methamphetamine abuse

Methamphetamine abuse is all over the news, but how widespread is it? Amongst the most abused and dangerous drugs in America is methamphetamine. It’s known in many forms and by many names: meth, crystal, crank. But it’s all the same drug with the same detrimental consequences.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. A derivative of amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity, talkativeness and gives the user a sense of well-being. Methamphetamine mostly comes from superlabs, however home brews are widespread and dangerous to not only the user, but those that are in the physical area.

Meth has been idealized and even romanticized in different breeds of popular culture. Most people can recognize the music that discusses the usage of the drug. Artists singing about the topic of addiction and abuse (in both positive and negative connotations) includes My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Hollywood Undead, and Rick Ross. It’s history, surprisingly, includes official government sanctioning and usage in the military. While in conflict, it wasn’t uncommon for soldiers to be feed “Go Pills.” These were, of course amphetamines. Methamphetamine was one of the more common forms of the Go Pill available. Methamphetamine abuse in veterans is a considerable problem.