Running head: PSYCHOLOGY: CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE
Psychology: Crystal Methamphetamine
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Institutional Affiliation
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PSYCHOLOGY: CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE
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Psychology: Crystal Methamphetamine
Commonly known as crystal methamphetamine, crystal meth is a strong and highly
addictive drug that can affect the central nervous system affecting the normal functioning of
the brain and the body at large ("Crystal Meth: What You Should Know," 2014). The drug in
discussion is a human-made stimulant that was widely used during World War II. Soldiers
took the drug with their primary intention being to stay awake for long hours. People have
resulted in the use of the drug for a different reason, with the medical one being to lose
weight, ease depression, and treatment for attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD
("Crystal Meth: What You Should Know," 2014)). In the streets, the drug is well known as
Yaba, Ice, Crank, Blade, and Quick. Crystal meth is commonly smoked as it is produced in
crystal forms in a glass tube known as ‘flute.’
Upon using the substance, the user is observed to experience a rush that can run for
more than 8 hours to the whole day and a crush when they do not have access to the drug.
During this rush, the user is noticed to have surge energy and euphoria; in this case,
individuals will be observed to be aggressive, more physically active, be unusually paranoid,
and express confusion and detachment from reality (Jones, Compton, & Mustaquim, 2020).
In as much as the drug is legally used for medical purposes, it may lead to severe side effects
if abused or used for a long time. Apart from having the rush and crash, those that use the
drug for a long time develop even more evident signs of long term use; these signs include
meth mouth, which is the serious dental problems that are as a result of meth, sores in the
skin due to constant scratching, and body weight loss due to the poor eating habits associated
with meth users.
Although the drug has become more popular in recent days, the drug is not new, as it
was first made in Germany in 1887 and a more potent and easy to make version being made
in Japan in 1919 ("History of Crystal Methamphetamine - Drug-Free World," 2020). The
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drug was first used in World War II as troops were given to stay awake, pilots were given a
higher dose while on suicide missions. After the war, the medicine became available to the
public and thus triggering the mess that is witnessed today. For this reason, the US
government has formulated legislative measures that are focused on curbing the spread and
use of the substance ("History of Crystal Methamphetamine - Drug-Free World," 2020).
According to East (2019), statutory sentencing is formulated to put behind bars those caught
trafficking and selling the substance based on the quantity confiscated by the authorities
(quantity-based sentencing). In the Columbus area alone, the effects of the drug can be seen
as it was recorded that at least 38% of people that sought medical assistance in the area
confessed to having a struggle with the use of the drug in discussion (East, 2019).
With the prevalence of the drug use in the area evident, there are set institutions that are
ready to offer support and treatment for those that wish to come out of the addiction;
institutions that have dedicated their attention to the fight include Community Counseling
Centers The South 1142 South High Street Columbus, OH. 43206, and Amethyst Inc
455 East Mound Street Columbus, OH. 43215.
Up to date, there is a limited evidence-based treatment approach for meth addiction
withdrawal (Rawson, 2013). However, Rawson (2013) suggests the use of medications that
are focused on suppressing the withdrawal symptoms, with the medications used in this
approach include antidepressants and anxiolytics that are so much used to improve anxiety
and depressive symptoms that are prevalent in the withdrawals of the use of crystal meth. In
addition, pharmacotherapy in discussion is heavily used in treating meth-induced psychotic
symptoms in the context of intoxication and recent use of the substance. Although the
approach is widely used to assist addicts and those affected by the use of the substance, there
is little substantial evidence-based research that offers credible evidence of the efficiency of
the treatment approach discussed herein.
PSYCHOLOGY: CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE
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Part Two
One of the essential lessons taken from the information herein is how in the society that
has meth users and those affected by the use is the way to live in harmony and understanding.
From the information, one can identify users and, therefore, able to forge a better way to live
with them without making either party uneasy with the presence of the other. For instance, at
a work station, I will avoid the thing that will make the station unfavorable for working. In
the same sense, I will be able to avoid any influences coming from the user’s quarter that may
invite men into the use of the drug. By doing so, the availability of meth around me will not
be a bother since I am informed of all the effects of the drug and what is at stake in case I
start using the drug in discussion.
As an intellectual and a profession, it is expected that I am responsible for conveying
the information studied herein to the quarters that are not aware of the information.
Therefore, for this reason, equipped with the information about the drug, I will be able to
positively impact the population around me using the drug by making sure they know the
dangers of the drug the available ways of starting their medication to curb the use. Moreover,
it is with the same knowledge that I will be able to advocate for the fight against the drugs
that have proven to put the society in the grates threat by making sure that the masses are
informed to make sure they are equipped with the information necessary to make informed
decisions before their initial use of the drug.
Having the skills to live and work with those affected by the use of meth, and those that
are recovering, will have a significant impact to their recovery process since they will receive
not only the information they need to understand their situation but also the psychological
support. It is only responsible if those with the like of the information herein to take the
responsibility of making sure they impact the society in the most positive manner as possible.
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References
Crystal Meth: What You Should Know. (2014, September 22). Retrieved September 28,
2020, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/crystal-meth-whatyou-should_know#1
East, A. (2019, December 1). 403 Forbidden. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from
https://www.therepublic.com/2019/12/01/cheap_potent_and_deadly_meth_abuse_stil
l_rampant_in_bartholomew_county/
The History of Crystal Methamphetamine - Drug-Free World. (2020).
Retrieved September 28, 2020, from
https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/history-ofmethamphetamine.html
Jones, C. M., Compton, W. M., & Mustaquim, D. (2020). Patterns and Characteristics of
Methamphetamine Use Among Adults — United States, 2015–2018. MMWR.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(12), 317-323.
Rawson, R. A. (2013). Current research on the epidemiology, medical and psychiatric
effects, and treatment of methamphetamine use. Journal of Food and Drug
Analysis, 21(4), S77-S81. doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2013.09.039