Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or ‘speed’ is one of the most common drugs in the U.S. today. Only alcohol and marijuana are used more frequently in the Western and Mid-Western U.S. Because of its frequent use, the Federal authorities have increased their efforts to find and shut down illegal laboratories. In some states, this effort has increased as much as five times. Many special task forces and campaigns have been made specifically against methamphetamine. To help these initiatives, legislation has been made to outlaw more of the precursors and raw materials used in methamphetamine production.
Health Effects
Methamphetamine is highly addictive. It targets the central nervous system and stimulates the entire body. In small doses, it increases alertness, wakefulness and decreases appetite. Meth can be smoked or injected, and those who do so will experience and immediate rush of high stimulation. By ingesting the drug orally, the effects last much longer, as much as 12 hours. Methamphetamine effects the chemistry of the brain and releases neuro-chemicals which result in an increased experience of pleasure.
Addiction is one of the biggest concerns for meth users. Addiction to the drug is often long-term and chronic, resulting from changes in the chemistry of the brain. As tolerance develops, users will take higher doses and more frequently. Chronic use will lead to large mood changes such as violent behavior, stress, confusion and insomnia. In extreme cases, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations can develop. Long-term users may develop homicidal or suicidal thoughts. Withdrawal leads to depression, anxiety, aggression, fatigue, paranoia and craving.
Trafficking
A large part of America’s supply of Methamphetamine enters the country through the U.S.- Mexico border. Approximately 2000kg of Methamphetamine is seized at the border every year. The increase in seizures probably means that more Meth is being manufactured in Mexico since the early 21st century. The target of Meth imports is often the Western U.S., but the drug has gradually been expanding toward the east. In many rural areas in the middle of the country, the drug has increased its influence as much as 125%. If these trends continue, Methamphetamine trafficking will expand to the entire U.S.
Methamphetamine Use
Meth products have been widely abused through prescription diversions in the U.S. Originally, the product was widely available and could easily be obtained by street users. In the 1970s it was placed on Schedule II and better systems were put in place to keep it from being diverted to illegal sales. Despite the fact that it cannot be obtained from medical practices as easily, methamphetamine is now being produced in widespread chemical laboratories in Mexico and the Western United States. The is used medically for narcolepsy, ADD and obesity.