Released on: April 22, 2008, 2:25 pm

Press Release Author: Arbor Books

Industry: Government

Press Release Summary: METH PRODUCTION THREATENS CHILDREN'S SAFETY

Press Release Body: (OAK RIDGE, NJ)-It's been said that drug use is a "victimless
crime," but for methamphetamine addicts, it's certainly not true-especially for
those with children in their homes.

Many users of methamphetamine-a.k.a. "meth"-manufacture the drug in makeshift,
homemade "labs," using ingredients that can be easily found in household cleaners
and over-the-counter allergy medications. When combined, these chemicals pose a
deadly threat not only to the meth users but to anyone in the immediate area.

"More and more, children of methamphetamine users are falling victim to chemical
burns, respiratory problems and even symptoms of meth addiction itself," says
Stephen Della Valle, author of the new addiction and recovery memoir Rising Above
the Influence. "If they live in the house where the drug is being 'cooked,' they're
constantly exposed to fumes and residue that can severely compromise their health."

Some of the symptoms of meth addiction that these children can find themselves
experiencing include:
. Weight loss
. Pale complexion
. Excessive sweating
. Dental decay (known as "meth mouth")
. Body odor
. Dry skin and "meth mites"-the feeling that they have bugs on their skin, leading
to picking and sores, which can then become infected

Often, children of meth addicts even go through withdrawal when they are removed
from their homes.

"But the ultimate problem," notes Mr. Della Valle, "is that with meth production,
you have an impaired person messing with chemicals and fire. Meth labs sometimes
explode, causing damage to the user's property-and possible death to any children
who may be nearby."

Although new laws are helping to curb the meth epidemic that has swept the US in
recent years, there's no telling what the long-term effects will be for its youngest
and most unwilling victims. "Even if they're taken out of that situation," says Mr.
Della Valle, "who knows what sort of permanent damage has been done to their health?
Unfortunately, only time will tell on that one."

Stephen Della Valle is president of the board of directors at Turning Point
rehabilitation center in Verona, New Jersey. Currently celebrating twenty years of
sobriety, he lives in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Donna. He has three
children.

Rising Above the Influence is available now (ISBN: 0-9801776-0-X; softcover; Oak
Ridge Press) on Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and at fine bookstores
everywhere.






Web Site: www.arborbooks.com

Contact Details: Arbor Books
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New York, NY 10016
877-822-2500