Methamphetamine and Violence

Methamphetamine and Violence

Methamphetamine use and violence are synonymous. The effects of methamphetamine create a feeling of euphoria, confidence, motivation, and will also impair judgment. With a user’s inability to make rational decisions, methamphetamine abusers are liable to act violent. Darryl Inaba and William Cohen, authors of Uppers, Downers, and All Arounders, stated that, “The increased suspiciousness, paranoia, and overconfidence lead to misinterpretations of others’ actions, and hence to violence reactions.” (Inaba and Cohen, 121) It is noted that excessive methamphetamine abuse, such as when a user is under an amphetamine psychosis, will amplify symptoms and lead to atrocious thoughts such as suicide, homicide, and other acts of violence. These statements show the dangers of methamphetamine use, and the liability of violence that comes with its use.

A 2008 article written by Elizabeth A. Tyner and William J. Fremouw entitled “The Relation of Methamphetamine Use and Violence: A Critical Review” discusses the consequences of methamphetamine use, and the correlation between abuse and criminal activity. Even though it can be speculated that methamphetamine abuse drastically influences the crime rate, it is noted in the article that “In 2003, 21.5% of all drug arrests made by the DEA were methamphetamine related. Methamphetamine abusers were also described as being amongst the highest risk of offenders of property and violent crime.” (Tyner and Fremouw, 2008) The above statement describes methamphetamine abuse to be a national epidemic that is elevating our crime rates.

The authors state in the reading that the main findings in the article are inconclusive and continue to claim that the “Relation between methamphetamine and violence is methodologically problematic and limited merely to a vast accumulation of findings.” (Tyner and Fremouw, 2008) Although no data has been correlated to directly link methamphetamine use to violence, it is evident that methamphetamine abuse is indirectly correlated to violence simply because the symptoms of methamphetamine use and the ambiguous relevance it has to violence.

One examination found in the article was particularly interesting in relating methamphetamine use to violence. The study used a sample of 1580 arrestees from California (89.2% non- meth users, and 10.8% meth users), completed a survey shortly after they were arrested. Of the sample, 27.6% of methamphetamine users reported violent behavior compared to just 18.1% of non-meth users. (Tyner and Fremouw, 2008) Since the number of methamphetamine users was disproportionally smaller than the amount of non-meth users, this finding can speculate that methamphetamine users are more liable to commit violence crimes.

The one problem the article had was assessing and measuring drug use and violence together. Researchers must first define methamphetamine use (amount taken, frequency of use, and duration of use), and also define what constitutes violence. However, appropriate data taken from existing users who have a history of violence (through criminal backgrounds), can yield more conclusive results, thus making samples more relevant and conclusive. I believe that would make the article and its findings stronger, and hold more value.

This article reiterates the dangers of methamphetamine use, and the irrational decision making that can result. Through this reading, and the comprehended information I have obtained, methamphetamine use has the potential to alter the brains natural chemistry, and cause severe mental disorders for months after the drug has been removed from the system. If there was a past mental condition, symptoms of withdrawal as well as mental problems can last even longer. (Inaba and Cohen, 121)

Methamphetamine use and its relation to violence is apparent when the effects of the drug are examined. Looking at methamphetamine, and the effects it has on the body, it can be hypothesized that methamphetamine use will aggravate violent crime rates because of the way it alters a user’s state-of-mind and causes them to act irrationally. Methamphetamine users also must maintain their rather expensive habits, and will resort to violent acts such as robbery in order to make money to satiate their need for methamphetamine.  This article merely hypothesizes the connection between methamphetamine use and violent crime. Even though their samples and designs were methodologically problematic, it can be assumed that methamphetamine use and violent crime rates are interrelated. 

Tyner, E. A., & Fremouw, W. J. (2008). The Relation of Methamphetamine Use and Violence: A Critical Review. Aggression and Violent Behavior. 13, 285-297.

Inaba, D., & Cohen, W. (2007). Uppers, Downers, All Arounders. Medford, OR: CNP Productions Inc.