Methamphetamine Addiction : A Serious Public Health Problem With Many Consequences And Complications

Meth was originally used for medical purposes; it was used to help treat narcolepsy (wanting to sleep), obesity (being overweight), and Attention Deficit

Methamphetamine is a solid focal sensory system stimulant that is for the most part utilized as a recreational medication. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is endorsed by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the exchange name Desoxyn for consideration shortfall hyperactivity issue and heftiness in grown-ups and youngsters, and is at times recommended off name for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. It is once in a while endorsed because of concerns including human neurotoxicity and its high potential for recreational use, among different concerns, and the accessibility of more secure substitute medications with practically identical treatment viability.

Amphetamine was first made in 1887 in Germany and methamphetamine, more potent and easy to make, was developed in Japan in 1919. The crystalline powder was soluble in water, making it a perfect candidate for injection. Methamphetamine went into wide use during World War II, when both sides used this drug to keep troops awake. High doses were given to Japanese Kamikaze pilots

Meth users try to get the drug in their system in many different ways. For an immediate rush from the drug, the user will smoke or inject the drug. Taking the drug orally, the user has to wait at least 20 minutes for the drug to take effect. (Buxton & Dove, 2008, p. 1537) Some users may insert the drug rectally or take the drug orally.

“Meth is a very strong drug that attacks the central nervous system stimulant.” “The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neurotransmission (“HOW METH DESTROYS.” 1) Meth is also potent an easy to make only thing you need is a few boxes of cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, red phosphorous, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel, and antifreeze are among the ingredients most commonly used. Longtime meth abuse causes brain damage, various oral cancers and oral infections, as well as psychotic behavior, and various skin conditions; it also decreases nerve sensitivity.

The abuse of methamphetamines in the United States seems to have started during the “Great Depression” and increased during WWI, WWII, and Viet Nam. Many times, amphetamines were prescribed by the government and the military to keep fighting soldiers going. After returning from their tour of duty, many soldiers returned home addicted to the drug. Also during the 50’s and 60’s, amphetamines were being used as a weight loss medication. But eventually began to be abused by the users.

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

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

Amphetamine was first marketed in the 1930’s under a different name (Dexamyl) as an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion.2 By 1937, amphetamine was available by prescription. During World War II, amphetamine was widely used to keep soldiers operative.3 Now spreading fast into mainstream culture, meth was originally used by bikers and truckers to stay awake on long journeys.4

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 only way anyone ever quits an addiction is that they come to a place where the desire to be free exceeds the desire to use” (“Anonymous”). Methamphetamine is not a new drug. In 1887, Germany first made amphetamine. Later on in 1919, Japan developed meth. When they discovered that the powder was soluble in water and then could be used for injection, it became popular in World War II to keep soldiers awake. Kamikaze pilots on their suicide mission were given high doses. Later on in the 1950’s meth was used to fight depression and prescribed as a diet aid. In the 1960’s, the availability of meth increased making methamphetamine abuse worse. Crystal meth was made illegal in the United States in 1970 . By 2012, 1.2 million people said they had used the drug in the last year, and 440,000 said they had used it in the last month. Meth is a growing problem in America today (“History of Meth”). Every addiction has its own beginning, rational, and indicators. Each addiction presents itself with its own dangers and effects, and while there are different treatments available, help can only be given when addicts choose to help themselves.

Methamphetamine was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. There are a few accepted medical reasons for its use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy and ADD, but these uses are limited. In its regular form, methamphetamines are also known as speed, meth, and chalk. In its smoked form, it is known as ice, crystal, crank, and glass. Methamphetamine comes in many forms and can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested or injected. The smokeable form of methamphetamine, knows as "ice," came into use in the 1980's. Ice is a large, usually clear crystal of high purity that is smoked in a glass pipe like crack/cocaine. The smoke is odorless, leaves a residue that can be re-smoked, and produces effects that my continue for 12 hours or more. Since there are a few accepted medical reasons for its use, methamphetamine is a controlled substance in the United States, and cannot be used legally without a doctor's approval. Methamphetamine abuse can also lead to legal, financial, and social problems. If methamphetamines are used during pregnancy, babies tend to be asocial, incapable of bonding, have tremors, have birth defects, and cry for 24 hours without stopping. There is also an increased risk of child abuse and neglect of children born to parents who use methamphetamines. WISC-TV reports, "There's a new drug moving into your neighborhood, reports WISC-TV. It's methamphetamine and it's one of the

Methamphetamine also affects the user’s mouth. This is often referred to as “meth mouth.” There are several factors which, when combined, create an environments that destroys the teeth, the blood supply and supporting tissues. Methamphetamine users are unable to take care of daily tasks, such as brushing and flossing, due to the crash affect of this drug which can last many days. When they are awake for long periods of time the energy bursts they experience do not allow them to concentrate

Crystal meth is a sub-category of amphetamine. Amphetamines are synthetic amines- which are similar to the body's neurotransmitter: norepinehrine and the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Amphetamines stimulate the reticular activating system. This activation is transmitted to all parts if the brain. This process causes the user to become