A Poem of Addiction

My Name Is Crystal Meth

I destroy homes and tear families apart.
I take your children and that's just a start.
I'm more valued than diamonds, more precious than gold.
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

If you need me. remember, I'm easily found.
I live all around you, in schools and in town.
I live with the rich, I live with the poor.
I live just down the street and maybe next door.

I'm made in a lab, but not one like you think.
I can be made under the kitchen sink,
In your child's closet, and even out in the woods.
If this scares you to death, then it certainly should.

I have many names, but there's one you'll know best.
I'm sure you've heard of me: my name is Crystal Meth.
My power is awesome, try me, you'll see.
But if you do, you may never break free.
 

Just try me once and I might let you go.
But if you try me twice, then I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie.
You'll do what you have to, just to get high.
 

The crimes you commit for my narcotic charms,
Will be worth the pleasures you feel in my arms. 

You'll lie to your mother, you'll steal from your dad.

When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
 

Just forget your morals, and how you were raised.
I'll be your conscience, and I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from their parents and parents from their kids.
I turn people from God and separate friends.
 

I'll take everything from you -- your looks and your pride.
I'll be with you always, right by your side.
You'll give up everything -- your family, your home;
Your money, your friends, then you'll be alone.
 

I'll take and take till you have no more to give.
When I am finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me, be warned, this is no game.
If I'm given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
 

I'll ravage your body, and I'll control your mind.
I'll own you completely; your soul will me mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
And voices you'll hear from inside your head.
 

The sweats, the shakes, and visions you'll see.
I want you to know these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart
That you are now mine and we shall not part.
 

You'll regret that you tried me (they always do).
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen. Many times you were told.
But you challenged my power and chose to be bold.
 

You could have said "no" and just walked away.
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master and you'll be my slave.
I'll even go with you when you go to your grave.

Now that you've met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can show you more misery than words can tell.
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

Anonymous

I would like to thank Brandy Horner for bringing this poem to my attention. This poem in this post tells the story of addiction in simple terms. I hope parents can share this with their children. Although the poem is about crystal meth, it could address opiate addiction just as well.

In 2005, the National survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released their Crystal Meth statistics. Their survey noted that 10.4 million people 12 years old and over have tried Crystal Meth at least once in their lifetime.

Approximately 1.3 million people reported using Crystal Meth between the year 2004 - 2005 and 512,000 reported using Crystal Meth within the last month this Crystal Meth statistic was taken.

According to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey, nearly 5 percent of high school seniors in the United States used crystal meth at least once in their lifetime and 3 percent used the drug in the past year. (www.crystalmethaddiction.org)