Meth Addiction in Pacific North West
Methamphetamine is a very potent stimulant of the central nervous system.
It acts on the dopamine receptors in the brain preventing its reuptake, thus allowing an abnormal amount of
dopamine circulation in the body.
The dopamine stimulates brain cells and at the same time, enhancing body actions and mood.
Other body activities that can be affected with the use of this drug are appetite suppressant, heart rate, body
temperature and response associated with alertness.
In the United States, Meth addiction is more prevalent in the Pacific North West, however growing populations nationwide is observed.
Meth addiction in the pacific North West has been the result of the increase importation of meth into the region
by
trafficking groups.
This region also has the largest and most sophisticated clandestine labs in the nation.
Seizures of clandestine labs in the North West have increased from 44 in 1995 to more than 500 in 1997. In
fact, the state of Missouri led the nation in 1997 in the number of meth labs seized.
As fast as these labs are closed down, another lab opens.
In the pacific North West, there are not as much facilities and treatment program as there are meth labs.
However programs are available for those who seek treatment, although meth addiction treatment is consider the
hardest of addictions to treat.
Addicts are often too excited and very resistant to any form of intervention once the acute the sensational
effect of the drug as dissipated.
While the withdrawal period is very slim, there are existing effects of the meth on the brain may be the major
problem.
During this period, recovering addicts feel depressed, fuzzyheaded, and think life isn't as pleasurable without
the drug.
Because prolonged use causes changes in the brain, willpower alone will not cure meth addicts for only ten
percent of recovering meth addicts remain sober.
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