Crystal Meth 101

History of Tina

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Tina is a subtype of methamphetamine, which in turn is a form of amphetamine. Like many recreational drugs, amphetamine was a medicine. Here is a brief timeline of meth:

Late 1800s
  • Amphetamine and Methamphetamine first created in Germany, originally with no medicinal purpose
1930s
  • Amphetamine used as over-the-counter bronchodilator in US and Australia for coughs and colds
1937
  • Tablet amphetamine developed to treat obesity, narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and fatigue
1940s
  • Amphetamine taken by German, Japanese and American soldiers for energy, to stay awake and aggressive. Adolf Hitler received injections daily.
1950
  • Japanese workforce uses amphetamine to rebuild country’s economy.
  • Amphetamine used widely by housewives, athletes and students in North America.
Late 1950s
  • Methamphetamine psychosis identified as a problem affecting Japanese workforce
1950s – 1960s
  • Amphetamine used to treat obesity, depression, narcolepsy, fatigue, ADD/ADHD
  • Methamphetamine becomes more popularly used by late 1950s.
1959
  • Amphetamine no longer over-the-counter in US, prescription only
1960s
  • Methamphetamine reduced in production and use due to adverse health effects
1955-1975
  • Vietnam War soldiers use Amphetamine on a larger scale than in WWII
1970s
  • Amphetamine and Methamphetamine regulated in Australia
Late 1970s
  • Global market of illicit methamphetamine use increases, as Vietnam vets return from war.
  • Amphetamines and Methamphetamines used among biker gangs.
Late 1980s
  • Crystal Methamphetamine, a more potent form of Methamphetamine appears
1991
  • Crystal Meth identified as potential health problem in Australia
1990s
  • Internet facilitates dissemination of various recipes for making meth using household and store bought ingredients. Meth is made domestically in North America.
Late 1990s
  • Crystal Meth made more widely available in world markets, due to a world “heroin drought.” Crystal floods Australian drug scene.
  • Crystal enters North American gay scene, as a useful dance drug, for weekend-long circuit parties: centerpoints of community and connection among gay men
Early 2000s
  • Crystal Meth reported as popularly used for sex among gay men in North America
Mid-Late 2000s
  • Crystal Meth seems to temporarily decrease in popularity among gay men’s party scenes in North America. Meth identified as coming in waves, with ebbs and flows.
2013
  • Australian Crime Commission reports that Crystal Meth is a large-scale health problem for law enforcement and health care services
2015
  • Ontario Drug Treatment programs report increases in Methamphetamine use. Crystal Meth widely available through social media and sexual networking apps for gay men
Today
  • Amphetamine a last resort treatment for ADHD if other stimulants, e.g. Ritalin, Adderall etc., do not work