The Significance of Methamphetamine Use in the Native American Culture - Essay Example

The Significance of Methamphetamine Use in the Native American Culture Introduction Methamphetamine often referred to as “crystal meth", "meth", "crystal", "ice", "p", "shabu" or "glass” is a white, odorless, bitter, and a prescription drug that is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression and obesity. Methamphetamine abuse is administered either orally, through needle injection, smoking or intranasally. Methamphetamine was also used as an over-the-counter-medication for asthma, colds, and hay fever in the 1930s (http://www.montgomerycountytn.org). During World War II methamphetamine was used by American soldiers to have energy to keep fighting; and after World War II, intravenous abuse of methamphetamine became rampant as military’s unused supply of the said drug became available to the public. In the year 1950s to 1960s there were 31 million prescriptions of methamphetamine for depression and obesity in the United States alone (Anglin et al 2000). Because of its rampant abuse, methamphetamine is now classified as a Schedule II drug (http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/methamphetamine.html). High dosage of methamphetamine and drug abuse results to loss of appetite, wakefulness, boost of energy, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and euphoria. Methamphetamine works by increasing the production of dopamine in the brain (Volkow et al 2001). A high level of dopamine makes one feel happy, and euphoric, making it addictive for its chronic users. Though methamphetamine leaves one feeling euphoric, prolonged exposure to the said drug can result to several negative side effects. Methamphetamine destroys dopamine receptors which can make the person unable to feel pleasure in the long run. Methamphetamine overdose can also result to neurodegenerative disorders due to dopamine toxicity (Mark et al 2004), which can lead to reduced motor skills (London et al 2004). Also, in a study made by Naidoo and Smith (2011), people using methamphetamine will develop severe dental problem called meth mouth wherein they suffer from poor dental appearance, halitosis and dental pains; severity of meth mouth depends on the number of years and dosage a person is exposed to methamphetamine. Oral and dental problems are the most common prevalence among methamphetamine users (Shetty et al 2010). Fetuses exposed to methamphetamine have 3.5% chance to be smaller for gestational age and develop abnormalities later in life compared to infants not exposed to methamphetamine (Smith et al 2006). Methamphetamine abusers also experience psychotic behaviors such paranoia, insomnia, aggressiveness, anxiety and depression that can affect their relationship with their friends and family members (Rawson et al 2004). Other negative side effects of methamphetamine include sagging of the skin, rapid weight loss, blisters and wounds take longer time to heal. Native Americans and Methamphetamine Abuse of methamphetamine and other substances is a major concern in the United States, particularly in the western part of the country (Freese et al 2000). According to the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Native Americans (American Indians, native Alaskans, and native Hawaiians) use methamphetamine twice more than other ethnic groups (http://www.cadca.org/resources/detail/native-americans-targeted-anti-meth-ad-campaign). Substance such as methamphetamine abuse is also more common than alcohol abuse among Native Americans (Rawson 2004). According to the National Survey in Drug Use and Health Report (NSDUH) in 2004, 1.7% of Alaskan Natives’ and 2.2% of Native Hawaiians’ populations have tried abusing methamphetamine; these rates are relatively higher compared to the other ethnic group with whites’ having 0.7%, Asians’ 0.2%, Hispanics’ 0.5% and African-Americans’0.1%. In addition to this, around 30% of tribal employees or leaders in White Mountain Apache Tribe in Arizona have admitted to abusing methamphetamine (NSDUH 2004). The rampant abuse of methamphetamine in Native Americans started in the 1990s. The ideal geographic locations of the Native American communities attracted Mexican cartels to produce and market methamphetamine in these areas. Rural states in the Midwest and Southwest of the country are the perfect and ideal place to manufacture and import raw materials to produce methamphetamine; illegal laboratories were built in isolated areas where odors from manufacturing methamphetamine are easily diffused and dispersed with its production being left unnoticed by law enforcers. In fact, 70% of methamphetamine in the United States comes from Mexico. Also, Native American communities have limited law enforcers that lessen the chance of Mexican cartels being caught producing, dealing and selling methamphetamine; Native Americans lack 42% law enforcers to strictly implement laws against illegal trading and use of the said drug (Denehy 2006). In a survey conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Law Enforcement Services Survey, 90% of Native American law enforcers said that they needed more training and education in dealing with illegal drug smugglers, manufacturers, dealers and users. Traveling from one county or community to another is also difficult for law enforcers to track Mexican cartels and Native Americans who are using, buying and selling methamphetamine. Another contributing factor that attracted Mexican cartels to illegally produce and sell methamphetamine to Native Americans is poverty; 25% of Native Americans fall under the poverty line (Waldman 2009). A large number of Native Americans have low monthly income and are attracted to do illegal businesses dealing and selling methamphetamine; large profits from illegal trading of methamphetamine is enticing and very appealing. Lastly, the history of substance addiction and abuse among Native Americans encouraged Mexicans to import methamphetamine to them (Denehy 2006). In connection with the direct abuse of Methamphetamine, there were increased numbers of homosexual activities that are linked thereof. Researches where made and proven that high percentage of Methamphetamine usage are gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexuals (Carlson et al 2010). Interviews were made and most of the reasons why they keep on using drugs particularly methamphetamine is that it increases their sexual passion and keep them awake after several sexual activities. In connection to this, increased of illegal sales of this drug became very uncontrolled in America The rampant spread of methamphetamine abuse among Native Americans can be attributed to lack of awareness and education regarding the negative side effects of the said drug. In a survey conducted by BIA, 69% of Native American respondents said that they lack health amenities and facilities in their communities; hence, medical and mental treatments among methamphetamine abusers are limited. Indian Health Services (IHS) are also funded at less than 60% of what they actually need, making treatment for methamphetamine addiction, which usually lasts more than a year, unavailable to Native Americans. Impacts of Methamphetamine Abuse on Native American Families and Societies Methamphetamine users abuse the said drug because of the high feeling or euphoric sensation they feel, and once the effect of the drug subsides, they feel extremely down or depressed. When the drug subsides, they crave for the feeling and use the drug again, leading to drug abuse in the long run. However, continued use of methamphetamine can damage dopamine receptors which can lead to brain damage and psychosis and even to death or suicide. In fact, suicide is the second cause of death among Native Americans ages between 15 to 24 years old, which can be correlated to methamphetamine abuse. Physical changes on the body are also evident such as sagging of the skin, presence of acne and meth mouths. Using methamphetamine during pregnancy can also result to detrimental effects on the developing fetus, low birth weight for gestational age, premature labor and even death or miscarriage of the fetus. In addition, methamphetamine users are also at risk of having HIV and Hepatitis due to needle injections. The effects of methamphetamine abuse do not only affect the abuser, but also the family, friends and other people surrounding the drug user. Psychological damage on the victim can affect his or her relationship with his or her family, friends and other people. Because of psychological changes, methamphetamine abusers tend to be paranoid, irritable, hot-tempered, and become violent. They can no longer concentrate on their work, studies, and relationship with other people. Communication between family members and friends are affected too, as methamphetamine abusers become aggressive, have false sense of power, and become confused resulting to conflicts and misunderstandings. Parents using methamphetamine tend to neglect their responsibilities as parents and in a survey conducted by The National Indian Child Welfare Association in 2007, 80-85% of families in their welfare has alcohol or drug abuse issues (http://www.ncai.org). Like in the case of Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona where 90% of their child-neglect cases are attributed to methamphetamine abuse either by a parent or by both parents. Also, according to the survey done by BIA in 2006 on Tribal law enforcers, 64% of the law enforcers said that domestic violence and assaults were results of methamphetamine abuse in their communities (http://www.ncai.org). The continued increased of methamphetamine use in by the Homosexuals directly relates to the increase of Sexually transmitted disease among American citizens. (Carlson et al 2010). On the other hand, the government of America keeps on watching for security because as the increase of regulation of illegal drug trafficking, terrorism emerges as to the consequences of it. (Beittel et al., 2010) Methamphetamine is not only disastrous to the abuser