Drugs and substance abuse have been one of the major concerns raised in the modern world by most personnel especially those in the medical industry. More people today are using drugs for purposes other than the intended ones. They use some particular drugs, not for healing, but for their reasons that are always not medical. One of the most commonly abused drugs today in the United States is the methamphetamine which is used illegally by quite a large population as a stimulant. This paper looks at its use and effects on the general American population.
Scope and Definition of the Problem
In 2012, a report was released by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) concerning the use and abuse of methamphetamine. According to the report, 1.2 million people in the USA had used the drug in the 2011 year (Petit, Karila, Chalmin, & Leyojeux, 2012). This number accounts for at least 0.4% of the total American population. Additionally, an estimated number of 440, 000 people had used methamphetamine in the past month (Petit, Karila, Chalmin, & Leyojeux, 2012). This was approximately 0.2 % of the total population.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The greatest concern is, however, the rising number of young people engaging in the use of the drug. The NSDUH report also highlighted that an estimated number of 133, 000 new members had joined the bandwagon of users most of whom were aged 12 and above. The average age of new methamphetamine users as per report was 19.7 years old which shows that the young people are the most affected. The adult methamphetamine use percentage has however decreased significantly over the years since 1999.
The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) presented a report on the number of emergencies that arose from that year as a result of the use of methamphetamine. They reported that there were an average number of 103, 000 emergency department cases in 2011 as a result of abuse of the drug. This figure placed it in the fourth position as the most used illicit drug in the United States after cocaine, marijuana, and heroin.
With this kind of impending national threat that the use of the drug poses to the young generation, it is of great importance to initiate programs that will reduce its abuse. More young people are getting lost while using this drug. It is silently killing the future of the nation in the background as people focus on the big narcotics. As they use this drug more and more, they become less and less productive in the society because the drug deprives them of their inner being and personality.
The effects that the drug has on an individual are gross. These effects are both physical and psychological. Physically, Methamphetamine causes disturbed sleep patterns among its users. Most people who abuse the drug are unable to sleep the proper way as a result of depression. It also causes hyperactivity. Individuals who are high on the drug tend to be extra active in everything they do. In its long-term use, the drug results in permanent damage to blood vessels and the heart (Petit, Karila, Chalmin, & Leyojeux, 2012). The users are also prone to heart attacks as a result of high blood pressure. It could also lead to respiratory problems. This occurs mostly to those who smoke the drug. Its end result could be the death of the user.
Psychologically, it causes damage to the brain. Its continued use kills the nerves in the brain that causes malfunctioning and at times results in memory loss. The users of Methamphetamine start forgetting things anyhow, and their capacity to hold on information is also reduced. It also causes hallucinations. Users of the drug always have false thoughts going through their minds, and they tend to see things that are not in actual existence.
Additionally, it causes addiction (Petit, Karila, Chalmin, & Leyojeux, 2012). Just like the narcotics, the use of methamphetamine results to an increased urge to use the drug now and then. Once one has started, it becomes hard to quit the habit of using the drug.
With such effects, the use of the drug could cause depletion of a future workforce and human resources (Forceheims et al., 2011). It will also result in irresponsible future adults. This is not the kind of tomorrow that everyone would like to leave for their children. The use of the drug kills the national dream of having a better future. A better tomorrow can only be realized when the current young generation is taken care of so as to transition to being responsible adults.
History of the Problem of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is an ancient drug that was developed in the early 20th century in Japan (Taylor & Covey, 2008). The Japanese came up with the drug in 1919 following the successful development of the amphetamine earlier on in the 19th century. During World War II, the use of the methamphetamine came into wide use as most of the soldiers used to stay awake. Consequently, the end of the world war made the drug available to the Japanese public (Taylor & Covey, 2008). Most of the supplies received then were those that had been preserved for use by the military.
In 1970, the drug was declared illegal in the United States (Taylor & Covey, 2008). It was then later adopted as a product of manufacture by Mexican drug cartels. This led to its increased availability in the USA as most of the labs processing it were located within the States especially in California. Since then, the drug has been directly available on the streets of USA making it readily accessible (Forceheims et al., 2011)
Factors Contributing to its Increased Use
Greater use of the drugs is caused by the ease of accessibility that comes with it (Hunt, 2016). As earlier discussed, the drug is readily available on the streets of various states in the USA. This makes it easy for people to access it without much trouble. Again, it is sold at fairly affordable prices for most people.
Further, the production of methamphetamine is quite easy as it does not require complex skills or training (Hunt, 2016). The recipe to making the drug is readily available on the internet. As a result, many people go ahead to produce it by themselves for their use. In personal kitchens today, most people are producing it for personal use or even for sale.
