Addiction of Methamphetamine

The current epidemic of clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine accounts virtually for the entire supply of the drug. The problems associated with abuse of methamphetamine spread beyond addiction to significant injuries to innocent citizens and emergency workers due to the nature of the illegal laboratories producing the drug. Illegal Disposal of unused chemicals or by-products from the manufacture is associated with significant environmental contamination. During the 1980s, clandestine laboratories were mostly small and highly mobile while being operated by a small, identified group of individuals. However, organized crime and gangs are now involved in the production that creates a significant ancillary crime activity rise. Statistically, methamphetamine users are most likely to be involved in violent crime, homicide and suicide.

The method of manufacture most commonly used takes the removal of a hydroxyl group from the [Beta] position of the ethylamine side chain of ephed

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ential increase in HIV-related dementia,' he added. Other medical risks associated with Methamphetamine users are the transmission of hepatitis A. The CDC has issued a warning for Polk County, Florida where Meth users are "transmitting hepatitis A through sexual activity and shared drug paraphernalia, then exposing family members and others to the disease." (Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly.ß May 20, 2002) The investigators of another study utilized positron emission tomography (PET) scans to measure the level of dopamine D2 receptors in Meth users while assessing the rate of glucose metabolism. This is considered a sensitive measure of brain cell activity. The study found lower levels of dopamine receptors and a lower rate of glucose metabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex in the methamphetamine users over the non-drug users. "Methamphetamine's effect on dopamine system similar to that of cocaine and alcohol," was published in the December 2001 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. Drs. Nora Volkow and Linda Chang and their colleagues at the Brookhaven National Laboratory report that methamphetamine acts on some of the same brain mechanisms as cocaine and alcohol. (Pain & Central Nervous System Week.ß Dec 24 200
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Approximate Word count = 1931
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

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