A History of Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine (MA), called meth, crystal, or speed, is a central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, smoked, snorted, or ingested orally during methamphetamine use. Until the late 1980s, methamphetamine use and manufacture of the drug was endemic to California, but the MA user population has recently broadened in nature and in regional distribution, with increased use occurring in Midwestern states. An estimated 4.7 million Americans (2.1% of the U.S. population) have tried Methamphetamine at some time in their lives. Short-and long-term health effects of methamphetamine use include stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps, shaking, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, and hallucinations. Prolonged use at high levels will result in methamphetamine addiction. Children of MA abusers are at risk of neglect and abuse, and the use of MA by pregnant women can cause growth retardation, premature birth, and developmental disorders children. Methamphetamine use-related deaths and admissions to hospital emergency rooms are increasing.

Information released from the National Institute on Drug Abuse 2001

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