anyway. She loves me just as much as I love her and there is nothing
in this world that I wouldn't do for her.
I knew when I chose to post this thread that I would get comments
that I did not want to hear but like I said I will take what I want
and leave what I don't like. Everyone is entitled to their own
opionions but I just wanted to clarify a few things before everyone
starts accusing me of abusing or neglecting my child.
Thanx!
|
Nana44
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
bad mommy:
First off, I congratulate you for making the choice to quit (as I am
assuming you have). And we are not "judging" you, but telling you
how we see meth addiction and it's impacts on others from OUR
perspective.
There is never a question in my mind that using parents love their
kids, but love sometimes isn't enough. You also have to have the
strength to persevere, the honesty to admit when you're making bad
choices, the willingness to put their needs in front of yours and
sometimes the wisdom to understand that your child deserves better
than what you are capable of providing at the time.
From personal experience I know that children of meth users continue
to love their parent(s), regardless of how badly they are treated or
neglected. To me love is not a word, or even a feeling - it's
actions. What are you prepared and willing to give up or do to give
your child the best possible chance at a normal, healthy, stable and
secure life?
Also from personal experience, a using parent NEVER thinks they are
neglecting their child. So understand that some of us view meth use
from a different angle. Some of us are caring for and loving kids
that are not our own - because of their parents choice to use.
|
Nyte
Passion
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Addicts
are irresponsible people ... and birth control isn't going to stop a
child that is already here from being born ...
I feel that bad mommy ask this question for the child or children
she has now ...
I get a sense that she is starting to question her addiction maybe??
and the affects it has .. and she is focusing on what the affects
are to her children ...
Maybe this is the beginning of an awakening, maybe not ... I don't
know ... but ...What about getting clean??? Now there's a concept!
|
bad
mommy
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
For
those of you (who shall remain nameless)who keep on saying that I
should stay clean for the sake of the children or that's assuming
that I'm still using, you ought to reread the post a couple more
times. I've already stated that I'm trying to get back on the right
track and that I've chose to quit...that means I AM NO LONGER USING!
I'VE BEEN CLEAN FOR A COUPLE MONTHS NOW!!! The reason for my
question is because I was worried for the few times that my daughter
was exposed to the smoke, thats all. As for the comment that addicts
are irresponsible, I would have to agree with that to a certain
extent, but not all addicts act and think the same way. I for one
was not an irresponsible person. I work 5 days a week, come home
spend time with my daughter, cook, household chores, paid bills,
made sure everyone was taken care of and only when my daughter is
bathed and tucked into bed did I use, so you cannot say I'm an
irresponsible mother who neglect and abuse their children. As for
the birth control deal if I wish to have more kids then that is my
choice to make. I think I did a fine job of raising my baby being a
young, sigle parent and all, more than I can say for some people. I
believe everyone who visit this site has been affected by meth
either directly or indirectly, but everyone also has to come to the
realization that every individual is different so please do not be
quick to judge or make assumation based on their past or what you've
have seen from other people. Sorry if I have offended anyone but
this is just my thoughts on this whole situation.
|
up
against
thewall
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Bad
mommy,
You asked a question about the effects on your child and you posted
up front you knew you were gonna get slammed, then why dear did you
get so offended by responses.
You are correct in that every addict is different, but look at the
faces of the innocent little people and you see the same sadness.
|
XOutlaw
Woman
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Bad
mommy, by your own screen name you told us a lot about yourself. Bad
mommy....hummmm??? I have no sympathy for those who expose their
children to meth. I have seen first hand what it is like. If you did
not want straight up OPINIONS, then maybe you shouldn't have asked.
Bottom line the answer is YES. Your child WILL be affected by meth
exposure. Happy now? No judgements in that, just straight FACT. I
hope you continue to remain clean and get into a recovery program so
your child is never exposed again.
|
Nyte
Passion
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Bad
mommy
It is commendable that you are trying to get your life back on track
... I stand on the side lines and cheer you on...
and you are right everybody is an individual and not all addicts are
the same ... You might well have been a functional addict ...
although that would change in time ... it always does ...
