Basic Facts About Methamphetamines
What is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neurotransmission. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances naturally produced within nerve cells used to communicate with each other and send messages to influence and regulate our thinking and all other systems throughout the body.
The main neurotransmitter affected by methamphetamine is dopamine. Dopamine is involved with our natural reward system. For example, feeling good about a job well done, getting pleasure from our family or social interactions, feeling content and that our lives are meaningful and count for something, all rely on dopamine transmission. A synthetic drug, methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It is illegally produced and sold in pill form, capsules, powder and chunks. Methamphetamine was developed in the last century from its parent drug amphetamine and was originally used in nasal decongestants, bronchial inhalers, and in the treatment of narcolepsy and obesity. In the 1970s methamphetamine became a Schedule II drug - a drug with little medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Methamphetamines The Faces of Meth - See how using methamphetamines changes your appearance.
How is Meth taken? It can be smoked, taken intranasally (snorted), injected intravenously or ingested orally. The practice of "eating" meth by putting it on paper or food and chewing it also has been reported.
What are
the signs and symptoms of Methamphetamine use? In large doses, methamphetamine's frequent effects are irritability, aggressive behavior, anxiety, excitement, auditory hallucinations, and paranoia (delusions and psychosis). Abusers tend to be violent. Mood changes are common, and the abuser can rapidly change from friendly to hostile. The paranoia produced by methamphetamine use results in suspiciousness, hyperactive behavior, and dramatic mood swings.
Methamphetamine appeals to drug abusers because it increases the body's metabolism and produces euphoria, increases alertness, and gives the abuser a sense of increased energy. High doses or chronic use of methamphetamine, however, increases nervousness, irritability, and paranoia. The extreme paranoia that methamphetamine abusers can experience is often associated with a distorted tendency toward violence. Adverse consequences of methamphetamine abuse include the risk of stroke, heart failure, and prolonged psychosis.
Methamphetamine abuse has three patterns: low intensity, binge, and
high intensity. Low-intensity abuse describes a user who is not psychologically addicted to the drug and who administers the drug by swallowing or snorting it. Binge and high-intensity abusers are psychologically addicted and prefer to smoke or inject methamphetamine to achieve a faster and stronger high. The binge and high-intensity patterns of abuse differ in the frequency in which the drug is abused. In addition, while the binge pattern of abuse has seven stages within its cycle-rush, high, binge, tweaking, crash, normal, and withdrawal-the high-intensity abuse pattern usually does not include a state of normalcy or withdrawal.
The most
dangerous stage of methamphetamine abuse for abusers, medical
personnel, and law enforcement officers is tweaking. A methamphetamine abuser who is tweaking, has probably not slept in 3-15 days and, consequently, will be extremely irritable and paranoid. A tweaker does not need provocation to behave or react violently, but confrontation increases the chances of a violent reaction. If the tweaker is using alcohol, his negative feelings and associated dangers intensify.
Compared
with cocaine, which is metabolized rapidly in the body,
methamphetamine is metabolized slowly; up to 2 days are required
to eliminate a single dose. Rapidly absorbed when taken orally,
the effects of the drug peak within 2 to 3 hours and are measurably
effective in the body for up to 8 hours. Several hours after the last use, the individual experiences a drastic drop in mood and energy levels. Sleep begins and may last for a long period and, upon awakening, severe depression exists that may last for days. While users are in this depressed state, suicide is a major concern. These symptoms occur after use and may be reversed by taking another dose of methamphetamine, thereby fitting the definition for a withdrawal syndrome.
Short Term Effects:
Effects on the Mind
Long Term Effects
Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. Like cocaine, it is a powerful "upper" that produces alertness, and elation, along with a variety of adverse reactions. After the effects of methamphetamine wears off, it can cause severe withdrawal that is more intense and longer lasting than both speed and cocaine. After the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. The effects are not only long lasting, but continue to cause damage to the user long after use has stopped. Methamphetamine abuse can also lead to legal, financial, and social problems. Addiction to methamphetamine can be very strong; therefore withdrawal symptoms are likely when use of the drug is discontinued Withdrawal Symptoms
Although a person addicted to crank or ice may experience withdrawal symptoms for a short time, the benefits to a person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an addiction to methamphetamines. These benefits include a longer, healthier life and greater enjoyment of everyday activities
Links |
||
|
Statewide Meth Tip Line - 1-866-METHTIP (866-638-4847) |
||
|
This page is sponsored by Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency |
||
|
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by the Branch County Substance Abuse Task Force and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of the Branch County Substance Abuse Task Force. Reference to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Branch County Substance Abuse Task Force. The views and opinions of authors expressed on those websites do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Branch County Substance Abuse Task Force. |
Branch
County
