WSET.com - ABC13Experts Say Lynchburg Meth Use Growing Problem

Reporter: Jeremy Mills

Lynchburg, VA - They call it one of the fastest growing drug trends in the country. Local drug counselors say crystal meth is catching on in Lynchburg and the discovery of a suspected meth lab Tuesday near Miller Park is proof of it.

Workers at one local rehab clinic is convinced there are others in the city.  They say that, because they're seeing an increasing demand for methamphetamine in this area.

Meth is clearly not the primary addiction here yet, it's well behind alcohol and prescription painkillers. But meth is catching up.

Keith Lisenbee has counseled drug addicts for more than five years.  He's not surprised by the discovery of a suspected meth lab.

"No, not at all.  Because it has always been out there," said Lisenbee.

Lisenbee works for Central Virginia Community Services, the city's only medical detox center for drug addiction.  Right now, it's seeing an increase in requests for methamphetamine dependency.

"People become quickly addicted to it from even the first time they use it and once someone becomes addicted, they need more and more and more," said Lisenbee.

The center predicts a few hundred people in Lynchburg are currently addicted to meth.

"So far, we are fortunate that we do not have many cases," said Ali Mobaideen, MD, Chief Psychiatrist with Central Virginia Community Services.

They say because it is so easy to make and can be manufactured in large quantities, the poor economy is only adding to its appeal.

"It's more popular now among the younger population, the numbers are terrible," said Mobaideen.

"From a price standpoint, it doesn't cost as much as some of the other street drugs that are out there," said Lisenbee.

Counselors say if the home on Park Avenue really was a source of meth in the city, those who went there for a fix are already looking for another supplier.

"They'll be searching elsewhere and who knows where they will find it, but they will find it," said Lisenbee.

Drug rehab specialists says the chemical dependence to methamphetamine is extremely difficult to break.  It typically requires an extended stay at a clinic because outpatient rehab is just not effective.