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Methamphetamine Abuse Crystal Meth Addiction
Signs
Methamphetamine
Abuse and Methamphetamine Addiction
Speed & Crank Addiction |
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Methamphetamine Abuse is a growing
problem due to Methamphetamine Addiction learn more about Methamphetamine
Warning signs and Methamphetamine Side Effects as well as Methamphetamine
Descriptions and Methamphetamine Photos
Methamphetamine
Abuse and Addiction is such a problem because it
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.
Methamphetamine is made in illegal
laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Street methamphetamine is
referred to by many names, such as speed, meth, crank and
"chalk." Methamphetamine Hydrochloride
comes in clear chunky crystals resembling ice,
which can be inhaled by smoking, and is sometimes referred to as ice, crystal,
and glass.
Methamphetamine Abuse Health Hazards
Methamphetamine
Abuse releases high levels
of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body
movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain
dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time,
Methamphetamine Abuse appears to
cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's
disease, a severe movement disorder.
| Methamphetamine
is taken orally or intranasally (snorting the powder), by intravenous injection, and by
smoking. |
Methamphetamine Abuse
Immediately after
smoking or intravenous injection, the methamphetamine user experiences an intense
sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes
The high 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. |
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Methamphetamine Abuse Research
Animal research going back more than
20 years shows that high doses of methamphetamine damage neuron cell-endings. Dopamine-
and serotonin-containing neurons do not die after methamphetamine use, but their nerve
endings ("terminals") are cut back and re-growth appears to be limited.
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 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.
A study in Seattle confirmed that
methamphetamine use was widespread among the city's homosexual and bisexual populations.
Of these groups, members using methamphetamine reported they practice sexual and
needle-use behaviors that place them at risk of contracting and transmitting HIV and AIDS.
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