Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug. It’s highly addictive, which is why it’s still so prominent on the streets today. It goes by many names including crystal, meth, chalk, up, speed and shards. Regardless of the name that’s used, the drug is equally dangerous.
Methamphetamine is taken by mouth, snorted or injected. It can be dissolved in water or alcohol, too. No matter how it’s taken, it can affect the brain and cause addiction.
Should those who use or distribute methamphetamine face charges and penalties?
At the end of the day, those who use or abuse methamphetamine are addicted to the substance. Regardless of how that addiction started, what they really need is help. Without substance abuse treatment, people who are addicted to methamphetamine may relapse after going to prison or being jailed, which doesn’t help anyone.
Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. It has a high potential for abuse, which means that even if a person tries it only one time, they may become addicted.
Most cases of methamphetamine distribution between 2010 and 2014 started in northwestern Wisconsin, which just shows how prevalent it is in the area.
Why is it important for people to get help instead of facing prison sentences?
Incarceration certainly has its place, but with addiction, therapy is more important. People who receive therapy are more likely to benefit from the help they receive and may be able to reenter society as helpful, contributing citizens.
There’s also the fact that methamphetamine has a serious effect on people’s well-being. Long-term drug use has been associated with:
- Insomnia
- Mood disturbances
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- A decrease in motor skills
- Memory loss
- Violent behavior
- Weight loss
- Severe tooth decay
…and many other problems. No matter how seriously a person has violated the law, they deserve to live better than to struggle with drug addiction.
What should you do if you’re arrested for drug use or distribution?
It is important that you’re able to get the medical care you need as well as the support to break the cycle of addiction. You deserve a chance to recover instead of facing charges for actions that you could not control. Addiction does crazy things to people, but addiction does not define who you are.
Drug addiction and distribution are serious problems, but there are better solutions than incarceration. Your attorney can help you avoid or reduce the length of incarceration and get you the addiction treatment you need.
See our Drug Crimes legal service page to get help now!
Have you been affected by drug crimes? Contact Levine Law.
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