This Is What The Meth Epidemic In America Looks Like
By Abigail Rogers
Anti-drug advertisements like the Not Even Once campaign and major media coverage of meth abuse would have one believe that America is at war with toothless, murdering drug users. Meth is bad, plain and simple, but new studies suggest that it isn’t the epidemic of media portrayals. Here are the facts about meth use in the United States:
Amphetamines were first synthesized in 1887 and its cousin, methamphetamine, was discovered in 1919. Source: WikimediaBy 1943, both drugs were used to treat various conditions, including narcolepsy, obesity, alcoholism and behavioral disorders.
Source: CBS LocalWhen Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act in 1971, meth and amphetamines were classified as Schedule II drugs, the highest restriction on prescription drugs. Black market demand increased. Source: ABC NewsMeth is most common in the rural parts of the United States because of its cheap ingredients and relatively simple production process. Source: Car MemesHowever, when things go badly, meth labs can cause fires and burn those around production. Source: Herald Mail MediaChildren are frequently the victims of these fires because their parents are cooking meth in the house. Source: North EscambiaMeth users have developed a new method for cooking meth called “Shake and Bake.” Ingredients are mixed in a bottle and shaken until meth is formed. Source: Nashville Public RadioThe shake and bake method of meth production is also highly volatile. Most burns seen in hospitals now are from use of this method.
Source: M LiveMeth users are frequently uninsured and it costs $230,000 to treat a meth burn victim. Source: KVALJael Strauss, of America’s Next Top Model fame, became the new face of meth use when she appeared on the Dr. Phil Show in 2012 to discuss her addiction. Source: JezebelThese before and after images are often used to show the physical effects of meth use. Its physical side effects are similar to the side effects of Adderall abuse, used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.
Source: Mother JonesSome states have instituted prescription only laws on cold medicines that are commonly used in the production of meth, including ones that contain pseudoephedrine. Source: ColumbianThis map shows reports of meth lab incidents across the United States. The Midwest has the highest incidence.
Source: DEAA recent study by Columbia University psychologist Carl Hart states that meth does not seem to be as addictive as previously thought. Only 15% of everyone who has ever tried meth has become addicted. Source: NOLAMeth use is actually on the decline in the United States. On average, only 0.2 to 0.4 of the population has used it. However, 1% of 8th graders had tried it in the last year according to a 2012 study.
Source: Daily RepublicMeth causes the brain to release dopamine and generate an overall feeling of well-being. This can lead to a change in the way the body releases dopamine when not under the influence and cause thinking problems. Source: LA Times Increased and prolonged use of meth can causes sleeplessness, paranoia, extreme mood swings and sometimes, hallucinations. Source: Deviant ArtMeth can be ingested orally, smoked or injected. Meth users frequently share paraphernalia, including needles, which can put a user at risk for blood borne diseases, including HIV. Source: ECM Post ReviewMany physical and mental impacts of the drug are exacerbated by unsanitary living conditions and poverty, leading to even worse side effects. Source: WFTVWhile highlighted frequently on TV shows, more people admitted into rehab programs for alcohol and opiate abuse than meth. In 2011, 41% of admissions were related to alcohol versus 6% related to methamphetamine use. Source: Tristate Homepage Hawaii has instituted programs to keep kids off meth, as the state is more afflicted than many other states in the Union when it comes to the drug. Meth charges constitute 90% of the federal drug charges in the state. Source: Hawaii HECalifornia has also had a long struggle with meth addiction. In the 1990s, San Diego was a hub for meth production, though much of the creation and sales has been taken over by Mexican drug cartels. Source: Hive Health MediaThe cartels run super labs that can produce 10 pounds of “ice” or crystal meth in 24 hours. Source: Business InsiderBlue meth was popularized by the hit television show Breaking Bad. It featured chemistry teacher Walter White delving into meth production to make money to treat his cancer. Dyed blue meth now pops up from time to time. Source: Oklahoma Legal GroupThe show was filmed in Albuquerque and was the impetus for marketing around it. Donuts topped with “blue meth” candy are sold in a local bakery. Source: Meme DroidBreaking Bad even hit the toy market, inspiring a Lego set that replicates the show’s meth lab. Source: BlogographyThis graph displays the amount of meth seized by the United States from 2002 to 2011. While more meth is being intercepted, 80% of is run by the Sinaloa cartel. Source: Business InsiderIn 2012, leaked emails from a private U.S. security firm state that the U.S. government permits the Sinaloa cartel to operate in exchange for limiting the violence in Mexico. A Mexican official backed this claim as well.
Source: Here And NowDrug legislation is tougher on meth than on heroin, in spite of the fact that heroin is more frequently abused than meth. Source: Vodka And PancakesDrug abuse continues to be an issue of concern in the United States and throughout the world. Education and social outreach, not fear mongering, can spread the message of self-preservation.
Source: Wikipedia
For a more thorough explanation, be sure to check out the full-length documentary, American Meth, featured below for your convenience:
