Methamphetamine Use

My view of Methamphetamine use

Methamphetamine use is a rapidly growing problem in the United States, and especially in Wisconsin. St. Croix County in Wisconsin currently has about 65% of its inmates incarcerated for methamphetamine related crimes (Wisconsin Counties 26). As an employee of the Trempealeau County Jail, I get to see firsthand the effects that methamphetamines have on people. A recent arrest involved a man who was cooking meth from a portable lab in the trunk of his car. This was completely unknown by his wife, but since she was in the car at the time of arrest, she was also charged with manufacturing of methamphetamines, a felony. They are both facing sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

My view on methamphetamine use is very liberal. I think the crime needs to be attacked head on by law enforcement. A strong statement needs to be made to deter future meth users to think twice about using the drug. The punishment for using the drug should be more severe than it currently is.

Education is also a very important factor in combating the drug use. Law enforcement needs to incorporate Methamphetamine use into its DARE program. The DARE program is typically introduced in the 5th grade. By this age, it may be too late to deter some kids from becoming addicted to this drug. One of the fastest growing groups using meth is young girls, ages twelve to sixteen, who use meth as a diet drug (Wisconsin Counties 24)

There are many effective methods of teaching kids about meth use, but most of which are not suitable for kids in the 5th grade. Before and after pictures of meth users is the strongest deterrence tool that could be used for education. Ordinary people can look like completely different people in a matter of months. Videos are available which describe the stages of meth use, the post-use effects it has on the body, and the effects it has on family and friends.

Finally, I feel no sympathy for meth users. It is the family and friends who are impacted most by the drug. They are the ones who have to deal with the physical and emotional abuse, be the victims of theft, and cope with the guilt associated with having a loved one slip away. For these reasons, the meth user should face a long prison sentence which incorporates intense rehabilitation and drug counseling.

Works Cited

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