Methamphetamine Rising Again in Many Areas

methnamesDespite the lack of media attention methamphetamine has gotten over the last several years, it is still a widely abused drug. In fact, methamphetamine users are showing up in larger numbers again – even rivaling opiates in some areas.

The drug, known for its powerful effect on the body, is a highly addictive stimulant. Users often fall into an intense addiction very quickly upon trying the drug. This is likely a reason why the abuse rate is so high with methamphetamine. Oftentimes users will seek out the drug and feel compelled to keep taking more.

Methamphetamine experienced a surge in popularity when users realized they could manufacture the drug from their homes. Using ingredients that were common among households and easy to obtain at drug stores and home improvement stores, addicts soon were able to produce their own supply. Then, about ten years ago, states started to regulate the methamphetamine ingredients more, and the number of at-home meth lab busts dropped significantly.

Unfortunately, there was still a large demand for methamphetamine. Drug cartels in Mexico realized that they could manufacture the drug and smuggle it into the United States. A recent study in the Twin Cities in Minnesota noted the increase of meth users there.

“Since 2009 it’s been creeping up again and now the supply is from Mexico,” explained Carol Falkowski, the lead author of the study. In addition to fueling the methamphetamine habit, cartels have also made the drug stronger. The methamphetamine brought in from Mexico is 80% pure and creating even more addicts.

In addition to the rise in treatment admissions again, emergency rooms have also seen an increase in people checking in for complications resulting from methamphetamine use. If you know of someone in need of help for a methamphetamine problem, contact us to learn more about effective treatment options.