Meth Frontline Response

Frontline Summary:

Starting in California and Oregon, but spreading to the Midwest, the Meth epidemic has become a nationwide problem. Journalists at the Oregonian suggest that the epidemic has fallen and risen in the same pattern as the purity of Methanphetamines available. A new method of baking, called the shake and bake, allows almost anyone, including addicts, to create the drug. 

Meth impacts the brain of the user. It targets the levels of dopamine in the brain. Taking Methanphetamines produces an euphoric rush that is almost impossible to recreate. This is the reason addiction occurs almost instantaneously. 

NPR Summary:

Journalist Jonah Engle investigated the dangers and methods of cooking Meth. The most popular, and easiest way, is called "Shake and bake". Using ingredients found in cold medicines and a few other chemicals, the basis of the process is shaking the ingredients to produce a crystallized form. The danger in this method is not only because of the unreliability of the chemical reaction, but also in the people who are created it. Meth addicts usually produce meth. The addicts who haven't slept in days and are most likely going through withdrawals, are tampering with dangerous, almost lethal chemicals. Overall, the dangers are great when using this "simple" method and is in no way safer than any other methods.

Citations:

The Meth Epidemic. Dir. Frontline. 14 Feb. 2006. Frontline. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/etc/synopsis.html>.

"Big Pharma and Meth a Cooks: Keep Cold Meds Over the Counter ." NPR. 26 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/2013/09/26/226476602/big-pharma-and-meth-cooks-agree-keep-cold-meds-over-the-counter>.
 
"DrugFacts: Methamphetamine." National Institue on Drug Abuse. Jan. 2014. Web. 4 Mar. 2014.