Bibliography

Bibliography

!Arrested! North Metro Task Force - Meth, Methamphetamine. 02 June 2009 .

"A Brief History of Meth." Mapp-SD. 2000. June 2009 .

"Drug Abuse and Addiction." Medicine Net. June 2009 .

"Drugs." Homestead Hearing Aids, Newborn Hearing... | Hear 4 Kidz. June 2009 .

Gao, Amy Gao. "The Effects of Methamphetamine on the Brain." Serendip's Exchange. June 2009 .

"Indonesia Marches Backwards on Drug Policy." Raising awareness of the consequences of drug prohibition | Stop the Drug War (DRCNet). 11 Sept. 2001. June 2009 .

Madison, A. "Ways to boost your natural endorphins and general happiness." Helium - Where Knowledge Rules. June 2009 .

"Medical Uses for Methamphetamine." Lifetips. June 2009 .

"Meth Addiction." Treatment Centers. 2005. June 2009 .

"Meth Statistics." Meth - Meth Addiction - Meth Treatment - Meth Rehab. 2008. June 2009 .

Monson, Kristi. "Methamphetamine Side Effects." Med TV. 30 June 2008. June 2009 .

"Nicknames and Street Names for Methamphetamine." The Canyon. June 2009 .

"Price of Methamphetamine in Asia." Havocscope Black Markets. 26 June 2009. June 2009 .

Russell, Stephen G. "What Can You Do If Your Addicted Relative is Unwilling Or Ambivalent About Getting Help?" EzineArticles Submission - Submit Your Best Quality Original Articles For Massive Exposure, Ezine Publishers Get 25 Free Article Reprints. 02 July 2009 .

"Statistics." !Arrested! North Metro Task Force - Meth, Methamphetamine. June 2009 .

"Symptoms of Methamphetamine Withdrawal." WD. 2009. June 2009 .

"Why is meth so addictive?" KCI The Anti-Meth Site. 1999. June 2009 .

"Yayasan KITA." Living in Indonesia. 1997. June 2009 .

Quiz

A small quiz of 10 questions.

Question 1.

What type of drug is Meth?

Question 2.

What are 3 street names of Methamphetamine?

Question 3.

Name:

One short term effect

One long term effect

Question 4.

What is the Indonesian policy against drugs?

Question 5.

How is Methamphetamine physically addictive?

Question 6.

What is another endorphin releasing activity besides drugs?

Question 7.

What could a family’s reaction to finding out about a loved one’s addiction be?

Question 8.

How do you help a drug addict who wants help?

Question 9.

Why is it so difficult for an addict to quit doing drugs?

Question 10.

What is the name of one of the documentaries about Meth?

•

Local Facilities

What are the local organizations and contact numbers for people to go to for help? What is the cost of the facility?

Yayasan Harapan Permata Hati Kita
Addiction Treatment & Recovery Community Center
Villa Pandawa YAKITA
Jl. Ciasin No 21 - RT 01 / RW10
Desa Bendungan, Ciawi, Bogor
Jawa Barat - Indonesia
Tel. (0251) 243 077 – (0251) 243 069
Fax (0251) 243 005

Email Office: yakita@cbn.net.id
Web sites http://www.yakita.or.id
http://user.cbn.net.id/yakita/

The cost of facility is not given on the website.

Recovery Centers:

GREATER JAKARTA

Villa Pandawa YAKITA
Jl. Ciasin No 21 - RT 01 / RW10
Desa Bendungan, Ciawi, Bogor
Jawa Barat - Indonesia
Tel. (0251) 243 077 – (0251) 243 069
Fax (0251) 243 005
yakita@cbn.net.id
The cost of facility is not given on the website.

Important things to realize

We may think the following of abusers, “Why don’t they just make themselves give up on drugs? All they need is willpower.” Please think of things in your own life (a favorite video game, friend, favorite food, television program, or comfortable bed) that would be hard to give up if someone asked you to do it? Could someone make you quit your habits if you did really want to quit them? None of these things have the kind of physical or psychological effect on them that a drug could have.

The simple things in life that we can’t do without are a little bit like what a drug addict or alcoholic would face except in much bigger proportions. The drugs release endorphins in the brain and therefore create an actual physical desire for it in addition to psychological. A recovery from drug addiction would probably be one of the most difficult things an addict would ever have to do because their bodies can’t do without it. They would constantly feel sick because the body had gotten accustomed to the euphoria from the drug and now has to go without it.

Most people know that drug abuse is wrong and illegal, some people experiment, and become addicted anyway.

There is always a thrill whenever we do something wrong or break any rule; it’s what pushes us when we’re kids to be mischievous. Most of us are now old enough to know when something’s right or wrong and whether or not we should be doing it but most of the time, we end up doing the bad things anyway. It is almost like a natural neural reflex to do exactly what we shouldn’t for curiosity sake. This could be more harmful in the case of drugs and that is why we should learn to exercise control from a younger age.

