Raquel Ornelas
Composition II
Beth Hammet
Meth on the Rise
Introduction
Suppose one day your junior high school kid attends a party but fails to return home. Several days pass and you hear no word from him, until you run into him at a convenience store down the road. Suddenly, you spot your son still in the same clothes from the day he left, pupils extremely dilated, and he’s tweaking. You find it difficult to identify what you are witnessing. Your heart absorbs this heavy feeling you can't quite grasp as it becomes hard to swallow. At that moment, reality slams you in the face. It's obvious your kid is strung out on crystal meth. In the Houston area alone, it has been reported that 6.5 % of high school students have been exposed to crystal meth (“Texas Teen Drug Abuse Statistics”). The usage of meth has increased at an alarming rate over the past several years and is continuing to skyrocket. Wealthy, poverty stricken, elderly, young, famous, doesn't matter who you are, crystal meth is claiming the lives everyday of people from all walks of life. Could there perhaps be a solution to this meth epidemic that's destroying people's lives?
History
Meth elements were recognized ages ago in a similar, yet different form than we know of present day. Its roots come from China in the form of a Chinese herb, Ephedra (ma-huang), that dates back as far as 5,000 years ago (“Lee)”! One reason this herb was utilized, was to aid people with their coughs (1). Back then civilization didn't have the pleasure of all the convenient, over the counter medicines that we have the privilege of now. This herbal cough suppressant remedy was recorded in a well known book of medicines (that was later discovered) (2). At the turn of the sixteenth century, these herbs were packaged and transported to Japan where scientists took delight in experimenting with this unfamiliar herb (3).
Ephedra began emerging in all areas around the globe (Lee). This herb encountered the paths of several scientists who examined it (1). In 1885, Japanese Professor Nagai was the first known chemist to produce the notorious stimulant ephedrine (2). After Professor Nagai’s practice with ephedrine was concluded, he then passed his reports along to an associate of his where the investigation took a standstill for nearly 30 years (3). Two more scientists reviewed the previous research and were able to create a drug that wasn't quite successful (4).
It's the early 1920s and for vast amount of years, a number of curious scientists have already investigated the Ephedra tonics by now. Experiments seem endless for these inquisitive scientists and their suspicions continue to increase. Finally, the infamous drug known as crystal meth is born. Akira Ogata, Japanese chemist, was the first to produce the immensely addictive drug crystal meth (methamphetamine) (“History of Meth”).
Who knew that in the coming years methamphetamine would develop into a worldwide epidemic? Methamphetamine was heavily distributed during World War II (“Short Overview of History of Methamphetamine”). It has been reported, that Hitler was injected daily with methamphetamine shots (1). Perhaps, this could have been the cause in Hitler's cold hearted and ruthless behavior. Soon after the war, the use of crystal meth began to increase as it drastically spread among the population (2).
Speed (Amphetamine) became a highly popular recreational drug to take part in during the 1960s (“Short Overview of the History of Methamphetamine”). It was shockingly prescribed by doctors and abused by addicts (1). Officials recognized the immense threatening effect speed had on users which in turn prompted the 1974 Drug Control Act (“History of Crystal Meth”). A decline in speed use was noticed after the Drug Control Act was established (1). The new statute appeared to have had a successful outcome until users were able to discover different methods on how to get high off the substance.
Due to the difficulty in contracting amphetamine, the producers of these drugs had to improvise (“History of Crystal Meth”). Distributors quickly learned that ephedrine, which creates methamphetamine, could be located in cough suppressant medicines (1). By the 1980’s, crystal meth labs immediately began to boom throughout the western part of the United States. Meanwhile, these labs would then create a crystallized form of the drug familiar to some as ice.
Convenient access to the chemicals essential for making ice allowed just about anyone to be a distributor of this harmful drug. Eventually, meth laboratories could be located right down the road from any person’s place of residence. Although law enforcement agencies have found number of meth labs close to home, the main distributors are based across Mexico's border.
