Research Assignment (Required activity---10 points) Use complete sentences and do not answer in outline form. Paragraphs are nice, and you can include a lot of the desired information requested below

Methamphetamine Use and Crime Marvin Mindfog

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Methamphetamine Use and Crime

According to Hanson et al. (2018), one drug climbing in popularity is methamphetamine. While no specific crimes exist related solely to abusers of methamphetamine, criminal activity seems prevalent within this community of users. Methamphetamine traditionally flourished within rural communities, primarily due to the isolation of manufacturing the drug (Hanson et al., 2018). Chemicals and volatile solvents used in the process draw in unwanted attention, and these apparent indicators alert much more attention in town (Hanson et al., 2018). In 2005, the National Association of Counties conducted a survey of county law enforcement agencies, and the results indicated 58% reported methamphetamine being the number one drug problem within their areas (Hunt, 2006). Rural communities still have a large methamphetamine concentration because law enforcement resources and treatment options are spread thin compared to larger municipalities (Hunt, 2006). Newer improved methods of manufacturing the drug require smaller drug labs for production, and this contributed to an increased presence within cities (Hunt, 2006).

The illicit drug, methamphetamine, is a powerful and long lasting central nervous system stimulant (Hanson et al., 2018). Stimulant abuse often increases the chance of aggressive behavior, and this behavior tends to intensify when contacting law enforcement or medical staff (Cartier et al., 2006). According to Hunt (2006), unlike the relatively short-lived “high” achieved from cocaine, methamphetamine remains psychoactive in the body for up to eight to twelve hours for a more sustained “high.” It is quite common for these abusers to stay awake for several consecutive days, without food, and experience ramped up levels of paranoia (Thompson et al., 2004). Because of the long-last effects of the drug, methamphetamine has become more popular than cocaine in some cities throughout the country (Hunt, 2006).

Hunt (2006) reported that methamphetamine abuse is growing increasingly popular with people who have a high school education or college background. In addition usage data by gender revealed abuse by 45% women compared to 55% of men. The increased numbers of women abusing methamphetamine have resulted in more female prisoners incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities (Cartier et al., 2006).

Treatment programs are designed to help curb dependence to drugs. Methamphetamine abuse is particularly resistant to treatment interventions because of the protracted impact it has on the brain, even when abstinence is achieved (Cohen et al., 2003). Chronic abuse of methamphetamine shows apparent signs of brain damage, hallucinations, and symptoms similar to that of Parkinson’s disease (Thompson et al, 2004). The challenge for overcoming addiction to methamphetamine remains possible, but the path to abstinence appears difficult and complex.

References

Cartier, J., Farabee, D., & Prendergast, M.L. (2006). Methamphetamine use, self-reported violent crime, and recidivism among offenders in California who abuse substances. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 21(4), 435-445. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260505285724

Cohen, J., Dickow, A., & Horner, K. (2003). Abuse and violence history of men and women in treatment for methamphetamine dependence. American Journal on Addictions,

12(5), 377-386. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550490390240701

Hanson, G.R., Venturelli, P.J., & Fleckenstein, A.E. (2018). Drugs and society (13th ed.).

Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Hunt, D.E. (2006). Methamphetamine abuse: Challenges for law enforcement and communities.

National Institute of Justice, 254. https://www.nij.gov/journals/254/pages/methamphetamine_abuse.aspx

Thompson, P., Hayashi, K., & Simon S. (2004). Structural abnormalities in the brains of human subjects who use methamphetamine. Journal of Neuroscience, 24(26), 6028-6036.

https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0713-04.2004