Methamphetamine Use as Deviance - Research Paper Example

Methamphetamine Use as Deviance Introduction Methamphetamine use is today’s leading pandemic upsetting the nation. Every decade, a new drug attacks humanity. In the 1970s, it was cocaine, crack in the 1980s and ecstasy in the 1990s. Now in the 21st century, the “newest drug du jour” is methamphetamine. It affects the body’s dopamine, the brain neurotransmitter that influences a person’s moods (Rawson, Anglin, & Ling, 2002). Inappropriate and excessive use of this drug may cause negative health, mental, and social aftereffects. Long-term effects of meth use include loss of memory, violent behavior, severe cardiovascular problems, psychotic impulses, weight loss, and serious dental problems. Its abuse elevates the risk of contagious disease transmission such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, and introduces entire communities to new issues on crime, job loss, child maltreatment, and other social concerns (“Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction,” 2008). The use of methamphetamine has spread in the western and Midwestern parts of US. Being regionally specific, it encourages theorists that it may only be a short-lived public health dilemma. However, despite this assumption, numerous dynamics show that the nation’s crisis on methamphetamine may extend or even increase its severity. Therefore, the national law enforcement; prevention and research agencies; and treatment facilities are crucial in the implementation of strategies in battling the meth plague (Rawson, et al, 2002). This paper will discuss the use of methamphetamine as a deviant behavior as well as the features elemental to its high prevalence and widespread abuse. Moreover, this paper will provide some measures in combating methamphetamine issues that plague the nation. Methamphetamine Use as Deviance Deviance is a behavior that does not obey traditional norms and does not conform to society’s expectations. Illegal drug use is a form of deviant behavior. Since time immemorial, drugs have been used by mankind. Drug use for medication was not considered unlawful during the past. Nowadays, humanity has discovered an unacceptable and condemnable protocol of using drugs. Society generally criticizes drug use. There are various grounds for this opinion. Clinard and Meier (2007) posited that "since a social process creates standards for deviance, consumption of a particular drug becomes deviant only when individuals and groups define it as such" (quoted in “Sociology and Deviant Behavior”). Today, with the changing standards of society, bylaws and legislations against drug use consider misuse of methamphetamine as a deviant behavior. These new regulations were approved by the nation’s legislative body in accordance with the universal perception that drug use will cause a greater menace to society (Hayes & Ellickson, 1996). The connection between deviance and drug use ascertained that drug use, both legal and illegal, is more frequent among victims of parental deprivation and broken homes; individuals with psychiatric illness and antisocial tendencies; and victims of sexual abuse. The user’s level of antisocial deviancy parallels with the gravity of the user’s addiction (Hayes & Ellickson, 1996). An individual’s use of methamphetamine may be due to a variety of reasons. Some users need to be socially acceptable to peers while some may find meth helpful in dieting. Others may use meth to escape reality and problems, while others may use it for staying alert (“Crystal Meth and Other Drugs,” n.d.). Moreover, methamphetamine use has been observed among students, particularly sports participants, cheerleaders, and models, who need maximum performance abilities (Rawson, et al, 2002). What is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine, also known as "speed," "meth," and "chalk," "ice," "crystal," "crank," and "glass," is a white, unscented, bitter-tasting crystal powder that affects the central nervous system (“Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction,” 2008). Immediately after it is eaten, injected, snorted or smoked, the user primarily experiences strong euphoric sensations that may last 8-16 hours. The user feels blissful, confident, talkative, invigorated, attentive, and dominant (“Crystal Meth and Other Drugs,” n.d.). The 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) approximated that 10.4 million people age 12 years or older, representing 4 % of the total population, have used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime. The previous year recorded around 1.3 million people for methamphetamine use, and half a million reported for current use. In another survey, the 2005 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study of student drug use recorded 4.5 % of students in senior high school; 3.1 % in 8th grade, and 4.1 % in 10th grade had tried methamphetamine. On the other hand, both surveys did not produce documentations on the general increase on methamphetamine abuse in the preceding years. The two surveys actually confirmed decrease in methamphetamine abuse in the young populace (“Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction,” 2008). A more significant and encouraging decline in meth use were recorded three years after. In Table 5 of the 2008 Monitoring the Future Study, the occurrence levels showed 2.3% for 8th grade, 2.3 % for 10th grade, and 2.8 % for 12th grade (Monitoring the Future, 2008). In reference to the records of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, there were 12,619 seizures of methamphetamine laboratories in 2006; 7347 in 2005; and 6,783 in 2008 (Aubrey, 2010). Mostly, meth supplies come from foreign or local laboratories. However, due to easy accessibility of the cheap ingredients for meth production, the drug can be effortlessly manufactured in small concealed warehouses (Hunt, 2006). Knowledge of how to manufacture methamphetamine has, over the past 10 years, been circulated by some “biker gang cookers.” Soon after, two new providers of manufacture information emerged. The internet supplies downloadable formula for the production of meth in small quantities for personal and associate use. Systematized drug trafficking groups have taken the first step to a larger scale manufacture of methamphetamine. Because