Case Study: Meth Epidemic Video (PBS Frontline, 2006)

• History of methamphetamine use and distribution in U.S.

• Example of “sociological imagination:” applying societal level analysis to individual problem (meth addiction)

• Reporter for The Oregonian analyzed trends in rehab rates – found similarities in all states

Case Study: Meth Epidemic Video(PBS Frontline, 2006)

• Drug addiction is individual problem, yet rates are consistent and predictable at state level

• Rates coincided with purity of meth produced

• Purity depended on access to ephedrine – Small operations – used cold medications– “super” labs – bought directly from drug

manufacturers– Increased drug companies’ profits

Case Study: Meth Epidemic Video(PBS Frontline, 2006)

• Meth use was social problem in Oregon– 85% of property crime– 50% of kids in foster care: parents were

addicts– Children exposed to chemicals, worked in labs

• DEA was given little support to fight it– Drug companies were making big profits– Globalization of trade – Mexico, Canada, India– When supply of materials was cut in U.S., drug

cartels bought from other countries

Case Study: Meth Epidemic Video(PBS Frontline, 2006)

• Concepts illustrated by this video– Theories that fit: strain, rational choice,

conflict– Increase in incarceration rates – due to

drugs?– Organized crime – powerful, interconnected

with legitimate institutions– Globalization of crime, economic impact of

crime