Abstract

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, similar to cocaine, which is derived from the coca plant, but made entirely of human-made chemicals. Some stimulants are used every day by many people; others, like methamphetamines are available only with a doctor's prescription; and some, like cocaine, have no legal use whatsoever. Methamphetamine is more powerful than cocaine or any natural stimulant. Typically methamphetamine is produced as a crystal-like powder, a larger chunk of crystal, or in tablets. It can be smoked, injected, snorted or eaten. Consumption of Meth in large amounts can cause violence, hallucinations, and psychosis.

Table of Contents

Abstracti

Introduction1

Use of Methamphetamine1

Statistics2

Affects of Methamphetamine2

The Physiological Effects of Methamphetamine3

Social Affects of Methamphetamine6

Getting Rid of Methamphetamine Addiction6

Meth Detoxification7

Therapy and Counseling7

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy7

Conclusion7

Recommendations8

Appendix10

EXHIBIT I-Statistics on Drug Arrests10

EXHIBIT II-Statistics on Drug Seizures11

Methamphetamine

Introduction

Methamphetamine is a stimulant or drug that increases the activities of a body's nervous system. It affects the central nervous system of the person directly, thus, making the user feel more energetic, attentive and productive. In medical terms, Methamphetamine is an amine that belongs to a class of compounds, the phenethylamines, with anorexiant, euphoric, and hallucinogenic effects (Spalding, p.7).

The history of Methamphetamine date backs to 1893 when it was synthesized for the first time. Pharmaceutical formulations were introduced after thirty years as treatments for nasal congestion and asthma. Methamphetamine was widely used by Japanese, American forces and German during World War II to decrease fatigue and increase alertness.

Methamphetamine may be manufactured through simple reactions using readily available chemicals and over-the-counter cold medicines, namely ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Although, some illicit methamphetamine is a categorized as a pharmaceutical drug, most of the recreational methamphetamine is synthesized particularly for illicit use. Illegally manufactured methamphetamine contains high risk of explosion and is responsible for exposing many children to profoundly toxic products.

Use of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is used clinically for treatment of short-term treatment of obesity, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, and as a treatment for narcolepsy. This drug should only be taken under high supervision and prescription, as a person may get use to it if taken unnecessarily for a longer time. It may also cause severe reactions as it does not mix well with other drugs.

Statistics

Use of methamphetamine for recreation has reached huge proportions in the United States of America, Japan, southern Asia and the Philippines. After cannabis, it is the most widely abused drug all over the world. As per an estimate, approximately five percent of the US population uses methamphetamine, with an estimated 500,000 people using the drug in a given month.

The 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) estimated that about 4.8 million people have used this drug in their lifetime. Methamphetamine's use is greatest among the people in between 35-45 years of age, but the largest increase in treatment is amongst the 18-25 year olds. As on 2011, meth is widely used by gays and lesbians in the United States and is rapidly spreading into mainstream culture (Moore, p.3)

According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, ...