Drug Addiction: Pleasure or Pain? Essay

Although drug abuse may seem totally negative, there are some advantages for the user. One obvious con of drug abuse is that it is bad for the human body. Prolonged use of drugs often leads to incurable sicknesses, and sometimes even death. Drugs can make a person

Meth is not only highly addictive it is easily "cooked" in homes across the country. Unlike some drugs, which are derived from natural sources, meth includes an array of dangerous chemicals. These chemicals can include battery acid, rat poison and motor oil.

Methland. The main components of the meth market – within and without Oelwein – were the

In society, drugs have been the downfall for many people. There are many reasons that a person may use drugs such as: peer pressure, relief of stress, increased energy, to relax, to relieve pain, to escape reality, to feel more self esteem, and for recreation ("Drug addiction and drug abuse," 2011). What is it that causes the obsession and compulsion to use drugs? Why can some people stop and others go on to become addicts? Addiction is often now defined by the continuing, compulsive nature of the drug use despite physical and/or psychological harm to the user and society ("Drug addiction and drug abuse," 2011).

These drugs were also used in the Vietnam War and even in Operation Desert storm. (Etingoff 15). After these wars the soldiers became dependent on meth. As a result of the abuse of this drug new laws were put into place in the 1970s. In turn there was a decline in the abuse of methamphetamine. However, during the 1980s and 1990s the supply skyrocketed once again to meet the demands of the ever-growing population of meth addicts. (Olive 19). The demand for this drug continues to grow to this day due to the fact that it is so inexpensive to manufacture, which is why it is known as Poor Man’s Cocaine, therefor making it more accessible. Some other common names for methamphetamine are Meth, Crystal Meth, Speed, Ice, Crank, and Blue Mollies.

The ingredients used to create meth, are not complex ingredients. Many of the ingredients are normal every day household chemicals, and over-the-counter drugs.

By 1919, Japan started producing methamphetamine which was cheaper and more potent than amphetamine. It was produced in a crystalline powder form and was able it to be dissolved in water, making it easier for it to be injected. This form of amphetamine is still legally produced in the US and is being sold under the name of Desoxyn. (Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 2010, para. 1-3)

In 1887, amphetamines were first produced in Germany and largely forgotten for forty years. In 1919, methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant was developed by Japanese pharmacologist, A. Ogata. The drug helped with alertness and well-being. In the 1930 's, methamphetamines were widely used to treat bronchial diseases and narcolepsy. The American Medical Association approved a tablet form in 1935 for ADHD. During WWII, German and Japanese pilots used methamphetamines to stay awake during long flights, while the U.S and U.K used amphetamines. After the war, Japan saw an epidemic of methamphetamine abuse. The drug was still being used legally into the 1950 's and 1960 's by everyone from homemakers to truck drivers for alertness and weight loss. In 1970 methamphetamines became regulated in the Controlled Substances Act and a public education campaign was mounted to educate people about the dangers of the drug. Starting in the 1980 's and into the 1990 's the drug became extremely popular in the southwest,

Methamphetamine takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter tasting 1, crystalline powder. Methamphetamine increases the amount of dopamine (involved in reward, pleasure, motor function,compulsion, and perseveration). The drug produces this effect because it has a similar molecular compound as dopamine. Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neurotransmission. When taken repeatedly over time, methamphetamine can produce lasting damage in the

Methamphetamine is classified as a schedule II stimulant5 (meaning it has high potential for abuse), which makes it legally available through a nonrefillable prescription, although it is rarely used medicinally, and only at doses

Meth is an amphetamine and a central nervous system stimulant meaning it is an upper (Inaba & Cohen, 2014). It increases respiration, heart rate, motor activity, and alertness (Fisher & Harrison, 2013). This type of drug leads to euphoria feelings by stimulating the reward center

Methamphetamine is a recreational drug that affects the central nervous system. It was discovered in 1893. Methamphetamine is usually in the form of a white odorless powder. The powder can be compressed into pill form, another form is crystal meth. Crystal meth comes in chunky clear pieces and is commonly smoked. Meth produces a large amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine allows for a happy feeling or euphoria. In most cases following the intense euphoria is the crash, which can cause a person to become lethargic and depressed. Prolonged use of meth can cause rotting teeth, scars and severe weight loss. Low doses of methamphetamine can reduce appetite, increase alertness. Larger doses can cause seizures, violent behavior and delusions. Methamphetamine has been reported to lift mood and increase sexual desire. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive synthetic drug. Some common nicknames are Meth; Speed; Crank; Glass; Crystal; Tweek. When methamphetamine is used with another drug there are different names as well, such as Mexican Speed Balls, Biker Coffee. Methamphetamine can be used by smoking, snorting, orally and injected. Injecting and smoking the drug will result in a rapid feeling of intense euphoria. In World War II, methamphetamine was distributed to the German soldiers. It would enhance the soldier’s abilities and reduce appetite. In modern

We've discovered where crystal meth came from, how it's used, and effects; so why is meth illegal. Even though methamphetamine might be legal for ADD, ADHD, obesity, and depression, crystal meth is illegal. Crystal meth is deadly, and addicting. It ruins the pleasure center in the human brain by over producing dopamine, users won't feel pleasure in their lives unless on the drug. Users will do anything to get their high, they will lie, steal, and betray family or friends. Meth users can cause various crimes.

Meth can be easily made at home with common cold medicines and other toxic ingredients. In the video an officer made the statement “if you can make chocolate chip cookies, you can make meth.” The main ingredient in making meth is pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is found in common cold medicines. As the years have gone by, pseudoephedrine is no longer considered an over the counter

One of the more common addictions that were mentioned is substance or drug addiction. In the medical dictionary substance abuse means, “Excessive use of a potentially addictive substance, especially one that may modify body functions, such as drugs.” The effects of substance abuse can show a discrepancy between physical and psychological effects. Essentially every drug has dissimilar physical effects on the body; they all have an effect on the brain initially in a similar manner. The physical effects of substance abuse includes; respiratory issues, cardiac issues, and even gastrointestinal issues. With these issues, they can get severe enough to lead up to further severe issues such as lung cancer, heart attacks, and kidney or liver damage, which can ultimately lead to death. The psychological effects of this addiction can be just as harmful. The psychological effects included; hypothermia, paranoia, anxiety, violent behavior, hallucinations, depression, loss of interest, loss sense of reality, confusion, flashbacks, sense of distance, and catatonic syndrome (which affects the body’s central