| What is it?
Methamphetamine (“Meth”) is a synthetic stimulant, speeding up the
nervous system and affecting the dopamine production area or pleasure center
of the brain. It is highly addictive, with the user feeling VERY strong
cravings from the very first use, finding themselves unable to “just walk
away” or quit using it. It is different than any other drug previously
encountered, as it is THAT addictive.
It was first synthesized in 1887, coming into wider use during WWII, as
troops used it to stay alert. In 1932, methamphetamine was sold in the U.S.
as a nasal spray. In 1937, it was available in tablet form to treat
narcolepsy. The first signs of abuse began to surface around this time.
Methamphetamine, unfortunately, is still here. It is readily available
and reasonably affordable. Consider the following:
- The price of methamphetamine ranges nationally from $20 to $300 per
gram.
- A Dose generally one tenth of a gram (size of one tenth a sweetener
packet).
- A “Eightball” is one eighth of an ounce (size of 3 sweetener packets),
a dose preferred by seasoned users.
- It is manufactured using simple household, automotive or home
improvement items.
- For every one pound manufactured, 4-6 pounds of hazardous waste are
created. Sources:
www.whitehousedrugpolicty.gov/publications/factsht/methamph
www.streetdrugs.org/methamphetamine.htm
Prevalence:
- In 2004, 50 methamphetamine labs were seized in Nevada.
- In 2001, 58 methamphetamine arrests occurred in Douglas County.
- Of those admitted for treatment,
- 30% of the adults, 26% of the adolescents, and 62% of pregnant admissions
are Meth related.
- The Youth Risk Behavior Survey asked the question, “Have you ever used
methamphetamine?” of middle school and high school students. Following are
the results:
In 2003, results in Douglas County indicated: Middle School - 7.1%, High
School - 13.1% answered YES to this question. Compare this to the Nevada
average: Middle School - 5.5%, High School - 12.5% answered YES and the
National average: 7.6% said YES. The numbers went down, however, in 2005:
Middle School - 6.3%, High School - 11.6% answered YES.
www.health2k.state.nv.us/nihds/yrbs/
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