Shanda Wilkinson

Eradicating Substance Abuse

Argument Proposal Essay
Published by Shanda Wilkinson
 

Have you ever suffered from substance abuse and the effects that it has on you or your family? History of Meth states that meth was first developed in 1893 in Japan by Nagai Nagayoshi while researching chemical compounds of the Ephedra plant for potential medicinal purposes (2017, June 17). It was first used as a medical treatment for narcolepsy, asthma and as a weight-loss drug. 

Methamphetamine became popular during World War II, used by both the Axis and Allied forces as a performance enhancer. It would keep troops awake and alert, and it reduced hunger and pain sensitivity. This is because meth is a stimulant that speeds up the body’s system and it comes as a pill or in powder form. Mr. Rasmussen stated in Medical Science and the Military, “The grounds on which amphetamine was actually adopted by both the British and American militaries had less to do with the science of fatigue than with the drug’s mood-altering effects, as judged by military men. It increased confidence and aggression, and elevated ‘morale’” (Rasmussen, Nicolas. n.d.). 

Meth abuse is a large issue in the United States and there are solutions in place to help control the manufacturing of the drug; however, additional attention to the epidemic is required to eradicate addiction. There are now retail sales and transaction limits on the purchase of supplies used to manufacture methamphetamine. The amount of over-the-counter sales of certain cold and allergy products are limited. This is to help prevent the manufacturing of meth. Prevention, education and treatment are available for those that have developed a drug addiction. 

Prevention is a great start because it aims to stop people from wanting to use meth in the first place. “Prevention programs work to boost protective factors and eliminate or reduce risk factors for drug use” (Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction: The Best Strategy. 2020, July 6). Prevention may be a great step but there are other steps that are just as important. Education, for example, is just as important. If you know what you are putting into your body and how it will affect you and those around you, you will be less likely to abuse it. Parents need to be open and honest with their children when they are age appropriate. Hence, prevention has helped in combating the use of methamphetamine but it is not enough to stop the epidemic. 

A second solution to suppress the use of methamphetamine is education. Studies show that research-based programs reduce the use or eliminate the use of drugs including cigarettes and alcohol according to Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction (2020). This idea applies to those in social settings as well.  Once people are educated, they see that these addictions are harmful and choose not to engage in the activities of their peers. The article also states that these services address risk and protective factors for specific groups. These protective factors are Universal, Selective and Indicated programs each tailored to fit the needs of a specific individual. Universal programs target risk and protective factors shared among all children in a specific setting. Selective programs are for groups of children and teens that have defining aspects that put them at elevated risks for drug use. Indicated programs are formulated for youth who have begun using drugs. 

Treatment is a third solution to methamphetamine addiction. Continuously using meth, the high goes from a feel good effect to an addiction with side effects. Treatments can help break the cycle of drug addiction by helping to rebuild relationships that people destroyed during active addiction, create healthy boundaries and obtain healthy habits and coping skills. There are different forms of treatment available such as inpatient rehab centers that allow you to live at the facility while detoxing your body of drugs, outpatient treatment centers that allow you to live at home, behavior therapy, which can be more effective when combined with counseling and contingency management.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “Contingency management offers people small, tangible incentives such as prizes, cash, vouchers or gift cards to help keep people from using methamphetamine and to continue treatment” (2024, November 20). This incentive helps “rewire” the brain to relate constructive behaviors with rewards in lieu of substance use. The instant awards can be successful with individuals combating drug addiction who often experience impulse control. 

Some additional options that are research based in The American Journal of Psychiatry are behavioral therapy to help spotlight and correct behavioral patterns and to develop healthy coping skills. Peer support is another great option. Being with a group of people can help provide treatment acceptance and engagement. The group aids in providing a source of support (Carroll, K.M. 2005).

Methamphetamine production and abuse will never be completely eradicated and there is no medication to combat addiction but as a society, we can slow down the use and distribution of the drug. Together, we can build and manage a community-based prevention program. Family and school-based programs should be available as well. Our local and state law enforcement officers need to be trained and educated on prevention and how to educate others. 

According to the article, Methamphetamine use in the United States, in 2019 overdose deaths had reached a historical high of 70,630 deaths. By 2020, that number accelerated to 93,000 (2022). These numbers could continue to rise if we do not make a change. One person cannot do it alone, it will take a group of people willing to stand up and fight for our youth and loved ones. When there is a noticeable decline in drug use and deaths, we cannot stop there. The fight is still on. Meth use is an epidemic but if we can save one life, we are saving the world. We can do this by preventing addiction from happening and keeping people healthy and well, educating one another with useful information to avoid addiction and by providing treatment options for those already addicted.