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Meth Epidemic

NCJ Number
213804
Date Published
2006
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video investigates America's addiction to meth (methamphetamine) from the west coast to the east coast and exposes the inherent conflict between the illegal drug trade and the legitimate $3 billion cold remedy business.
Abstract
Meth, as methamphetamine is known, is the fastest growing drug and epidemic in America. The United Nations states that meth is the most abused hard drug on Earth. There are 1.5 million users of meth in America and the number is growing. Fifty percent of arrestees in Portland, OR, the home to meth, are users of meth. Prolonged use of meth can cause the physical deterioration of an individual's appearance. In 1992, Oregon was identified as having the most meth addicts. Meth provides users with a pleasurable feeling due to the increase in dopamine levels in the brain. However, after prolonged use, it alters the part of the brain that generates dopamine with an increased need for more and more meth. Meth use affects more than just the user. It is the leading cause of property crime, reaching 85 percent of the property crime and it is the leading reason why children are removed from their homes and put in foster care. An essential ingredient in meth is ephedrine or ephedrine's cousin pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are also used in many over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines. In 1986, a bill was introduced regulating the production and manufacturing of ephedrine, except when manufactured as a pharmaceutical or cold medicine (pseudoephedrine). In 2004, Congress passed the Combat Meth Act, which mandated that pseudoephedrine be put under lock and key nationwide in stores and buyers would register a purchase at store counters. Today, with stronger controls and regulations, it is hoped that the rollercoaster ride in relation to meth purity levels is headed downhill.