of this easy access to methamphetamine, its use will probably escalate to even greater proportions (Rawson, et al, 2002). Combating Methamphetamine Problems Several states in the U.S. have taken action to the nation’s dilemma with the following approaches: (1) public education on the negative character of methamphetamine; (2) discontinue the sale of ingredients for meth production; and (3) control cleanup procedures after seizures of methamphetamine laboratories. Cooperative involvement by the nation’s law enforcement group, commercial retailers and the public is essential for the successful implementation of preventive measures (Frazier, 2006). Online information educates the public about the possible hazards of methamphetamine use (Frazier, 2006). Another effective measure is through the implementation of watch programs in some states. Watch programs target the decrease on retail and theft of methamphetamine-producing substances and likewise, prevent the pollution of the vicinity being used as a manufacturing laboratory. The program is a partnership between the state’s local retailers and the law enforcement. Retailers implement policies that administer drug placement, post warnings within the shop about the ongoing vigil program, control the sale of the illicit drug, and get in touch with the law enforcement unit for possible methamphetamine use and production (“What is Meth Watch?,” n.d.). Since the substances used for methamphetamine production can be purchased over the counter, the implementation of every state’s watch program eradicates the spread and manufacture of this illegal drug (Frazier, 2006). Emissions from methamphetamine laboratories create detrimental health hazards. Due to high levels of toxicity, seized warehouses should be secured and quarantined until the situation is contained by a registered disinfection service provider (Hunt, 2006). Proper training of law enforcement units will safeguard the health of the team and the surrounding locale. Well-organized seizure and clear out of methamphetamine depots will stop the market to old and new patrons (Frazier, 2006). National and State Measures on Prevention - Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Programs manage the endeavors of law enforcement, medical staff, and child welfare employees to guarantee proper care for jeopardized children (Aubrey, 2010). - Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act of 2008 obliges the use of electronic logbooks containing relevant information on the sale of drugs associated with methamphetamine production, such as, pseudoephedrine. Restricted amounts can be purchased upon presentation of a registered government identification card. The buyer’s signature is required in the seller’s logbook (Aubrey, 2010). - Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are anti-meth ad campaigns across the country, particularly to those states with high prevalence rates of meth use that concerned alliances can use for promoting campaigns in their localities. These campaigns were commenced by The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) (“New National Campaign Focused on Meth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery,” 2009). - The 2009 Anti-Meth Campaign by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign centers on the prevention of methamphetamine use and increases public awareness about treatment and recovery (“New National Campaign Focused on Meth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery,” 2009). Conclusion The use of methamphetamine has escalated to endemic proportions across the United States. It is doubtful that methamphetamine will be a transient trend in the background of drug exploitation just like cocaine, crack, and ecstasy were in the 20th century. There is indeed a great footing, as discussed previously, to suppose that methamphetamine use and related problems will persist as a threatening challenge confronting the national and local agencies. This assumption encourages the nation’s law enforcement unit, health service providers, and education establishments to active participation in the control of methamphetamine consumption through public education and awareness, implementation of regulations against meth use, and cleanup and seizure procedures on meth storehouses. Tactical research programs, treatment and prevention organizations, and training programs must be sufficiently funded and coordinated by all stakeholders for the effective reduction of methamphetamine use and its impact on the nation. References Aubrey, M. (2010). Methamphetamine Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved 20 June 2010 from: http://www.raconline.org/info_guides/meth/ Clinard, M. B. & Meier, R. F. (2007) Sociology of Deviant Behavior. 13th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. Crystal Meth and Other Drugs. (n.d.) Retrieved 20 June 2010 from: http://www.covenanthousebc.org/youth/crystal_meth Frazier, L. (2006). Methamphetamine: A New Tiger to Tame. Retrieved 20 June 2010 from: http://www.ncstl.org/news/FrazierOct06 Hayes, R. P. & Ellickson, P.L. (1996). Associations Between Drug Use and Deviant Behavior in Teenagers. Reprint. Originally Published in Addictive Behaviors, 21(3), 291-302. Hunt, D. E. (2006). Methamphetamine Abuse: Challenges for Law Enforcement and Communities. National Institute of Justice Journal, 254. Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction. (2008). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved 20 June 2010from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/researchreports/methamph/methamph2.html Monitoring the Future. (2008). National Results on Adolescent Drug Use Overview of Key Findings. Retrieved 20 June 2010 from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/overview2008.pdf New National Campaign Focused on Meth Prevention, Treatment and Recovery. (2009). Retrieved 20 June 2010 from: http://www.cadca.org/resources/detail/new-national-campaign-focused- meth-prevention-treatment- and-recover Rawson, R. A., Anglin, M. D., & Ling, W. (2002). Will the Methamphetamine Problem Go Away? Journal of Addictive Diseases. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 21(1). What is Meth Watch? (n.d.). Retrieved 20 June 2010 from: http://www.methwatch.com/Meth_Watch_Program/what_is_meth_watch_index. aspx Read More