The Drug Methamphetamine

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

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.

Methamphetamine abusers are teens reported from age 12 to adults; when teens start abusing drugs, they do it out of peer-pressure, trying to “fit in” in high school; they don’t want to be consider the outcast or the loner. I did research a story of a young lady who did struggle with addiction, who had overcome her addiction and bettered her life from the mistake of letting meth control part of her youth. In result of trying to fit in, they follow the path of drugs, partying, misbehaving rather than creating their own path. Carren Clem, a young woman who grew up in rural Montana, never believed she would become a drug addict. In sixth grade, she started having social problems; she was teased and excluded by the other kids, especially girls. Determined to make friends, she jumped at the opportunity to skip school with an older girl and go to a party at her friend’s house. Unfortunately, the friend was an older boy who gave them beer and ended up raping Carren. To deal with the shame and report the crime, she started drinking, skipping school and hanging out with “bad” kids. The next year she took a job, she partied with her coworkers. One day one of them offered her a “pick-me-up” because she was tired. As a result the “pick-me-up” was methamphetamine. She smoked all weekend long; the high was so intense it was unbelievable; she was hooked right away. With the addicting effect of meth, she was constantly trying to get more and more that it resulted with her arguing with her parents and moving out of their home. She was doing anything to get meth, stealing car stereos, having sex, whatever to get the drug. When she final hit rock bottom, she wanted to commit suicide. Her “friends” tried to help her by giving her high doses of drugs and alcohol, but she didn’t die. She knew in that moment that she needed help; so she called her youth pastor who then called her

Crystal meth, we’ve might’ve heard of it from time to time, but what exactly is it? Crystal methamphetamine has become a widespread epidemic across the United States. Methamphetamine crosses all barriers in today’s society, culturally, socially, and economically. The abuse of this drug and its negative oral effects have become all too familiar amongst dentist and dental healthcare workers. Meth last much longer than crack cocaine and although it is much cheaper to purchase, it is much more hazardous and possibly even deadlier to process. The abuse of this drug leads its victims to have an accelerated physical appearance and devastating oral effects known as Meth Mouth.

Sometimes people forget that methamphetamine hurts not only individuals, but families, neighborhoods and entire communities as well. You might not be using methamphetamine or know anyone who is - but that doesn't mean it's not having an effect on you. A methamphetamine lab can operate unnoticed in a neighborhood for years, causing serious health hazards to everyone around. The problems with meth are widespread. Children and the general public may be affected by the fumes from meth labs operating in or near their homes. The prison system is overwhelmed by the needs of incarcerated meth users. Hospital emergency departments (ED) report that meth is a significant drug problem. The cost of meth labs to society is large. A study done by the University of Arkansas found the cost to prevent abuse in one county to be around $20 million. Although many measures have been placed, abuse has been steadily increasing. In 2003, there was a 68% increase in workers who tested positive. Surprisingly, over 70% of users are actively employed. In particular, the lab problem is growing significantly in the Midwest and Mid Atlantic areas since they migrated from California in the early 80s.

High demand for amphetamines continued through the 1950’s and early 60’s. They were widely used by truck drivers who needed to drive long hauls at night and by high school and college students who needed to stay awake to cram for a big test. Our U.S. military still dispenses amphetamines today. It was used by doctors who worked long hours at the hospital and by athletes who needed more energy. Estimated sales in 1941 was about $500,000 but by the war years (WWII) sales reached more than $2 million. Finally, in 1965 amphetamine inhalers were removed from OTC sales and made a prescription only drug. (amphetamines.com). Finally, in 1971, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which then classified amphetamines and methamphetamines as a Schedule II drug. This is the most restricted category for prescription drugs. There was now a higher demand for black market methamphetamines. (drugpolicy.org). Ephedrine was still sold OTC and became the active ingredient to this illicit drug. In 2004 states began applying stronger restrictions on sales of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine containing products. In September 2006, the Federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 restricted the retail sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products nationwide. Medications that were once OTC were now kept behind pharmacy counters and

Methamphetamine is a highly, addictive stimulating drug that affects the central nervous system. Although it is a drug obtainable through prescription, it is more commonly abused due to cheap costs and street availability. Commonly termed as chalk, crank, crystal, glass, ice, speed, wash, etc., it can be orally ingested, injected, smoked or snorted (What is Methamphetamine? What is Crystal Meth? How is Meth Used?). The number of meth related addictions have peaked since its production, distribution, and use has rapidly escalated in rural areas in the past decade. According to Hutchinson, “It is the number