Importance of Addressing the Issue
It is of great importance to address the use of methamphetamine in the United States because of the threat it possesses to the nation’s future. Moreover, it is one of the drugs that are least talked about nowadays with much concern placed on the key narcotics. Again, the young generation always needs guidance on the steps that they make in life. Addressing the issue will enlighten them, and they will realize the danger that it poses.
Effect on the Society and Criminal Justice System
The drug is prohibited for use in the States. Therefore its production, peddling, and trafficking are considered a violation of the law (Lee, 2006). Individuals who engage in any of these activities are considered offenders and are chargeable by a court of justice. Again, users of the drug are also chargeable for violation of laws for consumption of a drug that is prohibited. Moreover, most of the users of the drug engage in criminal activities like theft, robbery, and much worse, murder.
Theory Selection and Analysis of the Problem
An Existential Theory of Drug Dependence by George B. Greaves, Ph. D
According to existential psychology, human beings have a primary motivation to satisfy their needs and fulfil their desires (Scheier, 2010). When an individual realizes this needs and desires, a feeling of inner satisfaction, wholeness, and fulfilment engulfs them. They develop a feeling of achievement, and they are motivated towards life. In the case where they do not actualise these things, a feeling of despair and disease comes upon them. It is from these key concepts of existential psychology that George B. Greaves, Ph. D. derived his existential theory of drug dependence.
In his theory, Greaves analyses a study by early clinicians and medical researchers on drug dependency and drug dysfunctionality in certain human beings (Scheier, 2010). He furthered his research by analysing Pescor’s work on drug dependency in 1943. From these studies, plus his knowledge of existential psychology, Greaves was able to come up with his theory of existential theory of drug dependence.
The theory suggests that as a result of unhealthy personalities, most individuals are placed at very high risks of drug dependency (Scheier, 2010). This implies that there are factors in an individual that contribute to them being dependant on a drug in what is commonly referred to as addiction. Greaves presents the argument that use and abuse of drugs in consistency, to fulfil certain desires or to develop a certain feeling is one of the major causes of drug dependency.
Relativeness of the Theory to Methamphetamine Use
Addiction is obtained from habitual traits of a person. If one starts doing something today and they find a connection with it that grants them comfort or a certain feeling they want to achieve, it becomes something they want to do now and then. The type of addiction a person gets into is also greatly influenced by their personality and character. For instance, there are those individuals who get addicted to watching movies. Movie addicts are people who love watching a lot and are fascinated by fiction. On the contrary, there are people who do not love either watching or fiction. These categories of people are not prone to addiction caused by watching movies.
In parallel similarity, drug addict people because of their personality and the kind of fulfilment they seek to get from the drugs. Once a person uses methamphetamine, they develop a certain feeling of hyperactivity. This feeling at most times elevates the individual to a status where they feel higher than the rest. When the drug’s effect wears out, and the person is back to normal, they feel despair and end up taking another dose to regain the feeling that they had previously obtained. This process of taking a dose after another goes on until the individual cannot do without the drug. It reaches a point where they cannot partake of any activity without the drug. In their search for satisfaction and fulfilment of desires, they end up getting addicted to the drug.
The Scope of the Theory
The scope of the existential theory of drug dependence is that addiction or drug dependence is as a result of lack of sensory awareness and inability to create natural euphoria. It points out that most drug addicts lack a sense of belonging and purpose for own self. They are also people who do not find value in their healthy lives. As a result, they end up resulting in the use of drugs to create euphoria of their own and feel as if they belong.
In great similarity, most of the users of methamphetamine are people who do not value themselves. They are people who have almost given up on life and are seeking to create a new world in the use of these drugs. Most of them have either lost important people in their lives or have a feeling of being a failure in life. These reasons make them depend upon methamphetamine to obtain a sense of living and purpose in their lives.
Implications of the Theory
Greaves’ theory implies that drug dependence is as a result of a person’s being at the moment. The theory all through suggests that a person’s character and personality, which define their being at the moment, contribute largely to the addiction of the respective individual. The theory also implies that drug dependency directly influences a person’s sexual life. Greaves points out that a drug-dependent person does not find satisfaction in sex. The pleasure they find in drugs is far much appealing than the sexual one.
Solutions for Drug Dependency
Programs to help addicted people should be put in place. However, the approach made towards saving the drug dependent people should be much friendlier than what is done at most times. As Greaves says, telling a drug addict to quit the usage of a drug in which he finds satisfaction and fulfilment without offering much in return is an inappropriate way of winning them. Most programs that tackle drug dependency base their key teachings on asceticism, privatization, and harsh behavioural treatment. Greaves describes an addict as an individual who undergoes a hard time in finding satisfaction the way most people do.
