Most people are well aware of the widespread availability of opioid drugs, and the corresponding issues associated with opiate misuse, addiction and overdose. Because the opioid epidemic has made national headlines and has captured so much of the public’s attention, few people know the problem of methamphetamine abuse has returned with a vengeance.
What do we know about the resurgence of meth nationwide, and why should we be concerned about the havoc methamphetamine use is wreaking on our neighborhoods?
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamines are a powerful and highly addictive man-made stimulant that affects the central nervous system. The powerful high meth creates leads many people to get hooked right from the start, seeking stronger and stronger doses to achieve the same euphoric rush every time.
Meth Use Is on the Rise
Though methamphetamine abuse in the U.S. may have been on a decline several years ago, the resurgence of meth in recent years has been taking an increasing toll on the health and well-being of Americans from all races, social classes and gender identities. The “footprint” of methamphetamine use is far broader than that of many other drugs.
According to the DEA’s 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment, “Methamphetamine seizures, survey data, price and purity data, as well as law enforcement reporting, all indicate methamphetamine continues to be readily available throughout the United States.” The report also states reports of meth use increased 7.48 percent between 2015 and 2016 – the most current data available.
The resurgence of meth is ravaging both urban and rural areas in states across the U.S., and the newly elected governor of South Dakota has announced her intention to fight harder against meth, which has been declared an epidemic in the state.
Problems of Long-Term Meth Use
In addition to being highly addictive, meth causes many physical and mental problems with prolonged use. Chronic abusers develop symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, weight loss, tooth decay and impulsive or violent behavior. They may also experience psychoses such as paranoia, delusions and hallucinations that can continue for months or even years after a person has broken free of their addiction.
Prevalent methamphetamine abuse doesn’t only affect people who become addicted; it has severe consequences for everyone in their community. A few of the most significant concerns associated with the resurgence of meth in the U.S. include:
- Rising crime rates
- Increased homelessness and incarceration
- Higher incidences of disorders like hepatitis C, stroke and psychosis
- Higher death toll
The resurgence of meth abuse in America continues to be a severe problem with devastating effects, but it remains to be seen whether it will continue taking a back seat to the opioid crisis.
Detoxing for Meth Abuse
Detoxing from methamphetamine use can be challenging, but it is within your reach. If you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one to break free of a meth dependency, Inland Detox is the premier treatment facility in Southern California. At our tranquil, well-appointed home, we provide the medical supervision necessary to undergo drug and alcohol detoxification in a safe and comfortable environment. Contact us today to begin the admissions process.