The Pros And Cons Of Methamphetamine

Drug abuse refers to the sale, possession or the manufacture of an illicit drug. Bartol and Bartol classify dominant psychoactive drugs into four categories namely; stimulants, hallucinogens, sedative-hypnotics and opiate narcotics (2011). A psychoactive drug is a chemical substance that influences an individual’s perception, decision-making, behavior and mood (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). Methamphetamine or popularly known on the streets as meth, glass, crystal (pure form) or speed is a drug that traces its origin from the West Coast in the 1970s and has swept across the United States.

The relationship between drug and substance abuse and criminality is not a simple one. In fact, the direct link between the two is difficult to ascertain. How true is it that drug-fueled crime has become prevalent in the United States? The Oregonian aired an award-winning documentary in 2004, showing the devastating effects of meth on the individual user and to the entire community, terming it an epidemic. But to what extent is this inference (Epidemic) true? Statistics obtained from SAMHSA Treatment Episode Data Set showed that in the period

They then identified individuals who had been in custody for more than once and determined whether their convictions were meth related. He and his co-workers then put pictures of these multiple arrestees together and determined the extent to which meth had contributed to the physical deteriorations of these individuals. They also interviewed people in custody to ascertain their drug usage, experiences with meth, how or if meth prompted their criminality. With these pieces of information, Deputy King developed a realistic presentation about meth and its effects on individuals and the community to scare people away or discourage them from its use (Jackie Bennion,