In addition to this, Greaves says that the best way to help an addicted person is through allowing them to be agents of their pleasure. He says that what such people need is programs that boost their sensory awareness, expressive art therapy, meditation, and psychotherapy. Drug-dependent people should not only be advised of activities that will help them keep off drugs but also shown how to go about them.
Talking to affected individuals is also a way of solving the issue of drug dependency. Already affected people should be involved in talks to enlighten them on the dangers that they face. They should be notified of the long-term effects of the use of methamphetamine. Addicts should also be encouraged to join rehabilitation centers to help them recover.
Educating the young ones about drugs and substance abuse in school is also another efficient way of solving this issue. Children should be taught about the drugs to enlighten them and create awareness of the effects the drug has on an individual and the nation as a whole.
Plausible/doable Solutions that are currently in Application
Educating the young is a plausible solution because the audience is readily available in schools. It also cost effective as it does not require a lot of capital to initiate. This solution has been taken up by many countries as they have incorporated the teaching on drugs to the educational syllabus. It has been made compulsory that drugs and substance abuse should be taught in schools.
The opening up of facilities to cater for the already drug dependent personnel is also another plausible and doable solution. Centres can be opened up where addicted persons come in to seek guidance and direction in overcoming. Despite the costly nature of such an institution, it is possible to establish such centres with the right financial assistance. Again, it is not necessarily important to start big. One can start small and advance with time. The government has put up a lot of rehabilitation centres across the States to help addicts in recovering. There are also other non-governmental organizations that have established such centres still with the same goal of helping people overcome dependence on certain drugs.
Prior Research Supportive the Theory
Years later, Greaves theory has been referred to by many personnel not only on the psychological field but also in medicine. Maria Rogers, Debra Cobia from Auburn University came in support of this theory in their article on existential approach (Rogers & Cobia, 2008). They were addressing the issue of alcoholism and its treatment. Rogers & Cobia applied most of the concepts of Greaves theory. For instance, in their advice on treatment of alcohol addicts, they criticized the use of harsh behaviour and application of asceticism. Their research confirmed that the existential theory of drug dependence is a factual one and applicable in reality.
Other Relevant Theories to the Use of Methamphetamine
Other than Greaves existential theory, other theories come in great relevance to the use of methamphetamine. Donald W. Goldwin’s “The Bad Habit Theory of Drug Abuse,” presents sentiments that come in great similarity to methamphetamine use in the USA. This theory suggests that the use of drugs and substance is a genetically induced process (Scheier, 2010). It states that if one’s parents are addicts of a certain drug, then the probability of them getting becoming drug users is quite high. Goldwin’s main argument is that the use of drugs is also genetically inheritable.
Similarly, recent research has come out to try and prove that the use of methamphetamine can be genetically inherited. Researchers and drugs professionals are trying to establish whether there is a probability of an existing relation between the usages of the drug to genetically induced variations in humans. Bousman, Glatt, Everall, and Tsuang (2009) on their research of genetic disorders about methamphetamine deduced that the use of the drug had its genetic implications on an individual, and it could probably cause genetic inheritance.
This theory is however limited to only alcohol as a drug. Goldwin did not explain in detail how his theory directly applies to the other drugs like cocaine, heroin, and our case methamphetamine. It comes out as short on information and does not fully support the claim which it presents.
The “Ego/Self Theory of substance dependence” by Edward Khantzian, M.D. is also another one of the drug theories in application. Khantzian says that drug dependence is as a result of the need for a person to cope with their emotional and physical environment (Scheier, 2010). Emotional environment refers to the inner feeling of a person, the internal mood in which they are in while the physical environment refers to the external situation or the things going on around them. Khantzian further says that the organization of a person’s ego and their sense of self is of significant influence when it comes to addressing drug dependency (Scheier, 2010).
As it had been mentioned before, many people who result to the use of methamphetamine are people who find themselves in situations that they cannot cope with. Some are victims of depression out of stress while others have lost or do not possess a sense of life. They are people who feel as if they are not worthy to live. They result in taking drugs to take the burden which they have off their shoulders and to try to obtain meaning in life. The drugs consequently offer them the feeling which they so much anticipate, and this keeps them coming for more.
However, Goldwin’s theory is almost a replica of Greaves existential theory. His ideologies seem to be focused on the claims that Greaves presented in his theory. Again, the theory does not bring out its concepts clearly. The way Goldwin expresses his views is not very substantial in supporting his claims. This makes the theory weak in content delivery and factual presentation.
Alfred Lindesmith’s theory of “A General Theory of Addiction to Opiate Drugs” states that physical dependence is the cause of addiction or craves that comes up with the use of a certain drug (Scheier, 2010). He further states that this is the same reason why a person experiences withdrawal stress especially after having a long period without using the drug which they are dependent on. Lindesmith tries to expound on the issue of overdependence on drugs by addicted individuals to an extent which they cannot partake of any activity without using them.
