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The facts about
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug
chemically related to amphetamine, but with stronger effects on the central
nervous system. Street names for the drug include "speed",
"meth"", and "crank".
Methamphetamine can be ingested, snorted,
smoked or injected: depending on the form it is in. Crystallized
Methamphetamine known as "ice", "crystal", or
"glass" is a smokable and powerful form of the drug.
Where does Methamphetamine come from?
Meth is made from over-the-counter cold
medications in labs set up in a variety of locations including homes, apts,
motel rooms, pick-up trucks and rural locations such as barns. Meth can be
made quickly and inexpensively by mixing together medications and various other
chemicals such as paint thinner and drain cleaner. Meth production is very
dangerous as it produces invisible poisonous gases that are highly explosive.
Short-Term effects of the drug include:
- increased alertness
- sense of well-being
- paranoia
- intense high
- hallucinations
- aggressive behavior
- increased heart rate
- increased respiration
- increased physical activity
- convulsions
- hyperthermia--extreme rise in body
temperature
- twitching, jerking, flailing
- violent behavior
- insomnia
- impaired speech
- dry, itchy skin
- loss of appetite
- acne, sores
- numbness
Effects on the mind include:
- disturbed sleep
- excessive excitation
- excessive talking
- panic
- anxiousness, nervousness
- moodiness and irritability
- false sense of confidence and power
- delusions of grandeur leading to
aggressive behavior
- lack of interest in friends, sex or food
- severe depression
Long-Term effects include:
- fatal kidney and lung disorders
- possible brain damage: hallucinations,
delusions, repetitive behavior patterns and formication (delusions of
insects or parasites on the skin)
- depression
- disorganized lifestyle
- permanent psychological problems
- violent and aggressive behavior
- weight loss, malnutrition
- insomnia
- decreased social life
- poor coping abilities
- disturbance of personality development
- lowered resistance to illness
- liver damage
- stroke
- DEATH
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- severe craving
- insomnia
- restlessness
- depression
Withdrawal symptoms include:
Babies tend:
- to be asocial
- to be incapable of bonding
- to have tremors
- to have birth defects
- to cry for 24 hours without stopping
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