History

Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Its roots stretch back to World War Two, when amphetamines were given to soldiers and factory workers to help them stay alert. In the 1950s and ‘60s, Methamphetamines were prescribed to help people lose weight.

But as the use of Meth grew, so did the problem of abuse. It became a cure-all for people wanting to stay awake, for weight control, for increasing athletic performance and to treat mild depression. When intravenous Meth abuse began spreading through the “speed freak” sub-culture, violent and erratic behavior seen among chronic abusers led medical authorities to discontinue its use.

Today’s Meth is far more potent than the Meth sold years ago, and the infiltration of Meth in society continues. The recipe for homemade Meth is still in circulation and available over the Internet. It is cheap and easy to make, which when combined with the long lasting high makes Meth a popular substitute for cocaine. A new generation of users has made Meth their drug of choice, leading to an epidemic of Meth and Meth labs across the country.

http://www.mappsd.org/Meth%20History.htm