As deaths from opioids are slowing, deaths involving methamphetamine are on the rise. The most recent CDC data shows a 21% increase in deaths involving methamphetamines in one year. Local officials say Maine reflects the national trend, with more deaths and alarming cases. According to his girlfriend, the suspect in the recent brutal attack of a couple in Bridgton was “high” on meth. Last month, a 21-one year old Bangor mother accused of exposing her baby to meth through her breast milk entered a plea deal that involves Maine’s drug court. We learn about the properties of meth, where it is coming from and what it is becoming the latest drug crisis in Maine.
This show is part of Maine Calling’s ongoing focus on substance use in Maine.
Guests
Jonathan Fellers, medical director, Crossroads; medical director, Discovery House; addiction psychiatrist with a private practice
Roy McKinney, director, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency
Leslie Clark, executive director, Portland Recovery Community Center
Jon C. DeLena (by phone), Associate SAC, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division
Michael Bills (by phone), lives in Calais and is a father of a young boy. He was addicted for 15 years on and off and has been sober for the past 4 years. He’s a recovery advocate, public speaker, and a volunteer at the Down East Recovery Support Center in Calais.
Sam Marr (by phone), 25-year-old resident of Caribou who has been in recovery from substance use for more than 2 years; he is active in the recovery community and speak at events throughout the Eastern Maine area.
Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: What is methamphetamine?
- Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention:
Maine Methamphetamine Prevention Project - Bangor Daily News: Spike in deaths related to cocaine and meth add to Maine’s overdose crisis
- WMTW: 'I've never seen anything like it': Drug agent goes inside Mexican meth lab where cartels are making drugs destined for Maine
- New York Times: Meth, the Forgotten Killer, Is Back. And It’s Everywhere.
- Rehabs.com: Neighborhood Drug Dens
- Former Gorham fraternity house to be converted to sober-living home