Social Effects
There has been over 12.3 million Americans, over the age of 12, that have first handedly experienced the effects of Crystal meth at least once throughout their lifespan (“Crystal Meth Addiction Statistics”). Starting from family homes and spreading to the communities and towns, the effects this drug has outpoured on society have been completely devastating. The Crystal Meth epidemic is an absolute dilemma.
Some homes have been deemed unlivable due to homemade meth labs occupying them. These labs cause property values to significantly decrease, while homeowners are left with the financial burden of making their property sanitary and tenantable once again. Who honestly would want to be exposed to hazardous chemicals left behind by these labs? Other properties have been entirely decimated after massive explosions produced by these illicit meth labs.
Meth not only causes severe damage for the user, but for the community as well. It has created communities to be an even more unsafe environment. Homes and businesses have been burglarized by meth users in hopes of selling or pawning stolen items in return for a quick high. Overcrowding of institutions such as jails, prisons and rehabilitation centers have resulted in an increase for taxpayers. According to the new RAND Corporation study, the economic cost of methamphetamine in the United States is an estimated whopping $23.4 billion in 2005 (“Methamphetamine Use Estimated….”).
Example
Methamphetamine is a highly potent and extremely addictive substance. One dose of this drug can have you instantly hooked. Sadly many lives have been savagely destroyed behind this highly addictive substance. Many people fail to realize the evil power methamphetamine contains. This drug seduces your whole being and instantaneously consumes every aspect of a user's life.
Laticia was a long time childhood friend of mine who always had everything good going on in her life, until she got hooked on crystal meth. Everything she worked so hard to obtain she lost instantly. She was a young mother of two handsome preschool boys, a wife, a business owner, and she owned her own home. Witnessing my close friend loose everyone and anything she cherished, including herself, was awfully devastating.
Several years after reaching adulthood, Leticia relocated and our contact with each other became less frequent. Leticia came over for a visit a few months after her move and the difference in her appearance was immediately noticeable. Her eyes were not of the norm, and she had lost a considerable amount of weight. There was no need for an explanation as to what she was doing; it was utterly evident that she was using. We engaged in conversation and my attempts to encourage her to seek professional help grew more persistent. Why, how, when, these questions couldn't be answered but only the simple response, she just couldn't quit.
It's absolutely heartbreaking to lose a very close friend behind the worst drug known to man. Since her visit years back, we have established a grounds of communication through social media. Although, she has been trying to steer away from Crystal Meth and regain control of her life, it's an ongoing difficult battle she fights every single day.
Solutions
Methamphetamine is an epidemic that must be addressed now before it gets any worse. Government officials and civilians should firmly take action in finding a solution to reclaim the environment and make society free of meth. Some states, where crystal meth was excessively abused, have found viable solutions to reduce their methamphetamine outbreak. Perhaps every state in the nation could consider adopting to the methods that have been relatively successful for these other states. Although it seems quite impossible to entirely eliminate crystal meth and its distribution, it could be greatly depleted.
Oregon was one of the states that had been experiencing a massive uprising in meth abusers as well as homemade meth labs. Oregon state officials and lawmakers developed a plan in high hopes of reducing the crystal meth epidemic they had been encountering. This law consisted of clearing all medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine off drugstore shelves (Graham). This put a restriction on these medicines and allowing them to be specifically prescribed by no one other than doctors (1). This created an extremely, almost difficult task for crystal meth producers to continue with their illicit meth labs and distribution (2). Once this law went into effect, the state of Oregon immediately noticed a significant decrease in these illegal meth labs (Bella). Records indicate that meth labs have reduced from an astonishing 63 in 2006, down to only seven in 2012 (Clevenger)!
Distributors of meth have constructed different means of obtaining methamphetamine since Oregon's pseudoephedrine law was put in place (Clevenger). Smuggling in this narcotic from its neighboring states has been the prime reason the few meth labs, that have been located and were up and running (Clevenger). It could be highly possible that if the surrounding states of Oregon, or perhaps just the remainder of the nation, were to convert to Oregon's law, this meth epidemic could be better under control.