As for addicts being irresponsible "they are" no matter how you
slice it ... you still put your child in harms way ... You smoked in
the same room as she was in ... no matter if it was 3 times or what
... the first time was ONE TIME TO MANY ... and you know it...
and I know that you can't change your past ... but you can redirect
your future ... I wish you the best on your journey to do so ...
Please understand that a lot of the people on this board have seen
horrible neglect on behalf of the addict and they have taken in
children that their daughters/sons have given life to and abandoned
for meth ... They are raising their grand children ... There are
those of us here that reach out to all different walks of life and
those of us here fight for different reasons ... There are people
here that are saints for the children and they have don't have a
second thought about speaking out for those children ... I commend
them ... Someone has to fight for those little ones whose parents
have given themselves over to their addiction ... You have
encountered some of those people by via responce to your post ...
Just as you want to be understood ... please take the time to put
yourself in their shoes so that you can understand them ...
|
Penelope
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Quote:
Users
who get their kids back will use again.
Talk
about making a generalization. Some will, sure. But please, give the
rest of us a little more credit than that. I used for 26 years. I'm
clean today. I have no intention of using again. My children now
know what was wrong with me in the past, and they are OK in spite of
that. They may even be a little less naive than a lot of other kids.
There are a whole bunch of us here who are clean now.
Not all addicts are a bunch of sex crazed lunatics who forsake our
children for another hit, you know. Some are, yes.
There are people who have never touched a drug in their life who are
molesting, beating, and neglecting their children every day. Put
these same people on drugs, and you have a recipe for disaster. Not
all addicts are "These People."
I don't reccomend anyone raise their kids under the influence - I
believe it is impossible to be a great parent when you are high all
the time.
Bad Mommy, you have made some mistakes, and you are right, you can't
change that. What you can do is be a great parent today! Thank God
you aren't lying to yourself and telling yourself that getting high
around your child is OK! I don't know what the effects of the smoke
will be on your child, I only know the effects that your addiction
will have on you as a parent.
As an addict - parent, you will feel remorse, regret, and shame if
you keep using. You will wish for the time that you lost back - and
you will never see that wish come true. Your kids will lose out on
having you THERE, even when you ARE THERE. I was the same as you, my
kids always had food, clothing and shelter. They always did OK in
school (My son started screwing up around the time I got CLEAN, and
today is doing well.) My kids were always clean, I have never once
even spanked my kids (even though they might have needed it once in
a while!) They had birthday parties and holidays and vactions all
over the country. My daughter was able to go to Europe for 3 weeks
while I was still using, and guess who put that trip together, ME.
What my kids DID miss out on was ME. There was no way I could really
be there for them emotionally, I was often disracted by other things
that were not important, and at the heighth of my addiction, I left
them with their Dad because I knew they were better off without me.
They are both with me now (My daughter has grown up and moved away -
about 3 blocks from here. I missed out on some important things when
I was out there using.
Do whatever it takes to stay clean TODAY. I have no regrets about
the kind of parent I am today. I can't wallow in my regrets about
yesterday, because my kids still need me, and TODAY, I am here for
them.
NA meeting Locator
Click on the link, find a meeting, and go learn how to live clean.
NA saved my life.
Don't let people who would put you down get you down. You can't
change the past, but you can be a GOOD MOMMY today.
|
Medlore
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Bad
Mommy, Please do not take what you read here 'personal', but rather
take it as 'actions' that meth parents present. You may have not
used meth for a long time, you said you do not use heavy and you
work. Please know that even lighter users have an addict and this is
a biochemical disease of the brain. When one is able to quit meth,
the disease is still there and goes on for a long time. It took
monkeys 3-4 years for brains to heal from meth addiction. It takes
more years for heavy users. This disease is progressive and I
strongly advise you to get help and not try to quit on your own.
