Methamphetamine in Schools
In the 1960s, methamphetamine pharmaceutical products were widely available and extensively diverted and abused. The 1971 placement of methamphetamine into Schedule II of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) helped to reduce that form of meth use, but in the 90's a heavy resurgence in the pharmaceutical aspect occurred again, this time targeting children.
Prescription stimulants such as Ritalin,
Dexedrine and Adderall are all forms of amphetamine or methamphetamine and are,
in fact, speed. They are chemically very similar to the same pharmaceuticals
that were removed from the marketplace twenty years earlier.
The results of the use of these prescription stimulants are that millions of teenagers are now physically and mentally dependent on speed to get through the day, and through the natural process of growing up, are now using drugs to feel better.
Anecdotal evidence is
widely available, showing that there are a very high percentage of young adults
currently hooked on illicit drugs, who initially started out with a
prescription stimulant in school.
An estimated 1.2 million Americans aged 12 or older abused prescription stimulants within the last month, according to the latest national addiction survey. This is actually more than the number of people who abused street forms of methamphetamine, indicating what a seriously hidden problem this has become.