Disturbing Trend-Texan Gets 45 Years in Prison for Employing Kids for Drug Trafficking

1. Disturbing Trend Disturbing Trend - - Texan Gets 45 Years in Prison Texan Gets 45 Years in Prison for for Employing Kids Employing Kids for for Drug Trafficking Drug Trafficking A disturbing trend in the drug trafficking business has come to light. Many drug traffickers are turning to children to peddle contraband due to the stringent monitoring by the law enforcement agencies. These vulnerable kids are dragged into the vicious cycle of drug trade by different drug cartels using force and authority. Due to the early exposure to drugs, they often master the illicit drug trade quite early. This reveals another facet of the child exploitation that leads to stunted growth and marked psychological impairment. Rather than recognizing them as the victims of drug trafficking, such children are treated as criminals by the system. Along the same lines, a district court recently convicted Charles David Clark, a 46-year-old drug dealer from East Central Texas, for using children as young as 5 years to package the supply of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Shockingly, he was also using his own children. Given his past drug convictions, the Burleson County court sentenced him to a prison term of 45 years. Such convictions normally carry a penalty of a two-year jail term; however, as Clark has been a repeat offender, district court judge J.D. Langley was convinced that a sterner sentence would keep him in order. Such malpractices draw our attention to the issue of stolen childhood. As children forcibly sucked into drug trade are yet to learn the ways of the world, they are increasingly susceptible to slavery, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, etc. Irrespective of the kind of drug used, these children tend to develop drug-seeking behavior that impairs their psychological and physiological health. Some known dangers of such drug-seeking behavior are as follows: Respiratory diseases: When adults smoke meth, weed or any other drug in the presence of a child, they increase the risk of respiratory diseases in children. Most of such children tend to develop persistent coughing, thereby increasing the risk of living with asthma or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). www.sovhealth.com

2. Growing up beyond their years: A child living in a drug-infused environment is forced to grow beyond his/her age. Such children tend to become rough and violent. Rather than enjoying their childhood, they get busy in learning the ropes of the dirty business. Burns and accidents: Drugs like meth are cooked at home, subjecting children to toxic fumes and acrid smell emanating from such illicit labs. A child could end up inadvertently experimenting with meth due to the carelessness of the people running the illicit business. As explosions are common in meth labs, a child working there or staying on the same premises has a great risk of fatal injuries. These children also run the risk of ingesting harmful drugs due to ignorance. Cognitive problems: The children forced to work in illicit drug trade are usually underfed and malnourished. Besides, they are isolated from their peers. They spend more time with adults addicted to drugs. These factors impact their mental development and cognitive skills, such as decision-making, concentration, etc. They find it harder to adjust to a normal setting once removed from the clutches of the drug cartels or parents involved in drug trade. Sexual abuse: Young boys and girls trapped in the illicit drug trade are commonly exposed to sexual exploitation. Usually, girls submit to the sexual demands of the drug cartel members out of the fear of violence. Moreover, these children are kept in unidentified crack houses that involve high risk. As meth intoxication increases libido, children living with people abusing the drug lead an unsafe life. Recovering from meth addiction Meth can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked. As it produces a pleasurable feeling soon after ingestion, users are quickly drawn into the cycle of abuse. Meth trade has seen a spurt in the recent times. A number of clandestine meth labs have mushroomed in cities, multiplying the risks for children. Like the crack-exposed babies born in 1990s, children exposed to meth are more reactive, anxious and depressed in nature. They are also more aggressive in behavior and showcase the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you or your loved one is struggling with meth addiction, contact Sovereign Health for assistance. As a leading provider of care for substance abuse and mental disorders, we offer methamphetamine addiction treatment as per the needs of an individual. Call our 24/7 helpline number (866) 616-3277 for more information on our meth addiction treatment centers. www.sovhealth.com