Many are always trying to quit on their own and it only works for
those a few months into meth. At around 5 to 6 months starts the
wall period. This means that your dopamine is depleted and severe
depression will start and continue for months to over a year. It all
depends on how much used, how often used, therefore damaging the
brain to a lesser or greater amount. If you want to stop this
disease 'now' there is finally a government treatment that really
stops addiction and it's cravings, available now in clinical trial
clinic in other country for low price. It stops cravings in 2-3
wks., treatment med is for 9 wks. Clinical trials are to start in
U.S., but they take 5 years or so. Read about it for yourself at
www.bnl.gov. Search GVG, and read articles. If you need anymore info
just ask.
|
peaches
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
I think
you are a very strong person to post this as well as to take into
account the long term effects of your previous meth use on your
child. I commend you for your courage to speak up for yourself and
for your efforts to get back on track. I believe you are a good
mother and possess more than enough will power to stay clean. Keep
your chin up, and many blessings to you and your child.
|
mthop25
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
I am
wondering, if you felt bad about it why do it more...I hope that you
do quit!! Best of luck but knowing what is used in meth is very
scary...When my family comes to visit and my niece stays with me I
can smell it on her. They don't smoke it just snort it (JUST) but it
comes out of the parents pores and I can tell they have used just
when I smell her...Please quit you can especially now that you have
all of the info...Once you learn something you can't deny that you
don't know it..
Best of luck from someone who's family has been F&^%#$ by this
drug....
|
Rubyy
2zday
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
To
Not-so-bad-Mommy:
Your mistakes do not define who you are nor who your daughter is. No
one is perfect. There is no way to be perfect parents without
mistakes. Making mistakes is part of the learning process! My Mom
used. My Mom is & always has been my best friend. We've both quit a
few years ago. At a very young age I was exposed & introduced to
drugs. It wasn't a good thing, but we learned & now we are fine &
clean. No, things were not perfect, far from it, but it would have
been worse to be in the system & not even know I was loved. I always
knew I was loved & that my Mom was doing the best she knew how to
do. She's learned from her mistakes & it's all in the past now. The
people here saying that the children should be taken away are
generalizing and have no authority or insight to judge EVERYONE who
ever did meth. Sometimes I wish this board was just for us
recovering addicts, but everyone has some valid info to share, so
there is something to learn by seeing all the different views. I
would like to see more compassion from some people here. We can all
learn from the woman who works for CPS & is compassionate and the
mother who used for over 20 years & is clean.
I believe in you! Stay strong.
|
djmom
11
|
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Upagainstthewall:
I would not have your job for anything. How do you do it? I
am not a social worker, I am a legal secretary, that is hard enough!
I don't think I could be a social worker. I'd probably cry every
day. How long would you give the parent to clean up? If the
child is under three then the parents have 6 months to get it
together. If the children are over 3 they have 12-18 months. How
many times do you take the kids, return the kids, take the kids?? This does happen, but the second time the children are taken the
parents may not be offered reunification services.
Another question what do you think about emotional abuse or
abandonement?I think that both of these are awful, I don't
recall any abandonment cases in our county since I have lived here.
Emotional abuse is hard to prove, but unlike criminal trials we
don't have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. When do you say
enough is enough?????????? I don't know!!!
We have some parents who keep having kids and we keep having to take
their kids. These parents are ones who seem like they will never get
it together. In our office we would love to see forced sterilization
- but that would never happen, and part of me can understand why.
|
| newby |
Re: Smoking meth - effects on
children
Meth
comes out in the oils of your skin- think about it, everytime you
touch your child, you're basically wiping meth off on them- remember
they're not door mats, keep them clean and pure. |
See also:
Effects of meth around small children, esp. skin problems?
Crystal Meth effects on Children
Back to Crystal Meth & Methamphetamine Questions, Answers & Advice
|
