Methamphetamine Use, Research Paper Example

The methamphetamine class of drugs is a well-known entity in society. While it is used for a couple of noted treatments, such as obesity and ADHD, among others, many individuals know it as a dangerous psychoactive class of drugs that are used illegally. From addiction and “meth mouth” to sexually transmitted disease and much more, methamphetamine use in society has led to the destruction of lives as well as legal implications.

The current analysis will seek to take a varied look at the methamphetamine problem. Statistics and general facts about methamphetamine use can certainly set the stage for the stature of the problem. Following this, the analysis will move on to a few categories where research hones in on certain dangerous areas of methamphetamine use. These effects will be approached and followed by a look at the significant of these issues. Overall, the current analysis will hope to shed light on the range of dangers and current dangerous nature of methamphetamine use, which will be furthered in the analysis.

The Methamphetamine Problem

In regards to other more commonly used drugs, methamphetamine use must be considered in comparison to other drugs. For instance, the statistics concerning both methamphetamine use and alcohol use will be greatly contrasted, as the currently analysis will demonstrate, though this is not a significant point. Due to the dangerous nature of methamphetamine, its widespread nature in any conversation will be significant.

It is unfortunate that methamphetamine use is relatively common. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.2 million Americans had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year before they were interviewed, ages 12 and older, in 2009 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration). The number of past month users, according to the Drug-Free Alliance, was 353,000, in 2010.

Note that the vast majority of methamphetamine users are illegally-based, as opposed to prescription drug prescriptions, for instance. The latter drug category has 7.0 million past month users. Looking at other drugs, there are 1.5 million current cocaine users, 1.2 past month hallucinogen users, and, for the most commonly used illegal drug, there were 17.4 million past month users for marijuana (Drug-Free Alliance).

There are some promising points to be made in regards to statistical methamphetamine use. According to the statistics from the Drug-Free Alliance, the number of past month methamphetamine users was at 731,000 in 2006. The 731,000 to 353,000 drop, from 2006 to 2010, is quite substantial in the four-year period. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, youths aged 12 to 17, as well as young adults aged 18 to 25, experienced significant declines from 2002 to 2008: 0.3 percent to 0.1 percent in youths, and 0.6 percent to 0.2 percent in young adults, in the respective years.

The statistics pose some interesting questions. For instance, should these declines be justified due to the apparent superiority of other illegal drugs, in terms of users? While the declines are of certain value, methamphetamine use is not necessarily on the same level of “casual” illegal drugs, so to speak. As the current analysis will observe from recent research, the significance of methamphetamine use is not to be ignored, due to the dangerous effects present. The 1.2 million past year users number remains a sharp figure that demands acknowledgement and action.

Negative Effects of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamines have a wide range of negative effects for short and long term users of the drug. While it can be obtained via a prescription, it is not a common way for methamphetamine users to obtain the drug. When it is done in this manner, the prescription is not able to be refilled due to methamphetamine being a Schedule II drug in the United States (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Many negative effects of methamphetamine are casually known. Similar to a drug such as cocaine or heroin, it would be fair to say that the danger of the drug is within the grasp of the average person. Compared to something such as marijuana or binge drinking, many would certainly put the former examples in their own class. As the current analysis will approach, there are some interesting subtopics from which the noticeable danger of methamphetamine can be observed. Recent research certainly sheds light on this dynamic.

Addiction and Withdrawal

Methamphetamine use can be highly addictive. Along with similarly serious drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine users can become addicted following repeated methamphetamine abuse. This poses challenges for combating the illegal use of the drug, as, according to Sharma, “A large number of drug treatment admissions in the United States are due to methamphetamine addiction” ( 89). Combine this statement with potential relapse and, in turn, repeated methamphetamine abuse, and the significance of methamphetamine addiction is quite dangerous.

A study performed by Mancino looked at the basis for withdrawal in relationship to methamphetamine addiction. According to the findings, the study confirmed a “methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome that includes alterations in measures of sleep quality and refreshed sleep,” along with “early improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms” (135). However, there were limitations to the study that called for double-blind, placebo-controlled methamphetamine research that is currently underway, according to Mancino (135).

