There are many addictive drugs in the United States, but none are seen as much of an epidemic than methamphetamine abuse. It is concerned to be the most problematic drug in our country, and has destroyed the lives of everyone that it touches. Not only is this drug known for being cheap and producing a very intense “high,” it is also one of the only drugs that we manufacture locally. This increases the need for meth treatment. With new developments in the methods of making meth, such as the “shake-and-bake” approach, the DEA is finding out that this is going to be a very tough battle, indeed.

In the United States, there are reported 10.4 million Americans have sued the drug “recreationally” at least one time. That is roughly 4.3% of the total population in the country. In the year 2005, the same survey was conducted where they found out that there were about 1.3 million people who have tried this drug once. This means that it is quickly surpassing the other illicit drugs when it comes to abuse, and while methamphetamine lab seizures are less, they demand for the drug is still very high. This is because of the increase of drug traffickers shipping into our country, as well as the efforts of domestic manufacturers who have improved methods, essentially eliminating the need for the clandestine operation. Meth treatment is on the rise because of these numbers, and will continue to be so until better counter-measures are developed.

Like with all of the drugs available in the United States, methamphetamine is a drug that is being directed at high school students. In 2008, there were a reported 6.2% of high school students who admitted that they have tried the drug at least one time in their lives. This is something that is shocking, as this is not a drug where it is easy to put down. It is highly addictive, and there needs to be adequate education and early detection to decrease the risk of the youth being hooked on this drug. And with more than 1.4 million people treated in emergency rooms in 2005 because of this drug, this cannot happen soon enough.

Meth treatment is one of the best measures a person can take when they are dealing with this drug. With the long term effects being some of the most debilitating, those of which are linked to anxiety, insomnia, and paranoia, there needs to be relief. In a study measured from 1995 to 2005, the admissions into treatment centers increased from 47,685 to 152,368. And there were certainly a lot more people who needed the aid of these centers, but decided not to be admitted. In the treatment of meth, if left alone, it will be a drug that will dismantle anyone that it touches. The need to enter treatment centers is paramount, and should be thoroughly researched. Recovery is not exactly the easiest thing to do, especially with a highly addictive substance such as meth, but it can be achieved through effort.