and to his or her family, but to the society as well. Crime rates continue to rise as more and more Native Americans become addicted to methamphetamine. In a survey done by BIA, 74% of Tribal police enforcers surveyed said that the methamphetamine drug poses the most threat in their own communities. In another study done by the FBI in 2005 says that 40-50% of crimes in Indian countries are attributed to methamphetamine abuse. In a similar survey done by National Association of Counties (NACO) in 2007, sheriffs’ number one problem is methamphetamine abuse, which caused increasing numbers of robberies and burglaries (http://www.ncai.org). Moreover, crimes related to methamphetamine in 2005 have a 39.3% annual increase compared to crime rates in 2004 (FBI 2005). Government Programs and Actions against Methamphetamine Abuse in Native Americans Both local and national governments and even several cause-oriented groups have organized initiatives to help methamphetamine users get treatment, and spread awareness about the said drug. Here are some cause-oriented groups or events that aim to help methamphetamine users and stop methamphetamine abuse. 1. The Office of National Drug Control Policy. The said office had launched a media campaign against the use of methamphetamine, particularly for Native Americans. The campaign was launched in New Mexico and 14 other states with high populations of Native Americans. 2. NCAI National Indian Country Tribal Meth Initiative Task Force. Tribal leaders, as well as law enforcers, counselors and local educators are members of this group. As leaders of their communities, they wanted to serve and protect their own communities. 3. White House Indian Country Federal Meth Initiative Task Force. This group is led by the White House together with the FBI, Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency and many more. 4. NCAI National Media and Education Campaign. This group focuses on using media to spread awareness against the negative side effects of methamphetamine. This group is in collaboration with Department of Interior-Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services, Health and Human Service-Office of Minority Health, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. 5. “Meth Walks”. This is an event where children chant “no more meth” along the streets of Montana. This is to show the stand of the children against selling and using methamphetamine. 6. “Cherokee Children’s Marbles Game”. Children in Oklahoma use the traditional Cherokee marbles to show their sentiments against methamphetamine abuse. School children use the slogan “Use Your Marbles, Dont Use Methamphetamine” to encourage others to stop and avoid methamphetamine. In addition to organizations and groups, counties and communities have their own law enforcement approaches against the use and illegal trade of methamphetamine. Here are some of the law enforcement approaches they have. 1. Tribal Anti-Meth Criminal Codes. Some counties have not updated their criminal codes. Tribes like Osage Nation in Oklahoma, and Navajo Nation in both New Mexico and Arizona have updated their criminal codes to include methamphetamine as an illegal drug. 2. Cooperative Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Agreements. This agreement aims to settle disparity between a city and that of a tribe. Like for example in the case of Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe which is situated in Flandreau City. After years of conflict, the tribe now has their own single police department, separated from that of Flandreau City. Summary Methamphetamine is now considered to be one of the most abused drugs in the country, and Native Americans are the most affected with this drug. Poverty, isolation of Native American communities, lack of law enforcers and funds, lack of medical funds and facilities and lack of awareness among Native Americans worsen the methamphetamine abuse among the group. Methamphetamine does not only destroy the abuser’s body but also destroys relationship among friends, families and other people and affect the society as a whole. These alarming situations of the misuse of Methamphetamine could lead to a more tragic situation if not prevented. The laws and the policies regarding the improper use of this drug were centuries ago efficient but what should be held in custody is the growth of its dangerous effect in the underground market. Many people around America and as well as the neighboring countries are taking care less of its adverse effect; in this area we should really take into consideration with. Works Cited “History of Methamphetamine.” montgomerycountytn.org. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. “NIDA InfoFacts: Methamphetamine.” Drugabuse.gov. National Institutes of Health. March 2010. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. “Native Americans Targeted for Anti-Meth Campaign.” Cadca.org. CADCA. 06 May 2010. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. 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