Cognitive Impairments

Along with other drugs, there is a commonly held view that methamphetamine is a drug that can powerfully alter the cognitive abilities of one abusing the drug. Indeed, this is a point that is not without truth. However, with particular reference to methamphetamine use, recent research sheds further light on this dynamic.

A study from Hart looked at the acute and chronic cognitive effects of methamphetamine. According to the results, short-term, acute methamphetamine can actually improve cognitive performance in users and non-users (604). Hart’s findings bring an interesting take on the global perception of cognitive association: “Nevertheless, the apparent methamphetamine abuse-cognitive impairment link has been widely publicized… despite the fact that it is not supported by evidence from research” (605). Hart calls for the departure from general stereotypes and argues for more caution, and not a theoretical pattern of cognitive impairment.

This complication certainly brings a unique dynamic to the picture of cognitive function in methamphetamine. Hart mentions the relevancy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in this discussion, arguing for its relevancy and effectiveness stemming from the ability of users to engage in such treatment (604). Unfounded assumptions regarding cognitive function with methamphetamine use can lead to self-imposed roadblocks in such individuals’ treatment.

Of course, this is not to suggest that methamphetamine use doesn’t have negative effects on cognitive function and the brain; it merely calls for an important change in how treatment is viewed. Indeed, such a change can lead to better techniques to identify abuse. Perhaps more relevant, such a change can aid individuals in treating methamphetamine use and addiction more effectively.

The effects of methamphetamine on the brain are not few in number. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, acute and chronic methamphetamine use can lead to distinct effects on the brain. The former blocks the reuptake of dopamine in the brain, which leads to the pleasant pleasure sensations and accompanying effects – or the “rush” that is found when taking the drug. In the case of chronic methamphetamine use, there are more significant changes. The whole structure of the dopamine system can be altered, including structural and functional changes in the brain overall, and resulting consequences on motor skills and verbal learning. Emotional and cognitive problems are observed in methamphetamine users, generally, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

Further Effects

While it is not feasible to cover the breadth of effects associated with methamphetamine use and abuse, there are some further items that the present analysis will approach. These items have been revealed through recent research that can importantly add to the overall picture of the methamphetamine problem. Findings can significantly bring new perspectives to that of education and subsequent treatment for methamphetamine users, as well as the education of the general public to the dangers of methamphetamine use.

A study from McKetin looked at the differences between injecting and smoking methamphetamine. The study confirmed the consistent basis of demographics, appearance, harm to mental and physical health, crime, sexual risk behavior, and psychotic symptoms, among others (282). Of particular interest, and confirmed to previous research, is the point of less dependence felt with smoking methamphetamine, as opposed to injecting the drug. The mixture of low levels of dependence, combined with equal levels of drug-related risks, brings some dangers to the forefront (282-283). The study warns against recommendations that are found in favor of smoking to injecting the drug. While it has some advantages, such as in HIV risk behavior from the needles, it is not a solution (283). This brings a valid point for educators and those involved in treatment programs to be aware, in dealing with methamphetamine use.

In this analysis, there has been reference to the interrelationship between methamphetamine and other drugs, such as cocaine. A recent study from Borders took a look at cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drug use in certain populations. The results of the study, as seen from the following excerpt, is particularly revealing: “The findings mirror those from national surveys which have demonstrated the concomitant use of alcohol and marijuana with cocaine and provide new evidence of a similar concomitant association with methamphetamine” (806). The implications that the study draws, such as the increase of demand for cocaine as a result of more stringent methamphetamine legislation, is a very dangerous one in the simultaneous use of such drugs.

These two recent studies highlight areas where legal, medical, and those in the general public need to improve. Having cognizance for the interrelationship between methamphetamine and other drugs, the dangers associated with smoking and injecting the drug, and the cognitive and addictive nature of methamphetamine are certainly important. These studies and sources shed a great deal of light on the situation.

Response

The first section of the present analysis brings the statistical importance of methamphetamine use into significance. It is clear to see the obvious danger, statistically speaking, as over 1 million Americans have used methamphetamine at least once in the past year, according to sources. However, when understood in the context of other drugs, the numbers don’t appear to be that negative. When comparing past month uses between methamphetamine and other drugs, the former is somewhat promising.

