the cost and availability. Meth is very inexpensive to make, which also makes it less expensive to buy. Almost anyone can manufacture meth because it is so simple. If a person has internet access, it’s as simple as typing in a few key words and then the recipe and instructions are available in a matter of seconds. Meth is much cheaper than cocaine and is a lot more appealing to drug users because the high produced by meth lasts a lot longer than that of cocaine. A single hit of meth can keep an addict in a euphoric state of consciousness for up to twelve hours and only cost a mere five dollars. Cocaine, on the other hand, can cost around ten dollars and the effects can only be felt for a very short time, nowhere near the twelve hour high that doing meth creates. Because meth is less expensive and more accessible, meth has become the drug of choice among many people in the Inland Empire and is a problem among so many. Another reason that meth use is so popular is because it appears to improve self image.
A lot of meth users, especially females, use meth to rapidly lose weight and feel energized. Women feel so much pressure to be thin and to look like what the media has portrayed as beautiful, that using meth has become a “quick-fix” to becoming and having that perfect body image. Using meth takes a lot less effort than dieting and exercising and the results are seen and achieved at a much faster rate than diet and exercise alone. Meth suppresses the appetite and makes a people feel as if they are not hungry, thus resulting in the rapid weight loss. Meth also gives a feeling of confidence and a boost of energy. People who are on meth are also more confident in social situations and are more likely to mingle when they might not have otherwise done so. Some people use meth to be social at all night parties and to keep up with everyone else that is partying. Meth has also been used by people to help them deal with depression and feelings of hopelessness. When a person whom is depressed takes meth, they have feelings of strength and what almost seems to be a super human power that they might not otherwise
feel. One last cause of meth abuse is that people think it helps them to be more confident and possess a higher self-esteem. Furthermore, the meth trend is especially noticed in athletes, students, and blue collar workers. Athletes use the drug to help with performance and energy. An athlete might binge on meth before a big track meet or even before a strenuous wrestling tournament. Athletes may also use meth to train vigorously and remain focused. Some students also use the drug to stay awake. Students may want to stay awake all night to cram before a big test. Using meth keeps the student awake and alert for hours on end. Meth use is becoming more noted in blue collar workers. The working class use meth to reduce fatigue and maintain productivity. Some workers are using meth and becoming more competitive. The working person on meth can work longer hours and work harder, giving the meth user a feeling of being more productive while fighting feelings of fatigue. Meth use in the Inland Empire is a growing phenomenon that is destroying lives. There are a number of reasons that cause people to become meth users. People use meth because it costs less and is easily attainable. People also use meth to improve a distorted self image. The most common reason that causes people to use meth is to improve performance at work, school, or in sports. Meth has no preference and targets anyone and everyone regardless of sex, gender, race, age, social class, or master status. Meth is definitely a serious ongoing problem that affects society as a whole. No matter what, everyone is impacted by this terrible drug.