Methamphetamine known as meth is fast becoming the most abused illegal drug in the United States. A matter of fact, meth abuse is one of the fastest growing problems to hit America. This illegal drug started on the west coast smuggled in from Mexico, however, now it can be found in every corner of the United States.

The major reason that meth is such a huge problem is that it is so extremely addictive that many people can become addicted to this stimulant with the first use. After a person is addicted, then meth becomes a bigger problem. Meth abuse is one of the hardest drugs addictions to treat. Not only is meth abuse hard to treat, but it is also the cause of permanent damage to the person body. Along with being a devastating problem for the body and for treating it is also a huge tornado on relationships, emotions, and work.

By a report in 2006, close to two million individuals have tried meth in the United States. Meth abuse is more prominent with individuals under the age of 25 with most trying the drug at age 19. From 1997 and 2007, the number of individuals admitted to treatment centers for meth abuse tripled and is still rising.

On the street you will hear meth called chalk or speed, which is actually easily made with ingredients from over the counter cold medicines. This is one reason that in many states you cannot purchase medicines over the counter like you could prior to 2004.

Meth is growing quickly due to it being a cheap drug that most teenagers can purchase with their allowance and with an intense quick hit with a high that can last up to eight hours.

One main reason meth abuse is concerning parents and law enforcement is that the drug causes a person to feel very energized but with a high agitation shortly after the rush. Not only that but violent behavior and mood swings have been noticed.

Meth releases dopamine in the brain, which creates powerful feelings of pleasure. Along with this it also blocks the ability of the brain to reabsorb the dopamine, which creates the long lasting high. Chronic meth abuse can and does change the function of the brain by reducing motor skills, impairing verbal learning, emotional problems, and cognitive problems.

Not only will meth abuse cause the above problems with the function of the brain but physical problems also occur including severe weight loss, rotted teeth, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, delusions, paranoia. Some individuals feel things crawling on their skin causing them to scratch causing sores.

A person with a meth abuse problem will need to seek help through a drug rehab center that has a drug detox service as detoxing will need the supervision of a medical professional. The best treatment as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse is comprehensive cognitive-behavioral interventions. This type of program for meth abuse involves behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and encouragement for non–drug-related activities.