Addiction of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is one of the United States' most commonly abused substances. Pacific Rim countries particularly Korea, Taiwan and Japan have also succumbed to major abuse of the drug. Epidemics of methamphetamine abuse in the United States began in the 1950s and were experienced through the 1960s and 1970s. Currently, the popularity of this drug may be traced to the early 1980s in the San Diego area of Southern California. Only recently has it spread to other portions of the United States.

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

Related Essays

Methamphetamine's Effects on the Body and Mind: Long Term and .... Pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence: a review of the pathophysiology of methamphetamine addiction and the theoretical basis and efficacy of .... (1980 8 )

Crystal Methamphetamine .... One impediment to the treatment of methamphetamine addiction is the scarcity of substance abuse treatment providers in rural areas. .... (1986 8 )

Metamphetamine as an Addictive Drug .... (2002). The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory Researchers examine Ondansetron for methamphetamine treatment. (2002). Alcoholism .... (1704 7 )

Metamphetamine as a Pathological Problem .... (2002). The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory Researchers examine Ondansetron for methamphetamine treatment. (2002). Alcoholism .... (1704 7 )

Drug Abuse Among Adults .... paranoid, a potential effect of cocaine and other stimulants, such as methamphetamine. .... the next "hit", and the compulsive nature of the addiction is especially .... (3048 12 )

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.� 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.� Dec 24 200

Category: Medical - A