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Methamphetamine

What is methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine is made of highly volatile, toxic substances (based on such chemical "precursors" as methylamine and amyl amine) that are melded in differing combinations, forming what some have described as a "mix of laundry detergent and lighter fluid."

How is methamphetamine used?

Methamphetamine can either be snorted or injected, or in its crystal form 'ice' smoked in a pipe, and brings on a feeling of exhilaration and a sharpening of focus. Smoking methamphetamine results in an instantaneous dose of almost pure drug to the brain, giving a huge rush followed by a feeling of euphoria for anything from 2-16 hours.

What are the symptoms of methamphetamine use?

The symptoms of methamphetamine use include but are not limited to:

  • Unpredictability of behavior
  • Spur-of-the-moment crimes
  • Decreased appetite
  • Possible weight loss
  • Rotting teeth
  • Dilated pupils
  • Paranoia
  • Picking at skin
  • Decreased interest in appearance
What is methamphetamine addiction?

Methamphetamine addiction has three patterns: low intensity, binge, and high intensity. Low-intensity abuse describes a user who is not psychologically addicted to the drug but uses methamphetamine on a casual basis by swallowing or snorting it. Binge and high-intensity abusers are psychologically addicted to methamphetamine and prefer to smoke or inject methamphetamine to achieve faster and stronger high. Binge abusers use methamphetamine more than low-intensity abusers but less than high-intensity abusers. As far as we know, methamphetamine does not create a physical addiction in the user. However, this drug is extremely psychologically addictive.

What are the symptoms of methamphetamine addiction?

The symptoms of methamphetamine addiction include but are not limited to:

  • Increased alertness
  • Sense of well-being
  • Intense high
  • Hallucinations
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Convulsions
  • Increased heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Severe depression
  • Premature aging
  • Anxiousness
  • Body odor
  • Moodiness and irritability
  • Sense of confidence and power
What is Methamphetamine withdrawal?

Methamphetamine withdrawal, length and severity of depression is related to how much and how often methamphetamine was used. Withdrawal symptoms including, cravings, exhaustion, depression, mental confusion, restlessness, insomnia, deep or disturbed sleep, may last up to 48 hours.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal symptoms included but are not limited to:

  • Fatigue
  • Long, disturbed periods of sleep
  • Irritability
  • Intense hunger
  • Moderate to severe depression
  • Psychotic reactions
  • Anxiety
What are the psychological effects of methamphetamine?

Anxiety, emotional swings, and paranoia are the most common psychological effects due to chronic use of methamphetamine. Symptoms increase with long-term use, and can involve paranoid delusions and hallucinations. Violence and self-destructive behavior are common.

What are the short-term effects of methamphetamine?

The effects of methamphetamine can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Meth's effects increases arousal in the central nervous system by pumping up levels of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. At low doses, methamphetamine boosts alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue. At higher doses, methamphetamine causes exhilaration and euphoria. At very high doses, the effects of methamphetamine can cause agitation, paranoia, and bizarre behavior.

The short-term effects of methamphetamine include but are not limited to:

  • Wakefulness
  • Physical activity
  • Memory loss
  • Intense sensation or rush
  • Damaging of nerve terminals
What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine?

With chronic use, tolerance for methamphetamine can develop. In an effort to intensify the desired effects, users may take higher doses of the drug, take it more frequently, or change their method of drug intake. In some cases, abusers forego food and sleep while indulging in a form of binging known as a "run," injecting as much as a gram of the drug every 2 to 3 hours over several days until the user runs out of the drug or is too disorganized to continue.

The long-tern effects of methamphetamine include but are not limited to:

  • Toxic effects on the brain
  • Stroke
  • Dependence
  • Addiction psychosis
  • Shortness of breath
  • Welts on the skin
  • Depression
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Increased blood pressure