Meth addiction has plagued the US scene since the mid 90's and its now on the verge to reach out to the global scene. The drug is highly intoxicating (one pound of meth gives five to six pounds of lethal waste) and addicting than cocaine or alcohol. Furthermore, it traps its abusers into a distressing cycle. The drug can be smoked, snorted or injected leaving users high for as long as 8 hours. According to meth addiction statistics, its usage has increased and gone viral since its revival. Today, the drug is a leading contributor to urban crimes mainly because it creates a strong physical and psychological dependency.
In as much as older abusers prize crystal meth it reaches out to the younger age bracket. In 2005, Meth addiction statistics carried out by the National Institute on Drug Abuse had it that about 10.4 million people had used meth in their life out of which a sizable proportion was in the 12 years and above bracket. However, recent statistics shows that meth usage among teenagers (8th, 10th and 12th graders) has been declining since 1999 compared to the previous years. Statistics on demography also reveals that the highest numbers of abusers are between 18 and 23 years old which encompass high school and college students. This is so because meth is easily accessible and relatively cheaper than any other drug that gives similar effects.
As the prevalence of meth in society increases, the number of people seeking information on its usage, side-effects and treatment also rises. The number of annual searches for meth addiction statistics are overwhelming; approx. 14, 000 searched the word "meth", 12,200 for the term "meth addiction" and 3,400 for "meth addiction symptoms and treatment". Therefore, the hard truth is that fresh individuals inquire a lot about this high addictive stimulant as others try to rehabilitate from it. Though it is not clear which gender precisely seek this information, more female prefers meth than any other drug mainly because of its contributive side effect of losing weight. Another notable attribute that nearly doubles the number of female meth users than male is the feeling of attraction and change of mood the substance gives them.
Consequently, the high sexual vigor explains why meth abuse contributes to the high occurrence of sexual related diseases including HIV/AIDS. In other comprehensive meth addiction statistics, 67% of abusers confessed they experienced above normal obsession with sex. Women were notably more aggressive in the sexual prowess than men. On the other hand, men preferred meth because it prolonged their erection compared to cocaine or alcohol. As such, these facts tremendously elucidate why HIV and other sexually transmitted infection are so common with meth abusers. In the San Francisco gay community, meth is a favorite drug for endless night parties and in uninhibited gay sex since it removes any sense of guilt especially when having unsafe sex.
According to meth addiction statistics, the most disturbing effect of meth is high crime rates. A study carried in 2005 on the impact of various drugs on criminal activities showed meth as the chief drug that imposed higher cost in the crime enforcement department. Results released from surveys in 45 states proved that crime performed out of meth addiction were increasing. Law enforcement officials voted the drug as a serious problem in the fight against drug induced crimes. Statistically, 47% of urban crimes fell on meth addicts compared to 21% from cocaine addicts. The criminal costs associated with meth amounted to approximately $4.2 billion which qualified meth as the number one drug threat facing the country.
Commencing a routine of meth intake is a painless task. However, when anyone falls privy to its addiction, what follows are few chances of survival. Its either one ends up in the most wanted crime list, become a slave of addiction or a victim of sexual related diseases. With meth's high rate of relapse, treatment efforts for addiction cases are almost nil. However, recent development and trials revealed antidepressants and vaccines that naturally produce antibodies to curb the drug effects for mild users of meth. In addition, a rehabilitation centre is the only sure way that has shown efficacy in meth addictions cases since behavioral change sustains lasting recuperation. So, if you know someone having a hard time with meth addiction, enlighten him on the consequences and the treatment available to help reduce the rising meth addiction statistics.