The Epidemic Of Methamphetamine Abuse Essay

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

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

Methamphetamine is the most addictive drug used today. It appeals to people of all ages, and is not a respecter of person. It is creating a society with no future. Unless we as a society can contain and stop this issue, there will be no hope. What is the federal government doing to stop this problem? How are Pharmaceutical companies reacting to this issue? What are the effects on the general public? This is just some of the issues that were discussed in Frontline’s ‘The Meth Epidemic’ video. We will attempt to answer these questions throughout this paper.

Generally, a person will go through a cycle of predictable behavior after starting meth. Immediately after taking it the user will feel a rush which involves the most exhilarating feelings. Next, they experience the high which can last for several hours. The actual rush and high is what everyone is trying to achieve. In order to keep this high the user will often binge, meaning they will continue to take meth for hours. This binge can last for days. Eventually the user will experience “tweaking” which may cause the user to become violent or delusional. Finally the user will experience the crash. Since the addict has been using meth for several days they may have had little or no sleep and their bodies have become

The meth epidemic of the United States has been invasive and problematic from the time it was introduced from the early 1900’s until now. Though introduced through pharmaceutical companies for treatment from depression to colds, the drug has become one of America’s most addictive, abusive, and destructive drugs. The economy and the role of the government, as well as pharmaceutical companies, play the main role in how meth was introduced and the reason it is still abused today. The novel, by Nick Reding, titled Methland follows the effects of meth on a small town, but it also gives us insight in to how these three factors play a major role in the making, use, abuse, and distributing of this drug. This paper will follow the timeline of methamphetamine and what was going on in the economy as well as government action.

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that is used as a recreational drug that affects the central nervous system (CNS). In 1983, laws were passed in the United States prohibiting possession of precursors and equipment for methamphetamine production. But imagine if this addictive drug was as commonly sold in front yards as lemonade and Girl Scout cookies. Imagine if large neon signs and bold lettering titled “Drugs” and “Meth Lab Inside: Free Samples” were displayed in front of suburban homes with guests arriving to sample and purchase meth.

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.

Personally I do not know why anyone would want to feel that way constantly. The rush or high feeling from an adrenal rush sometimes is ok but in my opinion to feel that way continually would make it hard for me to function daily. Also looking at all the health conditions and even death from using meth make it hard for me to understand. I understand people become addicted to things but it’s really sad that these people who are addicted to meth didn’t have anyone in their lives that tried to help them early and didn’t give up on them. I also wonder how much peer pressure is involved with the epidemic of meth use. Knowing the psychologically, medically, and social consequences of using the drug baffles me. Numerous government websites as well as the video from Frontline made it very clear the effects of using meth. How it effects more than you, it effects your family and community. It has been shown to increase crime in a community, unemployment, child neglect and abuse. (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Meth abuse can be prevented and addiction to the drug can be treated. People can recover over time if they have effective treatment. ( Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center) Knowing that meth usage effects the human organs at so many levels, including the brain, would certainly lead me to belief that some type of counseling early on would perhaps prevent some addictions including meth. I feel

“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.

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

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.

The correlation between the highly addictive drug methamphetamine and impairments in social cognitions has long been documented and debated by researchers. Physiological changes in brain structure and functioning, as a consequence of both prolonged and abstinent use of the drug, has been evidenced by changes observed in the behaviour of users. In particular, the perceived link between methamphetamine use and violence has gained increasing attention in recent years as a result of the so-called “Ice-epidemic”. Such an association is highly plausible given the substantiative evidence accumulated around the relationship between methamphetamine use and violence, all of which suggests a causal relationship between the two. (McKetin, McLaren, Riddell & Robins, 2006, p. 4).

My neighbor was a smart and athletic kid when we first met, but following his parents’ divorce he suffered from substance abuse. At times we could see cuts in his nose, smell smoke from his room, and notice that his teeth were not as white and straight as they used to be. As a kid, I was not aware of the implications of his physical changes, but as time passed I learned he had become addicted to drugs such as cannabis and methamphetamine. Although we have covered cannabis and amphetamines in class, I am interested in the recovery stages of methamphetamine abuse and its impact on the brain and social relationships. Overall, meth use has declined over the past decade but the meth abuse problem still stands and there is no FDA-approved drug treatment

The medical use of amphetamines was common in the 1950/60's when they were used to help cure depression and to help the user lose weight. An amphetamine is a drug that is a stimulant to the central nervous system. Amphetamines are colorless and may be inhaled, injected, or swallowed. Amphetamines are also used non-medically to avoid sleep, improve athletic performance, or to counter the effects of depressant drugs. Amphetamines are addictive. Because of this, when the user discontinues use or reduces the amount that they use, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Some withdrawal symptoms are as follows: severe exhaustion, deep sleep lasting from 24 to 48 hours, psychotic reaction, extreme hunger, deep depression, anxiety reactions, and long but

Many strategies that have been implemented to assist in combating methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. The Obama Administration is engaging in several efforts to reduce methamphetamine manufacturing and trafficking, and to prevent and treat methamphetamine abuse. By highlighting a balanced approach that recognizes the role of enforcement, as well as prevention and treatment. The 2010 National Drug Control Strategy seeks to reduce the availability and demand for methamphetamine and other drugs. ONDCP’s National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has developed a comprehensive national anti-methamphetamine advertising and public awareness campaigns that includes TV, newspapers, magazines, radio and online ads, as well as the Web site MethResources.gov, which provides detailed information on meth use, the consequences, prevention and treatment resources. The Obama Administration is working to improve intervention and treatment services, especially by improving services delivered by primary healthcare providers. Administration officials are also working with the criminal justice system to reduce methamphetamine-related crime and improve public health and safety. ONDCP funds the National Methamphetamine and Pharmaceuticals Initiative (NMPI). This is a national effort that serves as a key source of information, coordination, and training to law enforcement officials