Methamphetamine, more commonly referred to as methamphetamine, is a highly addictive stimulant drug ("DrugFacts: Methamphetamine | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)," n.d.). Methamphetamine is a Schedule II Controlled Drug, defined as “drugs with a high potential for abuse ... with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous ("DrugFacts: Methamphetamine | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)," n.d.)”. Meth should remain an illegal drug due to the horrendous effects that this drug has on both an individual and society as a whole. Methamphetamine was developed in 1919 and at the time, is was used to mitigate fatigue and provide alertness. During the Second World War, Allied bombers were given methamphetamine to preserve energy on long flights, and to soldiers to fight fatigue, but the results proved to be negative. The soldiers became short-tempered and belligerent. Beginning in the 1950s, methamphetamine was prescribed to assist in combatting depression. …show more content…
Methamphetamine is used across the board in terms of ages, but is usually customarily used as a “club drug” – a drug used at bars, nightclubs, concerts and parties ("What is Methamphetamine? What is Crystal Meth? How is Meth Used? - Drug-Free World," n.d.). According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2012, about 1.2 million Americans (0.4% of the population) reported using methamphetamine over the course of the previous year ("What is the scope of methamphetamine abuse in the United States? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)," n.d.). Methamphetamine can be taken in various forms. It can be ingested, smoked, snorted, liquefied, or injected. Smoking and injecting the drug are the most efficient ways to deliver the drug to the brain. When the drug reaches the brain, it releases a severe sense of