Adult ADD Strengths

Update: check out Part Two and Part Three of the Crystal Meth Series of posts

The Christian Science Monitor had a article on the meth epidemic.

A recent survey of 500 law-enforcement agencies by the National Association of Counties finds that 87 percent have seen increases in meth-related arrests in the past three years. Most county sheriffs now say meth is their main drug problem, connected to increases in robberies, burglaries, domestic violence, assaults, identity thefts, and child neglect.

As of 2003, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 12.3 million Americans had tried methamphetamine at least once - up nearly 40 percent over 2000 and 156 percent over 1996.

A BBC report on the same survey said half of the counties surveyed said 20% of people in their jails were there because of meth-related crimes. In some places it accounts for more than 50% of people detained, and law enforcement officials say burglaries, domestic violence and assaults have increased because of it.

It’s a problem in Canada too. The CBC Fifth Estate recently did a 41 minute documentary on it called the Dark Crystal. The full version is available to watch online

It’s a good video, one thing they mention is that meth lasts ten times longer than cocaine and is much cheaper. “Some kids say they get hooked after one or two tries”

I’ve read a variey of articles on the meth problem and haven’t seen much in the popular media on the possible ADD connection. People who have undiagnosed ADD are more likely to abuse alcohol and drug, since alcohol, tobacco and every illegal drug beside hallucinogens boost dopamine levels in the brain, the same neurotransmitters the ADD stimulant medications work on. Adders have lower levels of dopamine in their brains compared to non ADDers.

I have some articles on ADD and Addictions on my website here.

I’ll be listing some clinical articles detailing the connection between meth and ADD in my next post.