National Meth Awareness Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Meth Awareness Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Meth Awareness Day is observed on November 30th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Meth Awareness Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about National Meth Awareness Day.

📅 What day is National Meth Awareness Day 2024?

In 2024, National Meth Awareness Day is on Thursday, November 30th. It is the 5th Thursday in November; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about November 30, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On November 30th each year, National Meth Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of methamphetamine on individuals, families, and communities. The day also aims to provide options for treating meth addiction. It is interesting to note that President George W. Bush declared this day an official holiday in 2006. Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or crank, is a potent stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is commonly used by young adults and party-goers at clubs and events. Methamphetamine is the second most abused illicit drug worldwide. The substance has been associated with brain damage, aggressive behavior, and high blood pressure. However, it is worth mentioning that when methamphetamine is used under medical supervision, it can have beneficial effects.

📜 National Meth Awareness Day History

In 1893, a Japanese scientist named Nagai Nagayoshi discovered a way to create methamphetamine from the ephedrine molecule found in the ephedra plant. This plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Later, in 1919, a Japanese pharmacologist named Akira Ogata optimized the production of methamphetamine using red phosphorous and iodine, creating the world’s first crystal meth.

In 1938, a German pharmaceutical company called Temmler started mass-producing methamphetamine under the name Pervitin, as a nonprescription medication. During World War II, German soldiers extensively used this medication to increase endurance and combat fatigue. It is also claimed that military troops from Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom used the drug.

However, due to the negative side effects, the military began reducing its usage in 1940. In the 1950s, methamphetamine was included in a new medicine called Obetrol, developed by Obetrol Pharmaceuticals to treat obesity. It was also used during this time to enhance mood and wakefulness, eventually becoming a diet pill.

As the addictive nature of methamphetamine became known, authorities started cracking down on its manufacture and distribution. In the 1970s, the Controlled Substances Act classified methamphetamine as a “Schedule II” controlled substance.

In the early 1990s and early 2000s, crystal meth use surged in the United States, with more than 5% of the adult population reportedly using it. In 2006, the United Nations identified it as the most widely abused hard drug globally. In the same year, President George W. Bush declared November 30th as National Meth Awareness Day.

✅ National Meth Awareness Day Facts

🔖 The susceptible age group
Individuals aged 18 to 25 have a higher propensity to use addictive substances.

🔖 Population drug addicts
Around 40 million individuals in the United States who are 12 years old and older are currently struggling with a substance dependency.

🔖 The cost to the country
Each year, the economy of the United States suffers losses exceeding $600 billion due to alcohol and drug addiction.

👍 Why Is National Meth Awareness Day Important

The goal of National Meth Awareness Day is to educate the public about the hazards of meth usage to themselves, their families, and their communities. Since its inception in 2006, events, forums, and awareness initiatives on that day have helped educate the public about meth usage and how to handle it.

More and more individuals are becoming aware of the physiological, emotional, and social implications of meth use as a result of National Meth Awareness Day campaigns. This has served to deter potential users, particularly young individuals, from using the substance.

Providing treatment alternatives for meth addicts is one of the primary activities of National Meth Awareness Day. On that day, clinics, rehabilitation institutes, and drug misuse groups give free consultations to anyone seeking help for their meth addiction.

🙂 How To Observe National Meth Awareness Day

⚡ Talk about meth addiction on social media
If you have a significant following on social media, use it as an opportunity to educate your friends and followers about the dangers of methamphetamine use. Additionally, consider participating in National Meth Awareness Day by creating a podcast or a YouTube video to raise awareness on this issue.

⚡ Host an awareness event
If your organization is worried about drug use, you have the opportunity to make use of National Meth Awareness Day to create a program that educates individuals on the dangers of misusing this substance and the various treatment options available. Typically, it is common to organize Twitter Spaces to reach a large audience and give guests the chance to share their thoughts and opinions. Additionally, you could take extra steps by organizing a local event or conducting a door-to-door campaign to raise awareness in your community.

⚡ Help someone through meth addiction
If someone close to you or someone you are familiar with is struggling with meth addiction, there are ways you can support them in overcoming it. Start by recognizing the signs of meth addiction and consider seeking help from therapy professionals in your area. Online resources like Psychology Today or a simple Google search can guide you to find addiction therapists nearby. Once you decide to assist them in their recovery journey, it is important to stay committed and see it through until the end to minimize the risk of relapse.

📅 When is National Meth Awareness Day?

Explore all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Meth Awareness Day. So be sure to check back soon.