2 movies

2 movies that someone who is interested in this drug might see.

Meth In the City (2008)

Genre: Education/General Interest

When restrictions on the sale of pseudoephedrine helped curb the growth of small, rural meth labs, Mexican cartels stepped in to fill the gap, flooding the U.S.'s urban areas with a steady supply of methamphetamines. This A&E special examines the creation, sale, and use of the dangerous drug, and illuminates the current law enforcement tactics being used to halt its distribution.

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1201525/#

Meth (2008)

Genre: Education/General Interest

Delving into an addiction that has become an epidemic among the gay community, this documentary explores the world of crystal methamphetamine. Frequently left unconsidered by a group that often sees itself targeted, Meth brings the issue into the light as both former and current addicts share their harrowing stories. Rather than simply demonizing the drug, the film is also careful to portray its seductive qualities as well--the things that have made meth so popular and so difficult to quit.

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/meth/#

Helping others

Helping someone to overcome addiction.

I would make sure that they’re checked into a rehabilitation centre which would help them recover. Many centers have the 12 step program which has helped many.
12 steps
Step One: Admit powerlessness over drugs.
Step Two: Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.
Step Three: Make a decision to turn our will.
Step Four: Make a moral inventory of ourselves.
Step Five: Admit to ourselves and to someone else the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step Six: We’re entirely ready to remove all these defects of character.
Step Seven: Humbly ask him to remove our shortcomings.
Step Eight: Make amends to everyone
Step Nine: Made direct amends to people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Step Ten: Continued to take personal inventory.
Step Eleven: Sought to improve conscious contact with ourselves.
Step Twelve: Have an awakening as the result of these steps and tried to carry this message to addicts.
http://addictionrecoverybasics.com/2007/01/30/the-12-steps/
http://www.12step.org/
http://www.drugalcohol-rehab.com/addiction-recovery.htm

How do you help a drug abuser who does not want to quit or even acknowledge that there is a problem?

You can take measures to assist them into appropriate treatment with an intervention. An intervention brings the family and concerned individuals together to help bring the 'moment of truth' up to meet the addict and ensure that they receive treatment earlier rather than later or never at all. The addict had to be pushed by many loved ones until they themselves admit to having a problem, or else it’s impossible for treatment to take place. In a successful intervention, the addict will be in appropriate Professional Treatment that day or the next.

School policy, ads and other activities

What is the school policy about drug use?

Any drugs not prescribed that are used and against the Indonesian law will result in penalties. The penalties include detention, suspension or expulsion depending on the situation and student’s previous record.

Ads about the Meth

1) This is an ad talking about how people say that they’re just going to try it once before they get addicted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs3wb0LFt9g&feature=related

2) This ad is about how getting beaten up is a lot worse than being dependent on Meth for your whole life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ho_9pZxi2E&feature=related

3) This ad talks about what doing Meth or any drugs could do to not only you, but your loved ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoop1GFas-4&feature=related

What are three of your own stress-free, endorphin releasing activity?

Eating chocolate releases endorphins and creates a pleasurable feeling.

Another activity would be 30 minutes of accumulated exercise per day to help maintain a balanced psychological state.

Also, the benefits of laughter in endorphin production are countless.

Addiction

Is the drug physically addictive?

Yes; Methamphetamine, through its stimulant effects, produces a positive feeling, but later leaves a person feeling depressed. This is because it suppresses the normal production of dopamine, creating a chemical imbalance. The user physically demands more of the drug to return to normal.

Imagine a drug abuser, imagine a drug misuser, and imagine a recreational drug user. How would using this drug affect his or her work?

Abuser: Male, around 22 years old, has a blue collar job, he’s a white man from the south, dislikes his job and likes his family, his friends are similar to him and he has many old friends from high school, his family is a lot like him (low class, blue collar job...)
He is not very happy because of his job and doesn’t get much money. One night after trying ecstasy, the euphoria makes him addicted and all his earnings go towards buying more drugs. The dysphoria of not being on the drug when he runs out of money to buy it drives him close to insanity (withdrawal symptoms) and he begins to get high on elevated doses of prescription drugs on purpose.

Misuser: Female, 40 years old, middle class – has a desk position in an office, American, dislikes parties and loud environments, enjoys cocktail parties and being with friends, her friends include co workers, neighbours, but doesn’t keep in touch with college friends, she has middle class earnings, low self-esteem
On elevated doses of sleeping pills for insomnia, has an addiction but doesn’t realize, not following the proper instructions for taking the pills, causing a certain amount of dysphoria.