Addicted methamphetamine users also exhibit the same characteristics. They cannot go for long without using the drug. The intervals within which they take the various doses are very small. If one stays for long without the drug, they start experiencing withdrawal stress. Their attitude changes and some tend to look sickly. It gets serious for some as they end up developing medical issues because of the body and brain’s adaptation to the drug’s effects. It could consequently result in a brain nerve breakdown.
The theory is limited to opiate drugs only. It does not expound on whether other drugs like Methamphetamine can cause such reactions when not used. Lindesmith does not also give conclusive claims to support the thesis of his theory. It is also short, yet it touches on an area that could be addressed in depth.
Harvey Milkman, Ph. D. and William Frosch, M.D. presented “The theory of Drug Use” which states that phase-specific conflicts in early childhood could significantly influence individuals in drugs and substance abuse (Scheier, 2010). This theory implies that conditions experienced in the early stages of a child’s growth could lead them to get involved in drug and substance abuse (Scheier, 2010). For instance, a child who grows up in a dysfunctional family that is always in chaos is prone to drug use and consequential addiction. The child could feel not appreciated, loved, and worthy. Comparing themselves to other families could lead to the development of stress, and diminished self-sensory. As a result, the child could result in taking drugs which to him provide the harmony he lacks yet so many desires.
According to research, most of the people abusing methamphetamine have experienced such moments in their lives. A significant number of all the users of the drug are people whose families were broken since their childhood days (Taylor & Covey, 2008). Most of them are victims of divorce and separation having grown up with either father or mother. Others are orphans who were left by their parents while they were still so young. They resulted in taking methamphetamine as a way to reduce the stress that they face, and to create their peace of mind and being.
However, Milkman & Frosch did not clearly outline the importance of ensuring children grow up in environments that are free of any phase-conflicts. They did not give detailed information on how one can bring up their children in ways to avoid the feeling of neglection and lack of self-worth.
Little has been done to address the issue of abuse of methamphetamine in the USA. The government has only put in few measures to curb the production and trafficking of the drug. Moreover, no serious action is taken on those found in possession of the drug. With this kind of trend, there is great danger that is lurking behind the back of the American dream.
Action should be taken to ensure that the drug is not readily available on the streets. Those caught in relation to activities concerning the drug should also be punished under the law. Labs producing the drug should also be located and destroyed. The drug cartels that have been in dominance in many states of the USA should also be edged out. In order to succeed, strict measures should be taken against anyone found in any act of drug proprietorship.
Again, the various rehabilitation centres need to do away with harsh treatment of addicts enrolled in their institutions. They should treat them with great care and compassion and do away with ascetic approaches. Professionals in the organizations should realize that the importance of having individuals in such environments is to ensure that they recover fully and no longer find satisfaction in drugs. This can only be found by equipping them with the ability to be their agents of satisfaction.
Lastly, families should ensure that children are brought up well and are not exposed to conflicts. Each and every person in a marriage relationship should know that there is a feeling of unity, oneness, and sense of belonging in a functional family. They should also know that children are the ones most affected by divorce and separation, actions which at most times push them to drugs.
References
Bousman, C. A., Glatt, S. J., Everall, I. P. & Tsuang M. T. (2009). Genetic association studies of methamphetamine use disorders: a systematic review and synthesis. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 150B (8), 1025-1049.
Forceheims, A. A., Venner, K. L., Bogenschutz, M. P., Foley, K., Davis, M. P., Willie, E. L., & Begaye, P. (2011). American Indian methamphetamine and other drug use in the Southwestern United States. Culture Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology , 17 (4), 366-376.
Hunt, D. (2016). Methamphetamine abuse: challenges for law enforcement and communities. National Institute of Justice, Journal 254 . Retrieved from http://www.nij.gov/journals/254/pages/methamphetamine_abuse.aspx.
Lee, S. J. (2006). Overcoming crystal meth addiction: an essential guide to getting clean . Boston, Massachusetts: De Capo Press.
Petit, A., Karila, L., Chalmin, F., & Leyojeux, M. (2012). Methamphetamine addiction: a review of the literature. Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy . Retrieved from http://www.omicsonline.org/methamphetamine-addiction-a-review-of-the-literature-2155-6105.S1-006.php?aid=3893.
Rogers, M. A., & Cobia, D. (2008). An existential approach: an alternative to the AA model Recovery. The Alabama Counselling Association Journal , 34 (1), 61-76.
Scheier, L. M. (2010). Handbook of drug use etiology: theory, methods, and empirical findings. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Taylor, N. T., & Covey, H. C. (2008). Helping People Addicted to Methamphetamine: A Creative New Approach for Families and Communities . Santa Barbara, California: Praeger.
