Meth and Social Issues in Idaho

Methamphetamine usage in the United States is increasing and so are the problems associated with this drug. Idaho has seen these increases as well. Methamphetamine usage has become the top concern for Idaho's law enforcement agencies. Research shows that methamphetamine is becoming the drug of choice for substance abusers in Idaho. Research to determine what methods can be used to best educate residents on the effects of meth and how to reduce the number of users is needed. This paper will provide facts regarding methamphetamine and provide a method to research the issue.

Research Method

The Scientific Method will be used to conduct the research. The following list describes the steps that will be used within the research program.

1. Define the problem - Increased Meth usage in Idaho

2. Reviewing the literature - Crime and health statistics will be used.

3. Formulating the hypothesis - Meth usage is linked to increased medical and criminal expenses and has a negative effect on communities.

4. Select a research design - Existing sources and macro-level data will be used as the research design.

5. Develop the conclusion - Reducing meth usage benefits communities.

6. Ideas for further research - Based upon the outcome the information gathered will allow for programs to be continued or to find areas that need improvement.

Research Design

The Idaho office of drug policy oversees and coordinates all drug and substance abuse programs within the state of Idaho. The Idaho Meth Project is a statewide program geared at educating and preventing first-time Meth use. Crime and health statistics will be the main source of data used. Currently hospitals and law enforcement agencies are tasked with collecting data when the meth is involved. This data is used by the Idaho Office of Drug Policy to determine current level of usage and the costs associated with meth. Because this scientific data has been collected use of these existing sources will be the primary research design. Review of drug intervention programs used in other states will be evaluated as part of the process in selecting methods that will be implemented. Using existing and macro-level data will provide qualitative and quantitative data that can be evaluated to provide researchers with valuable scientific facts.

Methamphetamine Facts

Methamphetamine is synthetic stimulant that affects the pleasure centers of the brain. This drug commonly referred to as meth, speed, chalk, ice, crystal, glass, crank, yaba, tina and tweak is more addictive than heroin. Meth can be swallowed, snorted smoked, injected, or inserted anally depending on the method of intake the effect can last from six to 24 hours. Meth releases dopamine which stimulates brain cells enhancing mood and feelings of pleasure. Continued usage can inhibit the brains ability to create dopamine naturally therefore the user cannot experience pleasure without using meth thus creating additional dependency.

Meth commonly has a base of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient found in over-the-counter cold medications. Other chemicals can be added to the base to make meth. These chemicals include starting fluid, paint thinner, battery acid, nail polish remover, pool chemicals, brake cleaner and Freon. These chemicals have independent toxicity and when combined can have serious toxic and explosive effects. Methods used to produce meth can be dangerous since many of the ingredients have explosive behaviors. Some meth labs have been discovered after fires or explosions occur due to improper handling of the toxic chemicals. The costs associated with cleaning up these meth labs range from $2,000 to $3,000 per incident. These costs do not include expenses related to property damage, loss of property value, medical treatment for innocent bystanders, salary expenses for law enforcement and medical personnel. The costs to taxpayers can be exorbitant, 52% of Idaho's prison inmates are due to meth and $66 million is spent annually to incarcerate meth users in Idaho.

Conclusion

Idaho's meth problem is growing requiring the state to evaluate methods to educate residents of the harms and prevent access to the components used to manufacture the drug. Expenses related to meth affect not only the user but also the community, state and government agencies. The percentage of inmates with meth related offences make up over 50% of all incarcerated inmates in the state therefore reducing the number of meth users should reduce the number of incarcerated persons and the expenses associated in caring for these inmates. This paper has evaluated the research method that will be used to determine the course of action necessary to take control of the increasing drug problem. Use of the scientific method will provide agencies with quantitative and qualitative data to aid in the research process.