NCJ Number
180625
Journal
Policy and Practice Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 1999 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of State and Federal responses to the methamphetamine problem and highlights recent trends in prevention, treatment, and legislative activity that address the concerns of State and local government officials.
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a powerful, addictive central nervous system stimulant. Its physiological effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing rate. In addition, methamphetamine use results in dilated pupils, increased alertness, heightened euphoria, and a sense of increased energy. Abusers often manifest aggressive behavior, anxiety, auditory hallucinations, and paranoia. Withdrawal from the drug produces severe depression. Given the severity of these side effects, methamphetamine can be a lethal and unpredictable drug. Methamphetamine is either manufactured in clandestine labs domestically, or it and its precursor chemicals are smuggled into the United States from Mexico. In recent years, several midwestern States have experienced the emerging increase in methamphetamine clandestine labs and methamphetamine-related incidents of violence and drug abuse. Several States have initiated law enforcement responses to combat methamphetamine's increasing use and also developed prevention and treatment strategies. In addition to profiling the responses in Wyoming, Iowa, and California, this paper also discusses a prevention approach in Connecticut adopted to circumvent the possibility of its use spreading to the eastern States. Federal efforts to combat methamphetamine trends include a nationwide strategy and the enactment of the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996. A list of 20 resources