Within just about a decade of its presence in the world of drug addiction, methamphetamine has managed to oust addictions such as those of heroin and cocaine from the top positions when it comes to popularity. Today, there are more people using methamphetamine and its purer derivative, crystal methamphetamine, in most parts of the US. One of the most important aspects of the popularity of meth and crystal meth (as they are abbreviated in slang) is that these drugs are focused in some specific niche groups. The drug is immensely popular in the youth circuit, for example. It is looked upon as one of the most prominent club drugs among this niche of users. It is this faithful following that methamphetamine has managed to get that has boosted it to the pinnacle of drug addiction popularity in various places.



Let us check some of the reasons why methamphetamine is popular in the state. Firstly, methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug. It is known for its very rapid action. As soon as the drug is consumed by the person, it triggers a rapid secretion of dopamine. Dopamine is the hormone that is responsible for the feeling of happiness. Hence, when the person consumes methamphetamine, they will immediately experience a surge of pleasure, which is commonly known as the meth high. This feeling is one of the biggest draws of using methamphetamine.

What makes methamphetamine popular is that it acts fast on the system. This makes it very suitable as a party drug. Groups of youngsters are found using methamphetamine and crystal meth in parties and in nightclubs. This is where the biggest popularity of the substance lies. But it also carries a risk. Meth is known to have a slight aphrodisiacal effect. When groups of people consume it collectively, this aphrodisiacal effect can incite them to participate in sexual activities. Unsafe sex can lead to several complications in the users. The risk of infections such as AIDS cannot be refuted either. In fact, the AIDS scare is quite high in places where methamphetamine is available in ready supply.

Meth is not a substance that is used singly. The high euphoria of the substance is best experienced only in parties and raves. This increases the quantum of usage of methamphetamine and also increases the feel-good factor that people associate temporarily when they use the substance. Also, because groups of people are using it together, there's a sense of recklessness among the users of this substance.

It is important to see how these substances come into the mainland of the US. The primary source is through illegal trafficking. Mexico is considered as a haven for methamphetamine production and it is the richest source of supply of the drug. There are various outlaw motorcycling groups and other illegal traffickers who are bringing the drug into the mainland through the highways. Despite the presence of various highway interdiction points, a lot of pure methamphetamine from Mexico makes its headway into various American states.

The drug also keeps circulating among the states. The southern states have a higher prevalence of meth and crystal meth, from where they are distributed to other states. Each state on the route acts as both a network point as well as a market. Most of these organizations work in closeted but highly regulated operations and it is quite difficult to put a finger on them.

Another important source of methamphetamine is the local production which is quite rampant in almost every state. Methamphetamine is a synthetic amphetamine which can be prepared using certain easily available substances such as cough syrups containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. This production in handled in small outfits run by two or three people in a very clandestine operation. The materials are locally procured. Nowadays, there are strict tabs on the supply of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine containing prescription medications in most areas. In fact, these substances have been banned from over the counter supply in most places, just to counter the prevalence of methamphetamine in the region.

There are constant crackdowns on these meth labs too. But there is still a long way to go to put a complete full stop on the issue.

A very interesting trend about methamphetamine addiction is that it has been taken up quite warmly by the gay populations of various states. The club drug nature and its aphrodisiac effect make the drug a good choice for this community. Several rehab centers targeted for addiction treatment for gays now have special methamphetamine treatment departments.