The Devil's Drug

Well, it is now official. There is a epidemic ruining America county by county. It's not the flu, and believe it or not, it's not AIDS either. Methamphetamines, commonly known as meth, have become the new scourge of the Midwest, but also run rampant through the South, the West, and the East. It is a problem that cannot be ignored. (The above linked AP story is from my hometown Evansville, IN)

There are debates on where meth first appeared, but the Amphetamine groups was first synthesized in Germany in 1887. In 1919, the drug was know today as Methamphetamine was created in Japan. After it's synthesis in 1919, it was found that the compound could be used to 'increase alertness, alleviate fatigue, and create euphoria the result of their ability to mimic adrenaline'. That may be why during World War II the governments of Germany, Japan and the United States used it to give to their soldiers.

Even then, the result of the addictive properties of the drug were seen. "It is estimated that ... by the end of the war, at least 2 percent of the adult Japanese population were dependent on the drug." By 1970, the U.S. government finally realized the horrible effects of Meth use, and included it in it's Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The website I have used as a source claims that there have been three distinct outbreaks of Meth use; 1950s, 1960s and from mid-1990s to current day. I recommend that you read this site and learn what we will be fighting for years to come!

So why now? Why does the epidemic have to be so prevalent now? There have been recent reports that use of Meth, also known as crank, speed, and ice, have doubled since just two years ago. And the most amazing thing to me, is how this junk is made. There are so many chemicals and steps to the process, that it seems these people have PHds in chemistry. Not also to mention that this process is deadly in the fact that it could explode at any time. They make it in their homes, they make it in their sheds, they even make it in their cars!

I have often said, this drug must have been made by Satan. I have even heard stories that Hitler had concocted it during World War II. And although I know men had a hand in it, I can't shake the feeling that some other other-worldly power was leading their hands. What addict could take cough medicine, anhydrous ammonia, battery acid, and numerous other chemicals that would be deadly by themselves to make such a deadly and addictive drug all at random?

Children born from the users of this drug have been found to be not only physically but mentally and physiologically behind. And guess who will have to take care of their needs. That's right, you and I. So not only do we have to watch our fellow citizens waste away, but care for their underdeveloped offspring. And add in HIV/AIDS, and that certainly is a deadly cocktail.

I use this saying a lot, but it will get worse before it gets better, but in this case, how much worse could it get. Congratulations Satan, you may have done it again.