Methamphetamine

In the last decade, methamphetamine use has dramatically increased throughout the United States. This growing epidemic raises concerns for a variety of reasons. First, methamphetamine is extremely addictive and often leads to compulsive use. Secondly, this is particularly problematic because as the abuse problem continues to rise, a growing body of research is demonstrating a wide range of neurotoxic effects that can result from the drug. Methamphetamine administration in laboratory animals has been proven to …

…is possible. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to inform meth abusers of the potential consequences of their use, and more effective treatment methods need to be developed (Volkow, et al., 2001, p. 381). In the same way, the general public needs to be educated about the specific neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine rather the current trend of warning people primarily about the addictive potential of the drug and the social dysfunctions that can result from its use.