Methamphetamine Abuse - Term Paper Example

HEALTH TOPIC: Methamphetamine Abuse Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………..2 2. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………2 2.1. Description…………………………………………………………………………………..3 2.2. Statistics……………………………………………………………………………………….3 3. Significance……………………………………………………………………………………………..5 4. Consequences…………………………………………………………………………………………..6 5. Cultural Similarities & Differences…………………………………………………………..6 6. Agencies offering Assistance…………………………………………………………………….7 References………………………………………………………………………………………………8 1. Abstract Methamphetamine Abuse – a potentially harmful and highly addictive psycho stimulant drug is a cause of grave concern in the United States. The drug which was initially confined to certain areas of the country especially Hawaii and other western parts of the country is alarmingly spreading towards other rural as well as urban areas as well. According to a national survey, almost 10 million people in the United States have admitted to have used the drug at least once (NIDA Report, 2008). This paper seeks to investigate into the various causes, symptoms, and consequences of drug abuse in relation to consumption of Methamphetamine, analyze its significance, discuss the cultural similarities and differences, provide statistics and locate the various local and national agencies offering assistance to people under the influence of such harmful drugs. 2. Introduction The use and popularity of Methamphetamine increased immediately post the Second World War which was used to as a tool to demote / drive down exhaustion and restrain appetite. The harmful effects and addictive quality of the drug led to it being recognized as a substantial health risk in the 1960s prompting the health agencies to initiate corrective measures and policies to restrict its medicinal usage. During the 1980s the problem of Methamphetamine abuse began to be recognized as a severe health hazard in the United States where the drug was popularized by California based motorcycle gangs named Hells Angels. It was used in a smokable form and was largely imported from the Phillipines (methamphetamine.org, 2008). 2.1. Description Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that drastically upsets several areas of the central nervous system of a human body. Popularly known as Speed, Meth, chalk, crystal, grass, crank, and ice the drug can be consumed in various forms – smoked, snorted, or orally injected into the body. It resembles a white, odorless and bitter tasting powder which could be dissolved in water or alcohol for consumption. It is easy to make and can be made in surreptitious laboratories from easily available and relatively inexpensive ingredients and sold / purchased at a low cost. These factors are largely responsible for its widespread abuse (NIDA, 2008). 2.2. Statistics The key findings from report on primary methamphetamine admissions to substance abuse treatment, as presented by the Drug and Alcohol Services Information System (DAIS Report, 2008) is mentioned below: In the year 2005 there were over 1.8 million admissions recorded for substance abuse of which 169,500 were for methamphetamine abuse accounting for 9% of the overall admissions. An additional 4% of the admissions totaling approximately comprised of secondary / tertiary methamphetamine abuse. The demographic characteristics related to methamphetamine abuse are mentioned in the charts below: According to the findings of this report it was observed that admissions to the primary methamphetamine abuse were likely to be females as compared to males. 71% of the primary abuse admissions were whites and 58% of them were Hispanics while the blacks were found to be more inclined towards abuse of other substances other than methamphetamine. 3. Significance Abuse of Methamphetamine by adolescents in the United States is a continuing problem faced by the National Health Authorities of the country. According to the data made available by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, in the United States, the use of crystal methamphetamine is increasing alarmingly among the youth between the ages 18 -26 which is higher than the use by young adults in the age group of 19 – 28. This information is a serious cause of concern since continued usage of the potentially harmful drug is likely to trigger off several social, economical and health related repercussions which might leave a lasting impact on the drug users as well as their families in terms of mental and physical trauma. It might also lead to a rise in criminal behavior and risky sexual behavior hampering the overall social fabric of the society we live in. 4. Consequence Prolonged exposure to methamphetamine might trigger off several health hazards which have short term as well as long term effects. Some of the serious negative consequences of consumption of methamphetamine include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, convulsions and paranoia leading to brain damage. These are, however the direct effects / consequences of drug abuse which are borne by the drug addicts while several indirect consequences of the same are inflicted on the society at large which includes accidents, and an increase in crime rate often endangering the lives of innocent fellow citizens. Extensive evidence suggest that the use of methamphetamine has been reported by a large number of gay males which increases the risk of unsafe sex practices often leading to the transmission of HIV. Discontinuing the use of methamphetamine is not easy as it has several repercussions whereby patients have often complained of fatigue, anergia, depression and certain types of impairment which might last from a few weeks to several months. 5. Cultural Similarities & Differences American culture symbolizes and often epitomizes dominant values including those that encourage individuality and competitiveness. The cultural differences often play a significant role in influencing an individual behavior that govern his / her choice of action in any given situation or circumstance. For instance the data made available by the National Institute of Drug Abuse suggest that the trends in methamphetamine consumption are alarming especially in whites, followed by Hispanics and a relatively smaller number of Blacks. The trend also indicates that the consumption of this drug is higher amongst economically backward groups. 6. Agencies Offering Assistance Several national and local agencies exist which offer assistance for the rehabilitation, prevention and cure of patients suffering from drug abuse. These include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, etc. Hotlines for assisting substance abuse victims include the National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Call Center, which operates 24/7 toll free at 1-800-784-6776. The National Meth Hotline – 1-800-864-2027, United Way of Northern Minnesota offers hotlines for a range of services including: Information and Referral – 211 / 800-543-7709, Hope House, Grand Rapids – (218) 326-1443, Narcotics Anonymous (877) 767-7676, National Drug and Alcohol treatment referral service – (800) 622 HELP. References: National Institute of Drug Abuse (2008). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health, viewed: November 16, 2008, from: Methamphetamine.org, (2008). History of Meth, viewed: November 16, 2008, from: National Institute of Drug Abuse (2008). NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin, viewed: November 16, 2008, from: The Drug and Alcohol Services Information Report, (2008). Primary Methamphetamine / Amphetamine Admissions to substance abuse treatment, viewed: November 16, 2008, from Hotlines: http://www.unitedwaynemn.org/meth.php Read More