The history of crystal meth spans centuries, as different forms of methamphetamine have been used for various purposes over time. But it wasn’t until the 20th Century that the drug we know today as crystal meth came into existence. In this article, we’ll explore the complex history of crystal meth and trace its development from its early days in early 20th-century Japan to its current status in North America and beyond.
The History of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan in 1919 by a chemist named A. Ogata. At the time, it was used as a stimulant to help patients with narcolepsy, depression, and obesity.
Initially known as a “wonder drug” because of its perceived effectiveness and limited side effects, the production and distribution of methamphetamine were soon regulated by the Japanese government because of its potential to be abused.
In the 1970s, large-scale production and distribution of meth happened outside of East Asia, primarily in Mexico and the United States. Mexican cartels became involved in the trade after producing their version of the drug, known as “crystal meth.” This version of methamphetamine is highly addictive and has become extremely popular throughout North and Central America.
Crystal meth has become a growing problem worldwide due to its low cost, potentially long-lasting high, and easily accessible ingredients. It’s become a severe issue in some Asian countries with higher levels of production and distribution than ever before.
Early Synthesis of Crystal Methamphetamine
Crystal meth was originally invented during World War II as an alternative to treating cold and flu symptoms. While the drug’s history can be traced back even further to 1927, this is the first time it was synthesized for medical use.
At this time, crystal meth was considered a safer and more effective alternative to amphetamines. German chemists first discovered its structure in 1919. Still, it wasn’t until three years later, in 1922, that chemists at the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim came up with a way to synthesize it in its crystal form.
Interestingly, crystal meth wasn’t used much until World War II broke out. In 1939, the Nazis began using it as a stimulant on their troops, believing it would make them stronger and more alert on the battlefield. Sadly, they were wrong—only a few years later, in 1943, when the Allies saw how addicted their soldiers had become despite their claims of making them invincible warriors, they saw the dangers and outlawed its use for medicinal purposes throughout Europe.
Popularity and Availability of Crystal Meth in the 20th Century
Crystal Meth first gained widespread notoriety during the 20th Century. This was due to the rise of popularity in recreational drug use and its availability on the black market.
The first known large-scale production of Crystal Meth came in 1919 when a chemist named Nagayoshi Nagai first synthesized P2P (phenyl-2-propanone) to make methamphetamine called Amphetaland. Amphetaland was used to treat narcolepsy, depression, and other mental illnesses in Japan and Europe during the early 20th Century.
In the United States, the production of Crystal Meth began in 1954 with Smith, Kline & French Laboratories, which made Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride). It was used to treat obesity and ADHD until 1971, when it became a Schedule II substance, and its use was restricted.
The Rise and Consequences of Crystal Meth Abuse In
The rise of crystal meth can be attributed to the fact that it’s a relatively simple drug to manufacture. And since the ingredients are easy to obtain, it lends itself more readily to amateur “cooks.” As a result, people who would never have had access to drugs like cocaine or heroin suddenly began taking crystal meth in more significant quantities, leading to a surge of abuse on the streets.
Negatives of Crystal Meth Abuse
Today, crystal meth abuse is still a major problem for many communities worldwide. And it can cause some serious physical and psychological issues:
- Hallucinations & paranoia
- Uncontrollable behavior & violent outbursts
- Damaged blood vessels & an increased risk of stroke
- Damage to kidneys & liver
- Premature aging & decreased life expectancy
Even if you don’t think you’re at risk yourself, you should be aware of the potential consequences of using this potentially dangerous drug.
How to Prevent and Treat Crystal Meth Addiction
Governments have implemented prevention strategies from primary (targeting those who have never used drugs) to tertiary (targeting those who have already become addicted). These include education campaigns about the dangers of drug use and providing access to support services for those in need of help. They also provide access to treatment for those seeking recovery from addiction.
By implementing these strategies, authorities hope to reduce crystal meth use significantly over time, allowing more people access to safe and healthy lifestyles.
How to Get Help for Meth Addiction
The most important thing you can do for someone suffering from crystal meth addiction is to get them the help they need from an addiction professional. A qualified professional can evaluate the situation and recommend the best action.
In addition to talking to an addiction professional, it’s essential to ensure your addicted friend or family member gets the support they need from loved ones. Don’t be afraid to reach out and offer your support—sometimes, all it takes is a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a mental health professional or online support group that specializes in helping people struggling with crystal meth addiction. Together, you can work toward recovery.
