The Meth Epidemic

The Meth Epidemic Methamphetamine is the most addictive drug used today. It appeals to people of all ages, and is not a respecter of person. It is creating a society with no future. Unless we as a society can contain and stop this issue, there will be no hope. What is the federal government doing to stop this problem? How are Pharmaceutical companies reacting to this issue? What are the effects on the general public? This is just some of the issues that were discussed in Frontline’s ‘The Meth Epidemic’ video. We will attempt to answer these questions throughout this paper. As previously stated methamphetamine is the most addictive drug today. One puff from a pipe containing methamphetamine will keep a person high for a day. People who use meth state that it gives a euphoric feeling. Your whole body tingles all over, and you have a happy feeling. When one comes down from meth, you crave more. You want to feel that same feeling again and again. The neuroscience of methamphetamine states that meth affects the part of the brain that releases dopamine. Dr Rawson states that the feeling that meth gives a person is the “mother of them all.” He states that no normal experience, including orgasms will give the same release of dopamine as meth. It has also been found that after extended use of meth, the brain changes how it operates. It alters the way the brain feels pleasure. One feels in all gray, so they want to feel pleasure again and continue to use. Amphetamines were used by bikers, truckers, and college students. Diamphetamine is the original cold medicine ingredient to use in the creation of meth. Compared to Amphetamines, it is like high octane gas versus low octane gas. When the pharmaceuticals started using pseudoephedrine, meth cooks accommodated and changed their recipe. Pseudoephedrine is found in over the counter medications such as Sudafed. Crystal meth is made from cold medications and other household products.