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The Life and Times of Crystal Meth

A new book traces the drug's history, from panacea to pandemic

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 21, 2007 6:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – Even when it has the word "crystal" in front of it, meth is a downmarket drug, which summons up images of makeshift drug labs in run-down trailer parks. But meth, Salon notes in an essay on Frank Owen's new book, "No Speed Limit," has a rich history going back 90 years, spanning the whole socioeconomic gamut.  Meth has traveled from over-the-counter wonder-drug to a top scorer in the "Index of Truly Bad Shit."

Originally dubbed Benzedrine in the 1920s, meth was marketed as a cure-all for maladies ranging from obesity to schizophrenia, Owen writes. In World War II, he claims, "GIs consumed an estimated 200 million pills," and a vast number returned home with serious habits. From there, it made stops as "mother's little helper" in the '60s, and libido enhancer in the gay club scene of the '90s.

Graphic maps percentage of people 12 or older reporting meth use 2002-2005 by state; two sizes; 1c x 3 inches; 46.5 mm x 76.2 mm; 2c x 4 inches; 96.3 mm x 101.6 mm
Graphic maps percentage of people 12 or older reporting meth use 2002-2005 by state; two sizes; 1c x 3 inches; 46.5 mm x 76.2 mm; 2c x 4 inches; 96.3 mm x 101.6 mm   (Associated Press)
Detective Brian Lewis talks to a Wal-Mart pharmacist in London, Ky., on Thursday, June 14, 2007, about customers who have purchased excessive amounts of pseudoephedrine at the store. Wal-Mart does not participate in an online program, Meth Check, that allows law enforcement to track purchases of the regulated drug. Pseudoephedrine,...
Detective Brian Lewis talks to a Wal-Mart pharmacist in London, Ky., on Thursday, June 14, 2007, about customers who have purchased excessive amounts of pseudoephedrine at the store. Wal-Mart does not...   (Associated Press)
A Wal-Mart in London, Ky., on Thursday, June 14, 2007, has replaced boxes of pseudoephedrine products with cards to purchase the drugs from behind the counter. Pseudoephedrine, a main ingredient in meth, is commonly found in cold medicines and now regulated by federal law. (AP Photo/Samira Jafari)
A Wal-Mart in London, Ky., on Thursday, June 14, 2007, has replaced boxes of pseudoephedrine products with cards to purchase the drugs from behind the counter. Pseudoephedrine, a main ingredient in meth,...   (Associated Press)
Recovering Meth addict Barry Schmidt shows a string of keychains denoting the amount of time he has been drug free, as he stands in front of his house , in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Schmidt, 49, said he had to move from Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Omaha in order...
Recovering Meth addict Barry Schmidt shows a string of keychains denoting the amount of time he has been drug free, as he stands in front of his house , in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Schmidt,...   (Associated Press)
In this undated photo released by the Community Partnership, methamphetamine, colored with strawberry-flavored children's drink mix is shown in Springfield, Mo. The latest meth cut, known as Strawberry Quick, uses powdered drink mix to give the drug a pink coloring. The sweetness of the powder can make meth more palatable...
In this undated photo released by the Community Partnership, methamphetamine, colored with strawberry-flavored children's drink mix is shown in Springfield, Mo. The latest meth cut, known as "Strawberry...   (Associated Press)
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