Methamphetamine

It has come to my awareness that methamphetamine abuse has become quite a problem in our country. I have very little personal experience with this class of drug, however I am willing to learn and pass on what I find to you. If you suffer from abuse of methamphetamine I encourage you to contact me and share your experience. I would love to hear from you any time day or night.

According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), 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 limited therapeutic uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity.

Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and addiction. 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," "glass," "crank," and "tina."

Methamphetamine is taken orally or intranasally (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.

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.

Methamphetamine has come to be classified as the most dangerous drug in existence (moreso than crack cocaine) due to its chemical makeup. This makes it extremely hard for the human body to break it down. Not only is it dangerous to the user but it is detrimental to society as a whole in that the effects on the mind prompt the addict to become highly aggressive and extremely dangerous. There is also the fact that the labs involved in making methamphetamine contain highly explosive chemicals and those that come in contact take huge life-threatening risks.