Methamphetamine use is a growing trend in Utah. Meth users exhibit quicker physical addiction, and are more likely to resist treatment. News Specialist Karen Scullin has more.

When meth users are high, they're on a run. Often up for days and days at a time. It's a cycle that's hard to break. And the problem is getting worse in Utah.

According to the state department on substance abuse, 6,500 in this state need treatment, 1,500 are receiving it.

Explosions and fires sparked by the toxic chemicals in meth labs. There are more labs in Utah than anywhere in the nation. But the drug is nothing new.

Psychologist Dr. Gary Jorgensen says, "It's a west coast phenomenon. Came out of Asia, from Japan, the Philippines, through Hawaii, and into the west coast, and then it spread up the southwest and into Utah."

During World War II, Japanese troops took meth before Kamikaze missions. The drug is extremely persuasive.

Recovering Meth Addict Mike Bemis says, "Most of the time I was high and thought I was invincible."

Another recovering addict, Matt Barlow, says, "With the use of drugs, I thought I was The Almighty, you know. No one could touch me."

But after the highs, there are the extreme lows. And an addict knows in an instant he'll feel better with the drug. What he doesn't know, or doesn't care about at the time, are the other, very dangerous effects.

Meth addicts suffer memory loss, have tendencies towards aggression, violence and psychotic behavior. There is also potential for heart and neurological damage.

And there's a misconception about who's using the drug.

Dr. Jorgensen says, "We used to think it was a blue collar drug. But we see lots of white collar people using. Once the infection comes, it spreads everywhere."

Dr. Jorgensen says anyone who feels a need to go beyond their physical capabilities is at risk.

That includes women. In fact, of women now being admitted into treatment, the drug of choice is methamphetamine. Tonight at 10, learn more about the life of an addict, and how children and newborns are being effected by Utah's dangerous trend.