The use of illegal, mind-altering drugs continues as a major problem in contemporary society. As example, cocaine, crack and heroin create significant mental and physical health concerns to users, and pose hardships for families, friends and society. Now, added to this list of abused substances, comes METHAMPHETMINE and its derivative, "ICE."
Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan during the late 1800s. During World War II, the Japanese used this drug as a means of reducing fatigue and enhancing productivity. However, the Japanese banned its use shortly thereafter, when its addictive qualities became evident. Re-emerging in the American drug counterculture of the 1960s, methamphetamines (then known as "speed") grew increasingly unpopular, as its devastating and life-threatening effects became known; and now again, its use appears to be increasing in popularity.
As an illegally abused drug, methamphetamine has a variety of streets names such as "speed," "crank," "meth," "go," "chalk," "go-fast," and "zip," to name just a few. It is also available in its re-crystallized form, "known as "ice." "Ice" is a free-base form of methamphetamine, just as "crack" is a free-base form of cocaine.
Methamphetamine acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system, creating a euphoric "high" that lasts up to 30 minutes. The drug adversely affects the user's physical and mental health, being responsible for damage to the brain, heart and lungs. Methamphetamine in any form KILLS (it is as simple as that); a fact chronic users often fail to recognize.
This deadly drug is smuggled into American from the Far East and Mexico, as well as manufactured in illegal laboratories within America's borders. Used by all ages and both sexes, much of the illegal abuse of methamphetamine occurs in and around large population centers and cities. Users are mostly young adults, but high school students also are among the growing ranks of users. Use seems to peak in the early to mid-twenties and dwindle in the forties. While the exact extent of methamphetamine use in the United States is uncertain, the number of users seeking medical care continues to rise, supporting the position that the drug is increasing in popularity.
Dealing with substance abuse is difficult and challenging. One avenue is to educate young people about the dangers of mind-altering substances. Methamphetamine and its derivative, "ice," are dangerous drugs. Their use by humans for non-medical purposes is illegal. These drugs are responsible for social, psychological and physical problems that users, their families and friends must understand and resolve.
