Methamphetamine (also known as meth, ice, speed, cookies, dunk and many other names) is an incredibly powerful and dangerous drug. A stimulant that leads to false feelings of euphoria, meth is very alluring, but due to its severe crash this drug quickly becomes addictive as the user seeks to return to their euphoric state. As we look to treat those suffering from this addiction, it is important to understand the history of this drug, how it has progressed over time, and where we are now in order to effectively plan for the future.
The Basics
Methamphetamine comes in a crystalline white powder and is odorless, bitter-tasting, and easily dissolves in water or alcohol. It can also come in a pill form. It is usually snorted, smoked, or injected. Crystal meth comes in clear chunks and is most commonly smoked.
The short range effects of meth use include, but are not limited to:
false sense of well-being and energy followed by a severe crash
- decreased appetite
- disturbed sleep patterns
- nausea
- delusions of power
- aggressiveness and irritability
- confusion
- hallucinations
- anxiety
- paranoia
- convulsions leading to death
Long range use of methamphetamine causes irreversible harm. The effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, damaged blood vessels in the brain leading to stroke, irregular heartbeat causing cardiovascular collapse, and death. Liver damage, kidney damage, lung damage, brain damage, and memory loss are all also possible effects.
The Past
Methamphetamine was first developed in 1919 in Japan in order to increase awareness and boost energy. It was more potent and easier to make than its predecessor amphetamine (developed in 1887 in Germany). It is unique among drugs in that it is completely synthetic, where most drugs have some natural origin.
Methamphetamine was first prescribed in the U.S. in the 1930s to treat asthma and narcolepsy. During World War II, both sides of the war used it and it was especially prevalent among bomber pilots. The United States discontinued use because it made the military men irritable and violent. However, Japan continued use and it was popularly used by Kamikaze pilots right before their suicide missions. It was then released publicly after the war and a meth epidemic took place in the 1940s and 1950s throughout Japan. As mentioned here, it then made its way to the west coast of the US and spread from there. In Europe, the spread of meth use began in the Czech Republic.
Besides treating asthma and narcolepsy, meth has also been used to treat ADHD and morbid obesity. It was also used as a diet aid and to fight depression. It was commonly used by college students, truck drivers, and athletes for the increased energy. Due to its widespread use, abuse and addiction developed quickly.
The United States made Methamphetamine a controlled substance in the 1970s, but in the 1990s private citizens began creating their own meth concoctions at home that were four to six times stronger than the prescription form. Meth became one of the most widely abused drugs of the 21st century and continues to be widely used today.
The Present
Meth use continues in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Most of the drug available in Asia is produced in Thailand, Myanmar, and China. It is known as Yaba in Thailand and as Shabu in the Philippines. In the Czech Republic, meth is known as Pervitin and is still a large problem.
The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime stated that the worldwide production of amphetamine type stimulants is nearly 500 metric tons per year and reported around 24.7 million abusers. It is widely abused in the Czech Republic, and while it is mostly domestic use, they have exported some, causing the drug to spread throughout Europe. The Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, and Latvia reported amphetamines and methamphetamines account for 20-60% of those seeking drug abuse treatment.
In the United States, a 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that 1.2 million people (0.4% of American population) reported methamphetamine use in the past year. The average age of a new user in 2012 was 19.7 years old.
The following year, the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed the following prevalence of methamphetamine over period of a lifetime based on age:
- 12+: 4.7%
- 12-17 years: 0.50%
- 18-25 years: 3.00%
- 26+: 5.50%
While national trends show an overall decrease, the prevalence of use varies across regions of the country and a difference can be seen based on age groups.
The Future
The use and abuse of meth is still a dangerous trend that needs to be addressed. In order to prevent future use, teens and young adults need to be well educated on the dangers and consequences associated with meth use. The Meth Project reports that one in four teens believes that taking meth is actually beneficial. This is just one example of a common fallacy that needs to be corrected.
For those using the drug, the most effective treatments appear to be behavioral therapies. This includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (involving various types of therapy and even 12-step programs) and contingency-management interventions (provide tangible incentives in exchange for receiving treatment and maintaining abstinence).
Currently no medications have proven effective in treatment. It would appear the best probability of successful recovery involves employing the treatment methods listed above and loved ones and law enforcement (as appropriate) will need to assist these people in seeking and taking part in effective treatment.
Meth is a powerful drug that continues to destroy the lives of many around the world; however, through better education and better treatment, the future can be different.
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Guest Author Bio
Ben Harris
Ben is a Substance Use Disorder Counselor and began working in substance abuse treatment in 1987. During the past 25 years, he has worked in in-patient, residential, wilderness, intensive out-patient, and out-patient adolescent and adult programs. He has spent the majority of those years in management positions including executive director and national director responsible for the safe and effective operations of several programs. He has also served as president of the Utah Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors and on national committees with NAADAC and ICRC.
Blog / Website: Therapia
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