HISTORY OF METHAMPHETAMINE

First synthesized in Germany, 1887, amphetamine was for a long time a drug in search of a disease. It was not used for any purpose from its discovery (synthesis) until the late 1920s when it was seriously investigated as a cure for nearly anything from treating depression to as a decongestant.

In the 1930s, amphetamine was marketed as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion (for asthmatics, hay fever sufferers, and people with colds). A probable direct reaction to the Depression and Prohibition, the drug was used and abused by non-asthmatics looking for a buzz. By 1937 amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form.

Methamphetamine, more potent and easy to make, was discovered in Japan in 1919. The crystalline powder was soluble in water, making it a perfect candidate for injection. It is still legally produced in the U.S., sold under the trade name Desoxyn.

During World War II, amphetamines were widely used to keep the fighting men going (during the Vietnam war, American soldiers used more amphetamines than the rest of the world did during WWII). In Japan, intravenous methamphetamine abuse reached epidemic proportions immediately after World War II, when supplies stored for military use became available to the public.

In the United States in the 1950s, legally manufactured tablets of both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily vailable and were used non-medically by college students, truck drivers, and athletes, As use of amphetamines spread, so did their abuse. Amphetamines became a cure-all for such things as weight control to treating mild depression.

WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential for widespread abuse.

Methamphetamine is commonly known as “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” In its smoked form it is often referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” “crank,” and “glass.” It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug was developed early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

Methamphetamine’s chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial “rush,” there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior.

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. There are a few accepted medical reasons for its
use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and — for short-term use — obesity; but these medical l uses are limited.

Meth Addiction is a SERIOUS Problem

Meth addiction is a serious epidemic in Colorado and across the country. Everyday there are people suffering with this addiction in Colorado not realizing that there is help for them. One viable option is attending a drug rehab. A drug rehab can help an addict break the cycle of meth addiction and learn to live life drug free.

There are many different types of drug rehab programs available in Colorado. The three most prominent types are residential, inpatient and outpatient. When choose a drug rehabilitation program in Colorado or anywhere else in the country it is important to keep a few key points in mind. The first is the severity of the individual’s meth addiction. If the individual has only been abusing meth for a short period of time an outpatient program may offer them all the help they need. However, because meth is such an addictive and powerful drug even a short lived addiction can be extremely hard to conquer. Often many addicts find that attending a Colorado inpatient or residential program provides them with more stability and guidance to help them make a stronger recovery. Research has shown that addicts who stay in a drug rehab program longer than three months typically have better outcomes than those who stay for less time.

Because meth is such an addictive and destructive drug it is vital that an individual receive help to recover. If there is not a drug rehab facility appropriate for the individual in Colorado we can help locate one that will be better suited to meet their needs. Choosing to enter a drug rehab whether it’s in Colorado or anywhere else in the country is one of the most important choices an individual can make. Only the individual with the addiction problem can take control over their life and conquer their meth addiction. Contact us – We will help find treatment in Colorado or wherever is most appropriate.

HOW TO IDENTIFY METHAMPHETAMINE

Users smoke, snort, drink or inject Meth. Some of the paraphernalia associated with Meth use includes light bulbs (hollowed out and used to heat either powder or crystal Meth; resulting fumes are inhaled); pen (empty barrels are used to transport Meth or as a stem to inhale cooked Meth fumes); aluminum foil and bottle caps (also used to heat Meth); empty pop cans (made into Meth pipes) and needles for injecting liquefied Meth.

WHAT IF YOU FIND A METH LAB?

Meth Labs are very dangerous –

• DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING
• Leave the immediate area of the site and dial 911
• DO NOT try to disassemble anything – Very Dangerous
• Wait on scene to be medically checked by EMS
• If exposed to an active lab – HAZMAT decontamination by EMS is required; Isolate yourself to prevent contaminating other people and items

 

 

 

References:

Edeleanu L. Uber einige Derivate der
Phenylmethacrylsaure und der Phenylisobuttersaure
Ber Deutsch Chem Ges, Vol20, 1887; 616
The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs: Amphetamines
Timeline Courtesy of erowid.org