HISTORY OF METH

First synthesized in 1887 Germany, amphetamine was for a long time, a drug in search of a disease. Nothing was done with the drug, from its discovery (synthesis) until the late 1920's, when it was seriously investigated as a cure or treatment against nearly everything from depression to decongestion.

In the 1930's, amphetamine was marketed as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion (for asthmatics, hay fever sufferers, and people with colds). A probable direct reaction to the Depression and Prohibition, the drug was used and abused by non-asthmatics looking for a buzz. By 1937 amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form.

Methamphetamine, more potent and easy to make, was discovered in Japan in 1919. The crystalline powder was soluble in water, making it a perfect candidate for injection. It is still legally produced in the U.S., sold under the trade name Desoxyn.

During World War II, amphetamines were widely used to keep the fighting men going (during the Vietnam war, American soldiers used more amphetamines than the rest of the world did during WWII). In Japan, intravenous methamphetamine abuse reached epidemic proportions immediately after World War II, when supplies stored for military use became available to the public.

In the United States in the 1950s, legally manufactured tablets
of both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and
methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily available and were used non-medically by college students, truck
drivers, and athletes, As use of amphetamines spread,
so did their abuse. Amphetamines became a cure-all
for such things as weight control to treating mild depression

Meth Myths

& Facts

• Every 1 lbs of Meth made 5 to 6 lbs of hazardousWaste
• "Cat Urine" smell
• For Every 1 lab detected 10 others go undetected
• Labs nationwide are on the decrease
• Meth addict takes 37 years to produce normal chemicals in the body.
• Spray Starch Test

What to do if you
Find a Lab

DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING

Leave the site and notify Law Enforcement

DO NOT try to disassemble-Dangerous

If exposed to active lab-Decontamination as if HAZMAT exposure.

Get checked medically.

What To Look For

Users smoke, snort, drink or inject Meth.  Some of the paraphernalia associated with Meth use includes light bulbs (hollowed out and used to heat either powder or crystal Meth; resulting fumes are inhaled); pen (empty barrels are used to transport Meth or as a stem to inhale cooked Meth fumes); aluminum foil and bottle caps (also used to heat Meth); empty pop cans (made into Meth pipes)
and needles for injecting liquefied Meth.

What is

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine

TIME LINE

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential for widespread abuse.

Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." In its smoked form it is often referred to as "ice," "crystal," "crank," and "glass." It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in
water or alcohol. The drug was developed early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

Methamphetamine's chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general
sense of well-being. The effects of methamphetamine
can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial "rush," there is
typically a state of high agitation that in some
individuals can lead to violent behavior.

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, which
means it has a high potential for abuse and is available
only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.
There are a few accepted medical reasons for its
use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and -- for short-term use -- obesity; but
these medica l uses are limited.

 Meth Addiction is a SERIOUS Problem

Meth addiction is a serious epidemic in Colorado and
acrossthe country. Everyday there are people suffering
with thisaddiction in Colorado not realizing that
there is help forthem. One viable option is attending
a drug rehab. A drug rehab can help an addict
break the cycle of meth addictionand learn to
live life drug free.

There are many different types of drug rehab
programs available in Colorado. The three most
prominent types are residential, inpatient and
outpatient. When choose a drug rehabilitation
program in Colorado or anywhere else in the
country it is important to keep a few key points
in mind. Thefirst is the severity of the individual’s meth addiction. If the individual has only been abusing
meth for a short period oftime an outpatient
program may offer them all the help they
need. However, because meth is such an addictive
and powerful drug even a short lived addiction can be extremelyhard to conquer. Often many addicts find
that attending aColorado inpatient or residential program provides them withmore stability and guidance to
help them make a strongerrecovery. Research has
shown that addicts who stay in adrug rehab program
longer than three months typicallyhave better
outcomes than those who stay for less time.

 Because meth is such an addictive and destructive
drug it isvital that an individual receive help to
recover. If there is not a drug rehab facility appropriate
for the individual inColorado we can help locate one
that will be better suited tomeet their needs. Choosing
to enter a drug rehab whether itis in Colorado or
anywhere else in the country is one of the
most important choices an individual can make. Only
the individual with the addiction problem can take
control over their life and conquer their meth
addiction. Contact us nowand we will help find
treatment in Colorado or wherever ismost appropriate.

Jan 18, 1887

Amphetamine was first synthesized atUniversität Berlin by Romanian chemist Lazar Edeleanu (1861-1941) and originally named phenylisopropylamine. It was then largely forgotten for the next 40 years

1919

Methamphetamine is first synthesized by Japanese scientist A. Ogata.

1930

Amphetamine was discovered to increase blood pressure.

1932

Amphetamine is first marketed as 'benzedrine' by Smith, Kline & French, in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat congestion.

1935

Amphetamine's stimulant effect is first recognized and physicians successfully use it to treat narcolepsy.

1937

Amphetamine is first approved by the American Medical Association for sale in tablet form. It is sold by prescription for use in the treatment of narcolepsy and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  

World War II

Both Amphetamine and Methamphetamine are widely distributed to soldiers to help improve performance. This led to addiction problems in Japan after the war.   

1940

Methamphetamine is marketed under the trade name "Methedrine" by Burroughs Wellcome.   

1942

Dextro-amphetamine and methamphetamine become commonly available

1950-1953

U.S. dispenses amphetamine to troops in Korea.   

1954

Height of the Japanese amphetamine epidemic. There are estimated to be over 2 million amphetamine users in a population of 88.5 million.

1959

First report of IV injection of contents from Benzedrine inhalers.   

1963

Illicit speed production begins when the Attorney General of California requests that injectable ampules be removed from the market.   

1960's

Methamphetamine use rises in the United States.   

1970

Amphetamine becomes schedule II in the U.S. with the passage of the 'U.S. Drug Abuse Regulation and Control Act of 1970'. This makes it illegal to possess without a prescription

Oct 27, 1970

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act is passed. Part II of this is the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) which defines a scheduling system for drugs. It places most of the known hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, psilocin, mescaline, peyote, cannabis, & MDA) in Schedule I. It places coca, cocaine and injectable methamphetamine in Schedule II. Other amphetamines and stimulants, including non-injectable methamphetamine are placed in Schedule III.   

July 7, 1971

Amphetamine and Methamphetamine (non-injectable) are moved from Schedule III to Schedule II.   

Late 1980's

Smoked Methamphetamine becomes more popular.   

1996

U.S. Congress passes the Methamphetamine Control Act establishing new controls over key ingredients and strengthening criminal penalties for possession, distribution and manufacturing. 

References