August 1, 2006
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmThe Crystal Crisis
Meth abuse moves eastward
By Rodger Doyle
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Methamphetamine has a fearsome reputation as a destroyer of families. Meth binges, which produce a sense of euphoria, may last a week; the severe paranoia and depression that come afterward persist for days or weeks, making it difficult to hold a job or take care of children. By comparison, cocaine binges rarely last more than three days.
The meth problem grew out of addiction to over-the-counter remedies available since the 1930s for the treatment of asthma, narcolepsy and other ailments. These products, which were based on amphetamine and its sister drug, the more potent methamphetamine, could also be used for staying awake and suppressing appetite, a boon to truck drivers, students and people wanting to keep the pounds off.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
