Methamphetamine Abuse Term Papers

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

Methadone belongs to the class/family of drugs known as opioids, methadone is a synthetic opioid (it is made from chemicals in a lab) that was first developed in the 1960’s in Germany to treat and mask pain, however it became more popular

While driving down a road in Montana, exploring, someone would notice the paintings and sculptures that read “Meth, not even once” or something as simple as “Montana Meth Project.” The Montana Meth Project has become Montana’s way to stomp out Montana’s meth problem. Some history on methamphetamine include “Amphetamine was first made in 1887 in Germany and methamphetamine, more potent and easy to make, was developed in Japan in 1919”(Drug-Free).There has been a decrease in meth users in the past years, “The United States government reported in 2008 that approximately 13 million people over the age of 12 have used methamphetamine—and 529,000 of

Methadone is a strong drug that can overtake your body and start to deteriorate your body slowly but surely. Methadone can change the effects of your body physically, mentally, and emotionally. Methadone also changes your physical appearance to your skin and begin to either stretch or change your features.

While drug abuse is not new to the 21st century, the meth epidemic that plagued Oregon and spread rapidly to other parts of the United States has attracted a lot of attention from the communities and the law enforcement. There has been a rapid rise in the use of Meth amongst young people. The Frontline documentary film The Meth Epidemic displays a country under attack by the drug epidemic. The well-researched documentary displays the changes that meth addicts go through over the years as the drug takes a negative toll on them. The documentary further displays the meth-linked criminal activities that have plagued Oregon and even spread to other states across the United States.

Crystal meth was first used frequently in WWII, until it became a drug used for recreational purposes. Users smoke or inject meth to feel the euphoric effects. Even though their are other harming effects such as paranoia, violent behavior, high blood pressure, and dental problems along with other effects. Crystal meth is a dangerous and addicting drug that can cause users to commit crimes. Through thorough

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.

It was developed in Japan in 1919 with little research for what it could do to the body. Methamphetamine was easily used because it could be dissolved in water making it have the characterization of an injectable drug. During World War 2, between 1939 and 1945, Meth was used at large amounts to keep soldiers awake and alert. They didn't know that they were really giving these soldiers an addicting high. During the 1950s it was then diagnosed as an antidepressant and a diet aid making it more commonly used. By the 1960s it was being abused even more due to the fact that it was a common drug that was able to be used as medicine (“Foundation for a Drug Free World”). It was also easier to access. Today Meth is transported to the US by Mexico. It is produced in large laboratories in Mexico but is also produced here in the US in toxic labs which explains how bad it is alone. Meth was used in the past like it was good for us and no big deal but now the real dangers and risks are known for this

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,

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 is known for causing brain damage, but people tend to disagree on this concept that methamphetamine has no dangerous effects on the cognitive ability. In fact, Carl Hart, an associate professor of psychology, adamantly disagrees to the dangers reported by media and other research professionals (Merino).

In recent years, Mexican drug cartels have been increasing the production and distribution of the methamphetamines. This increase is very clear when looking at news reports. Seizures of methamphetamine at the border between Mexico and California as well as at the San Diego airport quadrupled between 2009 and 2014, jumping from 3,693 to 14,732 pounds. With the increased availability of the drug, more people are becoming addicted to

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

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.