Recreational: Male, 17 years old, student, American, likes partying, drinking and trying new things, dislikes authority figures and rules, his friends are similar to him, he’s quite popular and in the popular hut, has a really low self-esteem, his parents are too strict on him that’s why he rebels.
Unidentified Male= Bob
Bob, a junior in high school loves to have fun and party with his friends in clubs. He’s a very curious guy who hates having people tell him what to do and restrict him from anything due to the excessive strictness his parents are on him. All his friends are in the popular hut with him and they’re all quite the same as him; going out almost every weekend and drinking. He’s doesn’t have an addiction but every once in a while, his self-esteem goes lower and the uncomfortable dysphoria he feels pushes him towards trying new drugs with some of his friends. The euphoria after taking the drugs is unimaginable for him and he begins to take elevated drug doses every week. Sometimes, the amount he takes is too much for his tolerance level and he has many near death experiences.
Bob begins to realize that he’s becoming addicted to drugs and wants to quit. As soon as he does, he begins feeling irritable, depressed and fatigued all the time; he always craves the drug. His withdrawal symptoms begin to clash with his school work; his previously above average grades start to decline towards Cs and Ds which angers his parents and creates family conflicts.
These withdrawal symptoms continue until he finally gives in to them and one night satisfies his weeks long craving of the drug. Unfortunately, with the excitement of finally taking the drugs again, his dose is much too elevated. Bob overdoses and dies.

Is the character physically or psychologically addicted to the drug?

Both; Bob feels happier because of the endorphins released while on the drug which leaves him physically craving more due to the chemical imbalance.
Bob would also be psychologically addicted because he is away from authority figures when he’s doing that and he’s partying with his friends; those are all his likes and he would want to always be in that situation. This makes him psychologically addicted to not only the drug, but the surroundings.

Article and Song

An article about Methamphetamine and culture:

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/world/europe/23meth.html?_r=1

This article talks about the growth of methamphetamine in Europe. In Czech Republic in particular, the epidemic of home Meth labs are far worse now. Europe is afraid after seeing the rapid expansion in US about the fate of the drug in their countries.

A song about drug abuse.

Not an Addict
By K’s Choice

Breath it in and breath it out
and pass it on it's almost out
We're so creative and so much more
We're high above, but on the floor

Chorus1: It's not a habit, it's cool
I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on
the other side

The deeper you stick it in your vein
The deeper the thoughts there's no more pain
I'm in heaven, I'm a god
I'm everywhere, I feel so hot

Chorus2: It's not a habit, it's cool
I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on
the other side
I'm not an addict (maybe that's a lie)

It's over now, I'm cold, alone
I'm just a person on my own
Nothing means a thing to me
Oh, nothing means a thing to me

Chorus

Free me, leave me
Watch me as I'm going down
Free me, see me
Look at me I'm falling
And I'm falling.........

It is not a habit, it is cool
I feel alive I feel.......
It is not a habit, it is cool
I feel alive

Chorus

I'm not an addict, I'm not an addict, I'm not an addict.

In this, it talks about drug addicts being in denial about being addicted to drugs.
It says that according to teenagers, it’s cool to do drugs and it’s good for you.

Source: http://www.lyrics007.com/K%27s%20Choice%20Lyrics/Not%20an%20addict%20Lyrics.html

Visual Representations

I chose this picture because it shows darkness and fear, which I think is a big cause of drug abuse and addiction. The person feels cornered and alone, with no one around to help so they have to turn to the one thing that does nothing but harm. I also liked this picture because of the lack of colour in it to show that when you start feeling like you’re alone, it would be as though all your happiness has been taken away and you’re only left with yourself.

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OxVh7-REa4bGCufpxx1Ow-BhA1Do9m7hr0zwIMTtCNHA9zmnXBWSkdvrQ1gAizUPfSI-KnVZV9TzcBLwxDKk3Dz5MWQhbPkOkEkm39jCn9p5eCPrPGsz3cnSLwnUM0DXtvZmC24r_v8/s400/teenage+drug+abuse.jpg

Empathy

Empathy means understanding each others feelings by metaphorically being in the others shoes and visualizing the other person’s perspective. It is a major component of being supportive to any close friend or relative in treatment for abuse or addiction. I chose this visual because of it’s representation of two people working together to create one whole which is what empathy is about in the end; building towards new understanding. It incorporates not only knowing and identifying with each other, but also creating a new bond.

Source: />http://psychologicalresolutions.co.nz/uploads/images/team%20work.jpg

Family

How would your family be changed if a family member started abusing drugs or was addicted? How would your family deal with the individual?

A family tends point fingers and blame each other for every mistake made which is usually not the way to get past it. I expect that the family would want the member to get help and get them cured of the “disease” but sometimes, they might come off as too pushy or not understanding enough; this could cause the drug user to feel pressured, resulting in possible relapse. A family could easily be torn apart with a conflict like this. But my family would come closer together to help the addict recover fully.