Soon after the discovery of amphetamine, methamphetamine was synthesized from ephedrine in 1893 by Japanese chemist, Nagai Nagayoshi. (Chikte, Grobler, & Westraat, 2011). Later, in 1919, methamphetamine hydrochloride was synthesized by pharmacologist Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine. During World War II, methamphetamine was sold in the form of tablets as the brand name Pervitin, produced by Temmler Pharmaceutical Company. It was used by all branches of the combined Wehrmacht armed forces of the Third Reich, and it was popular for its performance-enhancing stimulant effects, and its ability to induce extended wakefulness. The side effects associated with methamphetamine, such as extreme withdrawal, were so severe that it made the army stop all production and usage in 1940. (Defalque & Wright, 2011). In the United States, the common medical use for methamphetamine is for treating ADHD and obesity in both adults and children. However, the FDA states that the risks outweigh the rewards with methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is prescribed under the name, Desoxyn. (RxList, 2016). Methamphetamine is used recreationally for its effects as a potent euphoriant and stimulant that allows its user to stay high for a longer period of time than other drugs. Available in many

The use of methamphetamine is a growing problem in the United States. One step taken in stopping the manufacturing, trafficking, and use of methamphetamine has been limiting the sale of methamphetamine precursor drugs: ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine. The United States government has implemented the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005. This act puts restrictions on meth precursor drugs, but 41 states have individually enacted laws limiting sales of these drugs as well.

The drug tricks your brain into hallucination, some cases while using the drug causes you to feel bugs crawling on your skin, things coming out of your skin, and feeling the need to pull them off. When in all actuality, there is nothing on you so all they are doing is pulling apart there real skins which leaves scabs, and scars. It also greatly affects the nerve cells and daily activities your body is use to performing. Meth affects the brain, heart, lungs, digestive system, liver, kidneys, and teeth. Choosing to try meth even once can get you hooked because of the rise in dopamine it makes it highly addictive. Some short term effects of Meth are, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, nausea, exhaustion, violent behavior even death if taken too much. Long term effects include, tooth decay, depression, anger problems, short term attention span, and a lower IQ just to name a few. After using meth for an extended amount of time it ruins your mind and, tends to destroy all senses of pleasure. There are more than 24.7 million methamphetamine users in the world, it has one of the highest relapse rates of any drug.

Crystal Meth which is also called methamphetamine (and is more commonly known as ice) was created in 1919 by Japan. This drug was used during the war since it kept soldiers active and alert. The Japanese pilots were given high doses of crystal meth before going on suicide missions. In the 1950’s crystal meth was used by students, workers and athletes and the drug was starting to become abused. In 1970, the government official banned crystal meth.

There is an associated impact in both the community or workplace change due to the use of meth. Generally, the use of meth leads to the physical improvement in both the community and the workplace environment. The other impact is that of leading to the mental state of individuals being deterred in a community or workplace set up. The following four sources support this thesis about meth.

Around 570,000 people die annually do to drug abuse, 20,000 of these deaths are from illegal drugs such as crystal methamphetamine. Crystal methamphetamine, also known as “meth,” “crank,” “chalk” or “speed” is one of the most, if not the most addictive drug to abuse. When using meth you develop a false sense of happiness and well-being, and automatically get a strong desire to continue using. Meth can be used by smoking it, snorting it, or injecting it into your body. some even consume it orally. Any way you decide to use it, it is going to ruin your life. Not only will it ruin your life it is going to ruin the lives of everyone that loves you.

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

When talking about meth, we can’t forget the consequences of selling and using meth: going to jail. One of the characters discussed in the book was Jarvis. Jarvis had been sentenced to jail for seven years because of his involvement with meth. Even after getting out of jail he hadn’t learned his lesson. Jarvis used to make meth in the basement of his mother’s house when he had a major incident. When he was cooking meth, he had an accident which burned the basement and himself. He was burned so badly that he asked the police to shoot him to take him out of his pain. Even after almost being burned to death, Jarvis immediately went back to smoking meth when he was released from the hospital. There was another meth user Nick discussed in the book