More promising is the change in statistics throughout the years. The approximate 50 percent drop in past month users of methamphetamine, between 2006 and 2010, is an excellent figure. However, it is difficult to keep this in perspective, as there are interrelationships with other drugs. On a purely statistical level, other drugs have risen and, while that isn’t necessarily in the forefront of the present analysis, it is involved in the battle against all illegal drugs.

Moving away from statistics, it is that relationship with other drugs that is incredibly worthy of mention. The research covered in this analysis looked at the so-called “supply and demand” on illegal drugs, which paints a sordid picture for the battle spoken of in the previous paragraph. It is unfortunate, but perhaps better expressed as an unfortunate reality, that society must accept that some individuals will abuse drugs.

That is, however, not the most important point that the analysis revealed. Perhaps most vital in this analysis is the picture painted regarding change. As the battle against methamphetamine use, along with parallels present with other drugs, progresses, figures along the way need to be properly armed with the right tools. Family members, educators, medical personnel, and legislators, among others, need to take note of the sensitive dynamics present with methamphetamine use.

In this conversation, there are several relevant points. One of them found earlier was that of preconceived notions: a certain individual suffering from drug abuse may not follow a proscribed course of action. Or, in other words, certain societal generalizations of drug abuse behavior must be shred to make use of the dynamic that research has revealed. Another is found in that of other drugs, as one must know that drugs can serve as a gateway to others, and/or cause one to switch back and forth, as the availability of a particular drug (or drugs) shifts. That is a situation that can lead to drastic consequences. Finally, the immediate and long-term effects of treatment programs for methamphetamine use cannot be understated.

Overall, in this response, the argued “moral of the story,” of sorts, is found in the individual needs of a drug campaign. That is, society must be able to appreciate the distinct characteristics of a certain drug, its tendencies, consequences, treatments, and so forth, in able to fight it to a necessary level. The battle against methamphetamine cannot be the same against cocaine, binge drinking, opium, and so forth. Awareness is needed on all levels for current, past, and potential users to get the help needed.

Conclusion

The analysis of methamphetamine brought a number of interesting facts to light. While there are some advancements being made statistically, some numbers stand out to attest to the power of illegal drugs. Methamphetamine is certainly a drug that is abused, and it is certainly a drug that displays the ability to ruin the lives of individuals and their families. Recent research speaks to the addiction, effects on the brain, interrelationship with drugs and behavior, and other dynamics present in methamphetamine use and abuse.

Perhaps most important is putting this body of knowledge into use. While there is much room for research and advancement, as the sources speak of, it is surprising to see researchers comment on the misconceived notions of the general public – and even that of previous researchers. Items such as outward appearance and various other generalizations are important to eradicate. Specific education on a drug such as methamphetamine is required to make the long strides needed to find future and continued success in the battle.

Works Cited

Borders, Tyrone, et al. “Longitudal changes in methamphetamine and cocaine use in untreated rural stimulant users: racial differences and the impact of methamphetamine legislation.” Addiction. 103 (2008): 800-808. Print.

“Current Drug Use Statistics in America.” Drug-Free Alliance. 2011. Web. 3 April 2012.

Hart, Carl, et al. “Is cognitive functioning impaired in methamphetamine users? A critical review.” Neuropsychopharmacology. 37 (2012): 586-608. Print.

“InfoFacts: Methamphetamine.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. March 2010. Web. 3 April 2012.

Mancino, Michael, et al. “Characterizing methamphetamine withdrawal in recently abstinent methamphetamine users: a pilot field study.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 37 (2011): 131-136. Print.

McKetin, Rebecca, et al. “Characteristics and harms associated with injecting versus smoking methamphetamine among methamphetamine treatment entrants.” Drug and Alcohol Review. 27 (2008): 277-285. Print.

Sharma, Manoj. “Addiction to methamphetamine.” J Alcohol Drug Educ. 54 (2010): 88-90. Print.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health, 2011. Web. 3 April 2012.