Smoking meth - what effect 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 (ciggerrettes) 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.

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

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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??????????

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Passion

Passion,
May I add an AMEN to that.
Clean up for the sake of the kids.

Wonderful point Passion!! Getting clean and getting her life back on track would be the most awesome gift to her child! You are so right.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Passion

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.

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.

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. (((hugs)))

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....

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.

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.

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.