Chapter 9, “Life after Meth,” examines of life after immersion in the methamphetamine lifestyle. The struggles of those overcoming addiction and the challenges inherent in rebuilding legitimate lives are described. The far-reaching consequences of labels that stick—those related to addictions and convictions—are discussed.
Chapter 4, “Dealing Meth,” examines dealing and distribution, the second step of immersion in the life. Dealing is the critical link between users and suppliers of the drug. The motivations for involvement and patterns of dealing activities are described.
Chapter 10, “The Journey Ends,” discusses what is known about drugs in terms of research and policy. The limitations of current approaches and responses are presented, along with the essential elements needed for change. The chapter ends with a discussion of shifts in policy responses occurring at federal and state levels. The chapter concludes with a summary of the ongoing problem as it exists today and the conclusion of the story being told. As is shown, the end is really only the beginning.
Chapter 6, “An Intoxicating Life,” provides an insider’s view of the seductive and intoxicating lifestyle that accompanies immersion with methamphetamine. Interrelationships between the different dimensions of the life—use, dealing, and manufacturing—are described in rich detail. The underlying attractions to each of these diverse aspects are also explored.
Chapter 1, “Introduction to Darkness,” introduces the focus of this book. An overview of the methamphetamine problem and why it is important is presented. This chapter also describes the materials within each chapter that follows.
Chapter 7, “A Risky Life,” demonstrates how the meth-immersed life becomes increasingly risky, destructive, and dangerous over time. An insiders’ perspective on the negative experiences related to methamphetamine-fueled binges is presented. A detailed account of the accumulating perils that accompany dealing, manufacturing, and immersion is discussed.
Chapter 3, “Loving Meth,” addresses use, the first step of immersion in the life. Loving methamphetamine and the progression of use are critical steps in the lifestyle. An insider’s perspective on the benefits of and motivations for use, patterns of consumption, and personal preferences is presented. The attractions of psychoactive and social benefits are reviewed.
Chapter 8, “A Dark Life,” describes the darkness that encompasses the world of methamphetamine. An insiders’ view of the loss of self and crossing of moral boundaries is shown for what it is. Some of the most disconcerting, dangerous, and harmful aspects of immersion are described the perspectives of those who lived to speak of them.
Chapter 5, “Manufacturing Meth,” provides insight into the third step of immersion, involvement with clandestine manufacturing. How individuals learn to manufacture meth, the motivations for involvement, and patterns of production are discussed. Insights into the addictive aspects of the lifestyle are introduced.
Chapter 2, “Pathways to Methamphetamine,” presents information on the backgrounds and early life experiences of the adults in this study, including childhood experiences and early drug encounters. Significant social encounters shaped these adults as young children and set the stage for what followed. The histories of abuse and neglect, initial drug encounters, and first experiences with meth are discussed.
