The Truth about Meth
Methamphetamine, or "meth," is a schedule II controlled
substance. It is highly abused and has become an epidemic
throughout the United States. Methamphetamine is a very strong
central nervous system stimulant.
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly
activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is closely
related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system
effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both drugs have some
medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their
therapeutic use is limited.
Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as
"speed," "meth," and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear
chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is
referred to as "ice," "crystal," and "glass."
Health
Hazards
Neurological hazards. Methamphetamine releases high levels of
the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells,
enhancing mood and body movement. It also appears to have a
neuro-toxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and
serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time, methamphetamine
appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in
symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement
disorder.
Addiction. Methamphetamine is taken orally or intra-nasally
(snorting the powder), by intravenous injection, and by smoking.
Immediately after smoking or intravenous injection, the
methamphetamine user experiences an intense sensation, called a
"rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes and is described
as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use produces euphoria
- a high, but not a rush. Users may become addicted quickly, and
use it with increasing frequency and in increasing doses.
Short-term effects:
The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even small amounts of methamphetamine include increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.
Long-term effects:
Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.
