Methamphetamine
From AODWiki
Contents |
Background
Methamphetamine, an artificial stimulant, is a very familiar drug that is being misused in the United States because it is very addictive and cheap. In addition, its effects are very much alike to that of cocaine.1 According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, there is a “greater than fifty per cent increase in the number of emergency department visits related to methamphetamine abuse from 1995 to 2002, reaching approximately 73,000 emergency department visits in 2004.”2
Pharmacology
Origins
In 1929 America experienced the effects of a brand new epidemic generated by our growing pharmaceutical industry, this epidemic was known as the amphetamine epidemic.3 This epidemic began as biochemists were developing new decongestants and discovered a byproduct, beta-phenylisopropylamine, which is known now as amphetamine.3 With amphetamine in circulation, this product was patented for many medical purposes and was eventually used to treat serious medical conditions, such as narcolepsy, and for smaller conditions, such as depression.3 Along with amphetamine, methamphetamine, another amphetamine-type stimulant, was later used by serviceman as well as others during the war.3
Production of methamphetamine in America did not emerge as a serious problem until around the 1960's.4 During this time the use of it as well as its production was causing trouble in California. Production was also increasing in places like Mexico. 4 The distribution of meth is very different throughout the United States because of the regional differences of the land and the economy.4 For example in large urban areas in the southern United States, the meth that is primarily sold is imported in large amounts from other places.4 The trajectories of methamphetamine use, in regards to the ways of administering it and ones recognition of related harms, are predicted by some to be out of control. This means that the path a methaphetamine abuser may take in search of the newest and biggest high is very uncertain. 4
Prevalence
It is said that approximately 3 million people in America used amphetamine-type stimulants for non-medical purposes in the last 12 months, and about 600,000 people in the past seven days.3 These numbers do not even include individuals who take methamphetamines for medicinal reasons. The amount of people who are addicted to these dangerous substances apparently doubled in just two years, from 2002 to 2004. 3
The abuse of methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is now widely used throughout a large portion of the United States.5 In the US the majority of users are Caucasian males usually in their late teens or early twenties. However, there are also high amounts of users in the Hawaiian population, Hispanic population, and in men who engage in sexual activity with other men. 5
While the use of meth is widespread throughout the nation, it is most commonly seen in the Western and central Northern states. One can also find meth users in large cities or places with a large population that are often associated with higher levels of crime. 5
Street Names
The street names for methamphetamine are meth, crystal, speed, chalk, ice, crank, and glass.2
Typical Use
Usually methamphetamine is smoked, however it can be injected, snorted, swallowed, or inserted through the buttocks as well.1
Effects
The acute effects of methamphetamine consist of a very enjoyable and fast rush that is caused by the discharge of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. It also increases energy, puts a person in a stage of ecstasy, and boosts sexual satisfaction. However, a state of anxiety and restlessness and longer sleep may occur when the effects of methamphetamine start to diminish.1
The chronic effects of methamphetamine can cause severe damage to the brain. Some sicknesses that have occurred from using this drug are stroke, hepatitis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and respiratory failure. In addition, people who have used methamphetamine for a long period of time may appear much older and elderly due to overall bad health habits.1
A study for pregnant women who have utilized methamphetamine during their pregnancy were expected to be more youthful, be single and alone, do not get paid as much, have a lower education level, and have not been given as much help and received less care when pregnant as compared to other pregnant women. As for the fetal effects, studies have told of clefting, prematurity, and even death.1
There is not that much information for children subjected to methamphetamine, however some side effects that have been accounted for are irregular sleeping habits, insufficient nourishment, trembling or quivering effects, and hypertonia.1
While taking this drug people may experience bursts of energy as well as strengthened attention. The rush the body experiences from meth can also be very quick and very pleasant. 5
Harm
Just like many other drugs however, constant methamphetamine use can have very negative effects on the body, both neurologically and physically. Using meth while pregnant can lead to many complications with the baby's health, for example preterm birth can occur.5
Methamphetamine abuse is sometimes associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), mainly because of its popularity and growing prevalence between men who engage in sexual activities with other men. It is also often associated with the Hepatitis C virus infection.5
The transmission of the HIV virus is sometimes associated with methamphetamine abuse because of meth's ability to lower ones reservations or inhibitions, and heighten an individual's sexual drive.6 This is becoming a more serious problem for males who partake in sexual acts with other males. Measures are being taken in places like urban gay centers to spread awareness of this epidemic by striving to cut down the use of methamphetamines.6
Prevention Strategies
There is not that much proof to determine if the prevention methods for methamphetamine really work. However, studies have shown that by having family-oriented scholarly events and programs at public schools, the rate at which teenagers used methamphetamine lowered. This type of program and other community programs are needed for people who use this drug and want to stop.1
Consumption Measures
Addiction Screening Measures
The United States Preventive Service Task Force did not find evidence that was good enough to suggest whether or not a routine drug exam should be enforced for methamphetamine. However, people with a history of use of this drug should be considered for regular screening.1
For diagnostic testing, methamphetamine can be traced through the hair or a simple urine test for about forty-eight hours after being used. Meconium testing is used for newborns to see whether or not its mother did methamphetamine during the second half of her pregnancy.1
Treatment
The treatment for methamphetamine intoxication is based on, for the most part, supportive treatment. If the drug was taken through the mouth, activated charcoal can be used to help with the treatment. Benzodiazepines can be used for people who suffer from seizures or agitation. Also, if a person suffers from paranoia or frank psychosis, then it can be treated by the use of antipsychotics.1
The typical treatment for methamphetamine abuse and dependence are based on outpatient behavioral therapies. Some therapy programs that may be successful in treating methamphetamine abuse are cognitive behavior therapy and contingency management programs.1
References
- Winslow, B., Voorhees, K., & Pehl, K. (2007, October). Methamphetamine abuse. American Family Physician, 76(8), 1169-1174.
- Yegiyants, S., Abraham, J., & Taylor, E. (2007, October). The effects of methamphetamine use on trauma patient outcome. The American Surgeon, 73(10), 1044-1046.
- Rasmussen, Nicolas. (2008). America's First Amphetamine Epidemic 1929-1971: A Quantitative and Qualitative Retrospective With Implications for the Present. American Journal of Public Health, 98(6), 974-85.
- Rocky L Sexton, Robert G Carlson, Carl G Leukefeld, Brenda M Booth. (2008). Trajectories of Methamphetamine Use in the Rural South: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Human Organization, 67(2), 181-193.
- Bradford T Winslow, Kenton I Voorhees, Katherine A Pehl. (2007). Methamphetamine Abuse. American Family Physician, 76(8), 1169-74.
- Grov, Christian., Parsons, Jeffery T., Bimbi, David S. AIDS education and prevention; Feb2008, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p42-55, 14p, 4 charts.
