Methamphetamine (meth) is a stimulant that is very similar to amphetamine. The potential for meth abuse is high; consequently, meth is classified as a Schedule II drug. When meth is prescribed by a physician its medical uses are restricted, resulting is a much lower dosage than what is typically abused. The majority of meth abused in the United States is generated foreign or domestic super labs; however, it can also be derived from small, illicit laboratories, which commonly pose endangerment to the individuals in the labs, neighbors, and the environment as a whole.
Meth is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that can be consumed by snorting the powder, injecting the solution, or by smoking. Meth has the ability to quickly release dopamine in certain areas of the brain, providing the user with an intense euphoria, or “rush.” This pleasure is often sought after again and again, leading to meth abuse.
A chronic meth abuser often suffers changes in his brain functions, altering the activity of his dopamine system, hence reducing his motor skills and causing impaired verbal learning. Based on recent studies, chronic meth abusers may have severe structural and functional changes with regards to emotion and memory. This is why so many meth abusers undergo emotional and cognitive issues.
The constant abuse of abuse can lead to an addiction to meth. When this occurs, the addict morphs into a compulsive drug seeking individual, using the drug just as compulsively, and suffering many relapses if he tries to get clean. Although meth abuse has severe symptoms, taking meth in small amounts can also lead to several similar physical effects of cocaine or amphetamines–increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, declining appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
Using meth long-term has serious health consequences–extreme weight loss, severe dental issues, anxiety, bewilderment, insomnia, mood swings, and violent behavior. Chronic meth abusers may also show psychotic behavior, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions (for example, thinking insects are crawling under the skin). Additionally, meth abuse can heighten the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C.
To determine how widespread the use of meth has grown to be, the Monitoring the Future conducted a national survey in 2008 on 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. The results showed that the abuse of meth among students has declined in recent years. However, this does not eradicate the fact that meth use remains a national concern. The survey results reflect 2.3 percent of 8th graders, 2.4 percent of 10th graders, and 2.8 percent of 12th graders have used meth at least once. Additionally, 0.7 percent of 8th graders, 0.7 percent of 10th graders, and 0.6 percent of 12th graders had used meth in the past month. The rate for prior-year use of meth stayed steady for all grades surveyed from 2007-2008 (See chart below).
Meth Abuse Prevalence Monitoring the Future Survey, 2008
| 8th Grade | 10th Grade | 12th Grade | |
| Lifetime** | 2.3% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Past Year | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Past Month | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.6 |
Source: NIDA
For individuals suffering from the abuse of or addiction to meth, help is available at a local treatment center. Contact SAMHSA’s website to find one near you.
Drug Enforcement Agnecy (DEA) – http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/index.htm
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) – http://www.samhsa.gov/
National Institue of Health (NIH) – http://www.nih.gov/