The Meth Epidemic (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

This paragraph discusses the destructive effects of methamphetamine on communities in America. It highlights the addictive nature of the drug, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the impact on individuals' lives. The narrator explains the shift in meth production due to new laws controlling key ingredients, and the pharmaceutical industry's resistance to further regulation. The paragraph also touches on the economic significance of the cold medicine industry and the controversial 'Oregon solution' as a potential answer to the meth crisis.

Deputy Bret King, who was responsible for booking meth users in Portland jails, noticed the severe changes in addicts, as seen through their booking photos. The physical toll of meth use is highlighted, with stories of deterioration over time. The paragraph also covers the broader societal effects of meth, including its role as a leading cause of property crime and its impact on child welfare, with many children being placed in foster care due to their parents' meth use.

Reporter Steve Suo from the Oregonian newspaper investigates the meth epidemic, using data to create maps that show the rise in addiction across the United States. The narrative also explores the personal experiences of police officer Travis Fields, who describes the telltale signs of meth use and the high rate of property crime committed by meth addicts. The paragraph further discusses the meth-for-goods exchange system used by some dealers, contributing to the cycle of theft and addiction.

The paragraph details the collateral damage caused by meth addiction, particularly on children and families. It shares stories of children in foster care due to their parents' meth production and abuse, and the harrowing experiences they've endured. The state of Oregon's innovative treatment program is introduced, along with a reporter's investigation into its effectiveness. The neuroscience behind meth addiction and the brain's dopamine response is also explained.

This section delves into the chemistry of meth and its effect on the brain, particularly its impact on dopamine levels. The comparison of meth's effect to other pleasurable activities and the resulting changes in the brain's reward system are discussed. The paragraph also explores the relationship between the purity of meth and the severity of addiction, leading to a greater understanding of the meth epidemic's fluctuations.

Gene Haislip, a DEA official, proposed a strategy to combat meth production by targeting the chemical components used to make the drug. His approach was inspired by the successful crackdown on Quaaludes. The paragraph outlines the political and pharmaceutical industry pushback against the regulation of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, key ingredients in meth. It also describes the DEA's efforts to monitor and control the sale of these chemicals.

The paragraph discusses the rise of superlabs in the 1980s, which were capable of producing massive amounts of meth. The narrative follows Bob Pennal, who led the Fresno meth task force, as he investigates potential lab sites. It details the tactics used by law enforcement to detect and counteract these labs, including the use of hidden cameras and the impact of the Amezcua brothers' meth operation on the meth market in the United States.

This section focuses on the international supply chain that contributed to the meth epidemic. It discusses the oversight of factories producing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, the key ingredients in meth, and how the lack of regulation allowed for the diversion of these chemicals into the illegal drug market. The narrative also covers the DEA's efforts to disrupt the supply chain and the subsequent effects on the purity and availability of meth on the streets.

The final paragraph examines the role of the pharmaceutical industry in the meth crisis. It discusses the industry's opposition to the regulation of pseudoephedrine, which led to an increase in meth production using this ingredient. The paragraph highlights the consequences of this loophole, including a rise in meth purity and a subsequent increase in addiction rates across multiple states.