NCJ Number
197534
Date Published
November 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The paper presents an overview of the effects, prevalence, availability, enforcement, and treatment of the stimulant drug methamphetamine.
Abstract
The drug methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant affecting the central nervous system and was originally intended for use in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested, and injected. It comes in a powdered form and was introduced in the 1980s in a rock form known as "ice." Methamphetamine use increases energy and alertness and decreases appetite. Chronic abuse of methamphetamine can result in a tolerance for the drug, as well as psychotic behavior. In 2002, survey findings reported more than 12 million people age 12 and older had used methamphetamine at least once. Because methamphetamine is available in tablet form and similar to club drugs, such as Ecstasy, it is becoming more popular in the rave scene. Methamphetamine can be easily manufactured in clandestine laboratories using ingredients purchased in local stores. Since 2000, arrests and drug seizures related to methamphetamine by the Federal authorities have increased. During 2001, more than 3,000 Federal drug offenders were convicted of committing an offense involving methamphetamine with 88.5 months being received as the average length of sentence. Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in long-term consequences, such as inflammation of the heart lining, damaged blood vessels, skin abscesses, and several potential cardiovascular problems potentially resulting in death. In 2000, methamphetamine treatment admissions accounted for 4.1 percent of the total admissions (66,052). The most effective treatment for methamphetamine addiction is cognitive behavioral interventions. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970; identifying it as a drug having a high potential for abuse. In July 2000, the Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act was passed which strengthened sentencing guidelines and provides training for Federal and State law enforcement officers on methamphetamine investigations and handling chemicals used in clandestine methamphetamine labs.