Meth Use in the U.S.

Meth addiction is an epidemic in the United States that affects an astonishing variety of people from every kind of background and social status. Methamphetamines are extremely addictive and are generally viewed in the same class as cocaine, heroin and crack. However, meth is different in that the physical deterioration of meth addicts is exceptionally rapid and chronic. Some people have been known to age as much as 25 years with just a couple of years of meth use or even less. Additionally, people who use meth are at risk of other severe consequences including death by accidental overdose and an increased likelihood of being involved in violence. Because the effects of meth are so immediate and so severe, understanding meth use in the U.S. is critical to developing programs to combat this growing scourge.

According to a recent report from the United Nations, meth isn't just a problem in the United States – it is the number 2 most used substance in the world. This epidemic is responsible for a great deal of drug related crime. In the U.S., for instance, more than 80-90% of inmates in some prisons are serving time for meth-related charges. This is especially true in the North-Central states like Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.

The same United Nations report named above also produced some other disturbing data. According to information collected from emergency rooms across the country, more than 8% of all emergency or urgent care visits in the year 2009 were attributed to meth use. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of those treated for meth-related issues go on to receive immediate treatment for meth abuse and addiction. These statistics are especially troubling considering that the risks of meth use are severe and include:

*As a central nervous system depressant, meth users are subject to heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and pulmonary conditions that can lead to death rapidly.

*Meth causes loss of bone in the jaw and rapid deterioration of the teeth and gums. This loss of bone can lead to severe facial disfigurement as the skin is drawn downward toward the jaw.

*Because meth is often manufactured in bathtubs in clandestine laboratories, overdose is extremely likely as it is difficult to gauge doses. Additionally, meth users are prone to overdose even when dosing is known.

*Meth addicts are much more likely to be involved in physical violence, sexual assaults, homicides, suicides and other assaults.

*Prison sentences for use, possession, distribution or manufacture of meth are severe, with few options while in prison to receive treatment for addiction. This means that prisoners are likely to return to meth use once they are released, thereby undermining the rehabilitation value of incarceration.

Meth addiction can and does happen to anyone. People who use and become addicted to meth come from all walks of life – the rich and the poor, the old and the young – none are immune to this drug's power. If someone you care about has gotten caught up in this epidemic, please use the links below to get immediate help.

Click here for a free consultation with an expert at our New Jersey Drug Rehab center, which is widely considered one of the most successful in America.

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