Methamphetamine Research Paper

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Methamphetamine There is a person walking towards you from down the street. Typically you would not stare at a random person, but you notice how droopy their eyes are, how protruding their cheeks are, and how open sores dot their face. Also, you notice how nervous and anxious their expressions are. You begin to wonder if they experienced an extreme accident or suffered from an illness, but your guesses are off. These are typical physical features of someone who utilizes methamphetamine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is a powerful, extremely addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is typically found in the form of a white powder that is…show more content…
Meth has become too easy to find on the streets, and due to mass production it can be sold at a cheap price; therefore, it is easy to get ahold of. Methamphetamine is highly addictive because the drug overstimulates the pleasure pathways of the brain. In “Addressing Methamphetamine Abuse” Talcote discusses meth addiction: Meth produces a short, intense rush, followed by a long-lasting sense of euphoria. Addiction to meth is caused by the way the drug alters the brain and leaves the users to compulsively seek more meth. Chronic use of the drug also leads to increased tolerance, prompting the user to take higher or more frequent doses of the drug to get the same effect. (vii) Addiction can also occur from other factors, such as: genetics, biological, environmental, and psychological. An addiction to meth can lead to numerous health disorders from bipolar and anxiety disorders to alcoholism, depression, and schizophrenia. It can also lead to the abuse of other drugs and combining them to create a more intense high. It can, in severe cases, lead to death. If you notice someone who constantly picks at their skin as if they were covered in bugs, has tooth decay, and suffers from hair loss, then you are most likely looking at a meth…show more content…
The addict you saw on the street earlier prioritizes meth before anything else. Their family, friends, job, and bills become secondary responsibilities. Users will do anything to maintain the high even if it means allowing their relationships and home life to crumble. They may act with violence and abuse towards their spouse or children at home. They may be going through a divorce because the relationship is overly strained. Meth users also help fund meth cooks who supply due to demand. “For every pound of methamphetamine produced, five to six pounds of hazardous waste are generated creating an environmental health risk.” (Vermont Department of Health). Meth addicts often move into the life of crime as a result of their addiction. They commit sex crimes, theft and assault, and domestic violence keeping law enforcement always

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