Facts:  Jeremy Mayfield was an accomplished NASCAR driver until a random drug test administered by the organization showed that Mr. Mayfield was using methamphetamine.  After NASCAR suspended Mr. Mayfield, he challenged the validity of the original test in court and actually had the judge reinstate him.  NASCAR appealed the ruling and asked Mr. Mayfield to take a second drug test.  This test once again showed that Mr. Mayfield was using methamphetamine.  The appellate court obviously reinstated the original suspension.  

Unfortunately, it seems that Mr. Mayfield has still not been able to abandon the drug use.  Last week, Mr. Mayfield was arrested with 1.5 grams of methamphetamine at his home.  The police also found approximately $100,000 worth of local merchandise, which is being investigated as possibly stolen.  The police also uncovered approximately forty guns at his home; again, the police are ensuring the guns are properly registered before charging him.  As of right now, the only charges Mr. Mayfield faces are for possession of 1.5 grams of methamphetamine.  

Legal:  In North Carolina, possessing methamphetamine is a Schedule II felony.  A first offense may be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by 45 days in jail.  Depending on the quantity of methamphetamine and the number of prior convictions, it may also be charged as a felony, punishable by up to 4-5 months in jail.

Analysis:  Because of the increasing concern for those that use methamphetamine, North Carolina’s Crime Commission has had to create a specific fact sheet  to help combat the problem.  Methamphetamine is a very serious drug that must be avoided at all costs.  Methamphetamine is a psychologically addictive drug.  Users feel incredible highs that they struggle to repeat; so, they continue to use in larger doses until they are fully addicted to the drug.  The chase for the “high” makes users very paranoid, aggressive, and dangerous.  

In Mr. Mayfield’s case, he had a very high paying job driving in NASCAR races.  This is a dream job for Mr. Mayfield, but he let drugs consume his life.  Consider the irrational behavior that Mr. Mayfield exhibited while in NASCAR.  He failed a drug test and turned to the court system to help get his job back.  After he was actually reinstated, he continued to use methamphetamine and was caught a second time.  He knew that he was very close to having his job back but could not resist the temptation of drugs.

This case clearly illustrates the struggle that drug users have in breaking the cycle of addiction.  No matter how much money, fame, and glory Mr. Mayfield had in NASCAR, he could not resist the need to use.  To make matters worse, he is now caught up in the legal system, and NASCAR’s governing body is no longer his biggest problem.  Now, there are allegations that stolen goods were at his place of residence.  If he allowed drugs to take him down that dangerous path, he will be in prison for a long time.  It is unfortunate that a young driver has fallen so far because of an inability to stop using drugs.   Many drugs are extremely addictive, and they will ruin your body, mind, social life, and employment.  Using drugs a single time is dangerous and stupid. 

If you are unfortunately already using drugs, do yourself a favor and seek help. Quit using as soon as possible.  If you continue to use, it is likely that you will be in the legal system and prison, sooner rather than later . . . and that may be the least of your concerns.