| Methamphetamine is an illicit drug and a powerful stimulant that is a derivative of amphetamine. Although amphetamines were intended originally for limited medicinal use, amphetamines are now used frequently as a catalyst in the formation of methamphetamine for the illicit drug culture. Methamphetamine causes both short- and long-term effects. Long-term use can lead to psychotic behaviors that include intense paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, and the delusion of things crawling under the skin. Manufacturing of the drug results in strong and foul smells, as well as a significant amount of toxic waste. Therefore, in rural areas of the United States, manufacturing practices appear to be on the rise. Furthermore, the increased availability in rural areas and the decreased need for transporting the drug may make it more marketable for youths and individuals with low income. Unfortunately, there is little research to support many of these potential etiological factors that may a promote the use of methamphetamine in rural areas. Using the fundamental characteristics of social learning theory and focusing on various aspects of an individual's external social structure, the researcher set out to provide an explanation and predictive factors related to who may become future users of methamphetamine in rural Minnesota. This quantitative causal-comparison research project attempted to provide an explanation of factors that may predict future use by exploring the source of available methamphetamine, income levels, and population of residence in Minnesota in relationship to the age of first use. |