NPLEx is another solution that other states have used in taking action on the fight against the methamphetamine epidemic (Graham). It is an acronym that stand for National Precursor Log Exchange (“NPLEx”). This program's main function is to keep tabs on each individual who purchases any cold medications from drugstores (1). NPLEx also has a set limit of how much cold medicine a person can gain access to for each month's time (Graham). Another interesting fact regarding this program is its ability to quickly notify authorities when possible suspicions arise (“NPLEx”). Law officials are then able to monitor these suspected meth users or dealers (1).
Although the NPLEx solution is somewhat effective, it's not the best one available. Authorities have come to realize that meth dealers and addicts have discovered several ways to manipulate this system with this solution (Clevenger). Carrying multiple I.D.s and acquiring different people to purchase these cold products under their information are just a couple of methods the meth distributors have discovered around the NPLex program (1). They also will hop from store to store retrieving the supplies needed to make crystal meth.
Camus and Absurdity
Camus said, “There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy” (Schrahé). This famous quote by Albert Camus can relate to the world's meth epidemic in a way. By willingly consuming meth and knowing that this drug will undoubtedly kill you is like committing physical and philosophical suicide in a sense.
It's an absurdity observing the effects crystal meth has caused nearly every single one of its users. What’s even more absurd is to be a first hand witness to someone destroy their entire being due to this fatal drug, only to later join in on the high. Meth users often find themselves in the midst of this euphoric feeling as an escape from reality. If Albert Camus were to be alive and a witness to this meth epidemic first handily, he would unquestionably think this be a transcendence for he would see that meth abusers means of high was a desertion from the real world.
Conclusion
Crystal meth is an undeniable issue that affects everyone. There have been approximately 6.5 % of high school students have been exposed to crystal meth throughout Harris County, (“Texas Teen Drug Abuse Statistics”). Meth abuse has been an extensive problem for sometime now and is only progressing with each passing day. Crystal meth doesn’t believe in discrimination; she will undeniably claim whoever crosses her path.
Works Cited
Bella, Rick. “New Drug Report: Meth Still Oregon's No. 1 Problem, Run
Mostly by Mexican Drug Traffickers.” OregonLive.com, 21 June 2015,
www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/06/new_drug_report_paints_a_less-.html.
Clevenger, Andrew. “Prescription for Pseudoephedrine Led to Meth Lab Reduction.” The Bulletin, 1
July 2014
,www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/2188762-151/prescription-for-pseudoephedrine-led-to-meth-lab-reduction.
“Crystal Meth Addiction Statistics.” Rehab International - Drug & Alcohol Rehab Guides,
rehab-international.org/crystal-meth/addiction-statistics. Accessed 26 July 2017.
Graham, David A. “How Oregon Ended Its Meth Epidemic.” Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2010,
www.newsweek.com/how-oregon-ended-its-meth-epidemic-69637.
“History of Crystal Meth.” History of Crystal Meth,
www.crystalmethaddiction.org/History_of_Crystal_Meth.htm. Accessed 25 July 2017.
“History of Meth.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2017,
www.history.com/topics/history-of-meth. Accessed 24 July 2017.
Lee. “The History of Ephedra (Ma-Huang).” JR Coll Physicians Edinb, 2011, pp. 1–7., Accessed 19
July 2017.
“Methamphetamine Use Estimated to Cost the U.S. About $23 Billion In 2005.” RAND Corporation, 4
Feb. 2009, www.rand.org/news/press/2009/02/04/meth.html. Accessed 26 July 2017.
“NPLEx.” Appriss Health, apprisshealth.com/solutions/nplex/.
“Short Overview of the History of Methamphetamine.” Narconon International,
www.narconon.org/drug-information/meth-short-overview.html. Accessed 24 July 2017.
Schrahé, Svenja. Albert Camus | Myth of Sisyphus | Suicide | Absurd, 2011,
www.camus-society.com/myth-of-sisyphus.html.
Texas Teen Drug Abuse Statistics.” The Right Step, The Right Step, 2017,
www.rightstep.com/resources/texas-addiction-information/texas-teen-drug-abuse-statistics/. Accessed 18 July 2017.
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