Methamphetamine!!
By: Brooke Cushman
Why I Chose to Research Meth.
I chose to research meth because other than knowing its a drug, I do not know much else about it. Therefore, I thought why not explore it and educate myself. I also did not want to do something like coffee, like a lot of others.
History
Meth made its first appearance in 1887, but went away until 1919, when it became popular in Japan. It was used for a variety of things during WWII, such as keep soldiers awake. Then, in 1950 America, it was used as a diet aid, also a way to combat depression. But as drug abuse grew an exponential amount, it was decided in the 70's that it was best to make it illegal.
How/ Why the Addiction Begins
When meth reaches the brain, it releases an immense amount of dopamine, and much like other drugs, people continue to chase their first high. This pursuit is even more common with meth because it first starts with an extreme 'euphoria' but after a crash, the user becomes extremely depressed and tired. This starts the vicious cycle of using meth to function.
Impacts
Meth causes an extreme sex drive which can end terribly, such as contracting an STD. Being on drugs alone can lead to bad decisions, but a clouded mind and an immense sex drive is a spell for disaster. While on meth users could experience the following,
- Anxiety
- Twitching
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations (causing actions such as scratching at skin)
- Irritability
Physical health issues could include,
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Rotted teeth or 'meth mouth'
- Face sores
Reasons to Not Try Meth
#1
A meth user after 10 years of meth, if this doesn't scare you, I don't know what will.
#2
Meth is a mind altering drug that leads to unimaginable actions.
#3
These are even more impacts of meth on the human body.
Ways to Get Help
Like any other drugs, there are rehabs all over the country for people addicted to meth. It is a difficult to be weaned off of meth because there is no drug to help with the extreme withdrawals. Once in therapy, an addict can expect group or one on one therapy. One can also call, 1-888-249-7292.
Statistics
- Number of people addicted in 2013 - 595,000 people
- Number of people who became addicted in one year - 144,000 people
- People who enroll in rehab each year - 4,044 (in 2012)
- Number of people that die each year - as high as 120,000
- About 2/3 of meth users are male
'Fun' Facts
- Every pound of meth produced leaves behind five to six pounds of toxic waste.
- Meth lab site cleanups can cost up to $150,000.
- Fergie was once addicted to crystal meth.