Policies and Effects on Others

Punishment for having or selling the drug in Indonesia and Singapore.

Singapore: More than 250 grams of methamphetamines - mandatory death sentence by hanging.

Indonesia: Drug laws provide for sentences of up 20 years for marijuana offenses and for the death penalty in narcotics trafficking or conspiracy cases. But most simple ecstasy, methamphetamine, or heroin possession cases result in prison terms ranging from one to five years.

How Methamphetamine affects families and communities, the economic costs to individuals, the community and law enforcement.

Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous and street expensive drugs. Since it can be made at home, it is more difficult to track down Meth trafficking, making our communities more vulnerable to expansion. Meth is also the cause of many deaths, accidents and injuries that can tear a family apart.

Graphs and Statistics

Statistics of Methamphetamine

Meth lab seizures have gone up 577% nationally (USA) since 1995.

Meth is surpassing cocaine as the drug of choice in Oklahoma. The office reports Meth is found in more cases of homicides, and motor vehicle accidents.

The estimated cost of making Meth is $100 an ounce, with a street value of $800 an ounce.

Meth's street value is approximately $3,000 per pound.

Methamphetamine led to 10,447 visits to emergency departments in 1999, down from a peak of 17,665 in 1994.

Methamphetamine contributed to nearly 500 deaths in 1998, the last year for which data are available.

Approximately 8% of high school seniors surveyed in 2000 had used methamphetamine at least once in their lives. An unknown number of teenage users may have dropped out of school before reaching senior year.

It costs government an average of $2,000 to clean up a methamphetamine lab.

The graph above shows the amount of Methamphetamine seized (in kg) every year from 1992 to 2004.



This graph shows the number of homes investigated for Meth labs and the number of arrests in comparison every year from 1992 to 2004.

Methamphetamine

What drug are you researching?

Methamphetamine

What are the street names of the drug?

Crank, crystal, crystal meth, meth, Christina, ice, speed, trash, garbage, wash.

How is the drug taken?

The drug, like many illicit substances, may be injected, ingested, snorted, or smoked.

Is the drug a stimulant or depressant?

Stimulant

A brief history of the subject/drug and its classification:

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 abuse. It became a cure-all for people wanting to stay awake, for weight control, for increasing athletic performance and to treat mild depression.

Does the drug have a medical use? If so what is it?

There are a few accepted medical reasons for its use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and - for short-term use - obesity; but these medical uses are limited.

Short term effects

Methamphetamine causes wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, hyperthermia, euphoria,

Long term effects

Slowed motor skills and weakened memories in the individuals.
Abusers who remained abstinent for at least nine months were found to have recovered a little but their motor skills and memories were not found to have significantly recovered.
Brain damage, memory loss, psychotic-like behaviour, heart damage, hepatitis, and HIV transmission.

Side effects

Suicidal thoughts, confusion, chest tightness, chest pain or heart palpitations, shortness of breath, more outgoing or aggressive behaviour than normal, strange behaviour, hallucinations, restlessness, uncontrolled movements.

Withdrawal effects

Fatigue, irritability, excessive sleep, disturbed sleep, irritability, increased appetite, depression, psychotic reactions, anxiety.

Price of the drug if known both locally and from your home country or another country.

Retail price per gram
Indonesia: 961,140 Rp ($93.6)
Singapore: US $ 166.7

Certified by Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd
Seattle Grace Hospital

General Information about Drugs

What parts of the brain are affected by drugs? By your drug?

Drugs are chemicals that tap into the brain's communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information.
Methamphetamine stimulates the brain cells, which in turn would enhance temperament and body moment.

Why do people abuse drugs?

Curiosity, to avoid feeling (drug taking is daring and exciting), peer pressure, to fit in, to feel more self confident, to escape from problems or from outside pressures, to relax and ‘feel good’, ease of access to drugs, some medications physically addictive.

What is an addiction? What does this mean? How do people become addicted?

Addiction is a brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. This means that once a person is addicted to something (anything), physically, they cannot control themselves and will go to distant measures to obtain that thing. Although for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions.

How many different classes of drugs are there and what are there names?

Narcotics, amphetamine-type stimulants, cannabis, depressants, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids.

Certified by Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd
Seattle Grace Hospital

About me

My name is Meredith Grey and I'm a surgeon from Seattle Grace Hospital with my husband (a neuro surgeon), Derek Shepherd.

We're both trying to spread the awareness of the issue of a highly dangerous drug, Methamphetamine and it's effects on cognitive behavior and decision making. Also, we want to educate on the common concerns of this deadly stimulant.

This drug is widely seen as the cause of several health problems in our hospital alone and we want to act quickly before it gets even more out of hand.