This is a Project Swole Public Service Announcement
While many recent reports point to a decrease in the use of methamphetamine over the past few years, some experts believe addiction trends are manifesting in the form of meth mayhem. Drug use is on the rise across the United States, including continued patterns in the dangerous stimulant drug. Obtaining a modern-day understanding of meth addiction provides insight that could help us detect and prevent tragedy.
Meth mayhem is not only affecting rural communities but is plaguing society as a whole and the idea of a “meth user,” is not necessarily always correct. In fact, many adolescents are using this drug because of its availability and price.
Conventional “Meth Abuser” Profiling Outdated
When methamphetamine became seemingly popular overnight in the early 2000s, a meth addict stereotype was formulated based on a majority of what the media focused on. The prospect of missing or rotten teeth and sore-covered skin became a scare tactic used by law enforcement to eliminate abuse. While certainly these aspects of meth abuse should be understood, it is the less gruesome alternative that has managed to remain hidden in the many years since meth became so popular.
The commonly known and visible physical stigmata of meth addiction are no longer the only signs to watch for. In fact, most experts agree that we see “meth mayhem” and drug use on the rise taking place in the most unsuspecting of demographics—quiet suburbs, entrepreneurs, middle- and upper-class families, etc. Even the over-50 crowd is considered at-risk of substance abuse.
Of course, all it takes is a mere $30 to produce several days’ worth of meth. As a result, you get a great deal of those who are financially lacking yet are still able to come up with enough money to support their devastating habit.
What Does it Mean to “Cook” Meth?
Methamphetamines remain in high demand across the United States, and they are usually made at home, in hotel rooms, trailer parks, etc. Comprised of a slew of highly toxic ingredients, some of which are:
- Pseudoephedrine (PSE)
- Ammonium nitrate
- Camp fuel
- Salt
- Metal lithium
These chemicals are found in cold packs, camping lanterns and allergy/cold medications. While most scientists cringe at the thought of ingesting such toxic substances into the body, meth addicts can’t get enough of the euphoria and super-human stamina it produces.
Sadly, many of those who produce meth in their own homes run the risk of highly dangerous chemical fires. There have been countless reports across the country of fatalities in meth labs. Further, meth abusers have no way of being sure that the chemicals used in producing that particular batch were pure or that the meth was correctly manufactured. Because of this, poison control center calls and emergency room visits related to meth abuse have been all too common.
US Trends in Methamphetamine
When meth first exploded on the scene, it was primarily an illegal drug made in rural home labs. Nowadays, the manufacture and distribution of meth is primarily run by Mexican drug cartels that provide the drug to a number of major cities in the US.
It is now believed that 80% of the meth circulating in American communities was smuggled into the country from Mexico. This coupled with “homemade” meth spells a recipe for disaster.
Hospitals have seen more physical problems because of meth use. And local enforcement has had to deal with a slew of negative consequences.
Drug prevention has to happen to stop usage by young people. Immediate help should be gotten for those addicted to meth.
About the Author:
Jack Newsome is a contributing writer who aims to educate communities on ways to prevent drug addiction. He refers to Narconon locations to gather information on recent addict admissions to study potential connections.
