Know the Risks of Methamphetamine (Meth)

Methamphetamine is an artificial stimulant that is very addictive and causes significant health problems and even death in many cases. Methamphetamine can be injected, snorted, smoked or taken orally and is usually used with other substances.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a prescription drug that is normally meant for treating medical conditions such as narcolepsy, hyperactivity, and weight loss. In addition to this, the drug was initially used as the main ingredient in medicine that is usually meant for nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. The drug is actually derived from amphetamine, which is its parent, and it is usually classified under the Schedule 2 stimulants group.

These are drugs which normally have a very high potential of abuse and hence addiction, so it is important to be knowledgeable about this drug. Another factor contributing to the abuse of methamphetamine is that this drug is usually made in clandestine laboratories and the ingredients which are normally used are household items that are readily sold over the counter.

The ready availability of the drug is what has made it such a common commodity in the streets where it goes by different names such as chalk and Meth. There are numerous ways that people who abuse this drug use it, and some usually prefer to smoke it. When this drug is smoked, it is usually referred to by names such as glass, crank and crystal. The drug has a white colour, bitter taste, is odorless and easily dissolves in alcohol or water.

The chemical structure of methamphetamine is quite similar to that of amphetamine, but it actually has a greater effect on the central nervous system, since it tends to remain in the brain for longer. These two drugs share certain similarities such as the effects produced which include: Increased activity, loss of appetite and an enhanced sense of well being. Initially, this drug was abused by white males who held blue collar jobs, but the situation is different now that almost every other group of people indulge in the habit.

Methamphetamine Statistics

Source: DrugAbuse.gov

Methamphetamine Statistics

When this drug is ingested, the user normally experiences a euphoric rush which usually lasts from 6 to 8 hours. This is the state which is associated with euphoria and well being but when the effects of the drug wear off, dysphoria becomes more prevalent. This is mainly why abusers of methamphetamine experience mood swings and sometimes tend to behave aggressively or violently when the effects of the drug have worn off.

Use and abuse of this drug have several side effects including the following: Confusion, hallucinations, mood swings, constipation, irregular heartbeat, lack of sleep after taking the drug, and oversleeping once the effects have worn off.

When this drug is used for a very long period of time, dependence becomes more prevalent, and withdrawal can be quite challenging due to the painful symptoms that are often experienced by people decreasing their dose. Moreover, treatment of abuse of methamphetamine sometimes takes longer as this substance tends to remain in the brain for longer than some others.

Methamphetamine Abuse Side Effects

Abuse of methamphetamine initially began in the area of San Diego, CA and the habit was more popular amongst white males who held blue collar jobs. The trend changed gradually and at the present moment, many people from various backgrounds indulge themselves in the abuse of this drug.

This is a drug that was first used in the medical circles in the earlier years of this century and it was extracted from amphetamine which is normally referred to as its parent. This drug was the main ingredient in medication that was meant for nasal decongestion and bronchial inhalers. In other instances, doctors use the drug to treat medical conditions that involve hyperactivity, narcolepsy and weight loss as well. This is however limited only to specific cases that the doctors will identify which require methamphetamine.

This drug is usually taken in various methods like snorting, smoking, injecting and orally. It is important to be on the lookout for any potential signs of methamphetamine abuse from a loved one or a friend. This is so that you may be able to help them recover from the habit in a successful manner. Methamphetamine abuse is a disease that usually has numerous side effects associated with it but abusers are mostly ignorant to them.

The most common side effects include: Dilated pupils, frequent sweating, tooth decay, weight loss, obsessive behavior, mood swings, loss of sleep, depression, rumbling conversation, talkativeness, paranoia, hallucinations, irregular heart beats, heart attacks and even death. Abusers who have been indulging in the behavior for a long period of time usually end up experiencing the side effects in a much more severe manner. The drug also causes a dependency towards it when it is used for chronic purposes and when this happens dosage will have to be increased in order for similar effects as before to be achievable.

Other side effects of methamphetamine abuse that you should also be aware of include: Suicidal thoughts, confusion, chest tightness, aggressiveness, and shortening of breath, strange behavior, agitation and uncontrolled body movements which are known as tics. Withdrawing from this drug is usually not an easy task mainly owing to the reason that it is highly addictive. Besides, the withdrawal symptoms that usually pop up once usage has been stopped abruptly are very painful and this is why most abusers are unable to recover alone.

It is advisable to seek medical intervention immediately when you realize that you are an addict or when you discover that a loved one is indulging in the habit. Abusers of methamphetamine usually leave various traces around the household that you can use in order to point out the destructive behavior to them. Signs that they usually leave around the house include: Meth pipes, broken light bulbs, strong smells, drug abuse items, spoons, hypodermic needles and plastic bags.

Methamphetamine abuse is quite dangerous since it has numerous other side effects of psychological and physiological natures. These are effects such as dizziness, rapid heart beat, dysphoria, euphoria, insomnia, tremors, headaches, constipation, unpleasant taste, dry mouth, impotence and dangerous sexual behaviour.

Methamphetamine Abuse Signs

Methamphetamine is a drug that has a white color and its appearance is similar to crystal chunks, ice or broken glass. The drug dissolves easily in alcohol or water, and this is mainly how people who abuse it administer it into their bodies, via injection. It is odorless and has a bitter taste.

Methamphetamine possesses a relatively high stimulant effect and this is mainly why users usually feel an energy boost, appetite decrease and an overwhelming sense of well-being when they take it. When the drug is ingested into the body, the user usually feels a sudden rush, an effect that normally lasts for anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. Once this effect has disappeared, abusers of the drug may tend to experience mood swings that can make them behave in an aggressive or violent way.

Methamphetamine is a drug that is classified as a Schedule 2 stimulant, which means that it has a very high potential of addiction and abuse. The drug has been in use since the earliest years of the twentieth century, and it was actually derived from its parent, amphetamine. Methamphetamine is also used as the main ingredient in medication that is used for nasal decongestion and in bronchial inhalers.

In addition to this, doctors also allow its usage in various circumstances in treating various medical conditions such as narcolepsy, hyperactivity, weight loss, etc. The drug is normally made in clandestine laboratories and this is one of the main factors that contribute to its ready availability and abuse.

It is advisable to acquire the essential information and knowledge about methamphetamine abuse so that you can help a family member or friend who needs medical intervention. It is therefore important to be able to identify the methamphetamine abuse signs so that the necessary treatment can be given to the abuser.

The most common physical signs of methamphetamine abuse include: Dilated pupils, darting eyes, frequent sweating, tooth decay, skin lesions, frequent sores which take long to heal, and weight loss. In addition to this, there are other behavioral signs that abusers of this drug also exhibit and it is significant to know them as well.

These signs normally include: Obsessive or fidgety behavior, performing a certain task repeatedly, mood swings, confusion, constant conversation that rambles, loss of sleep, depression, oversleeping after effects wear off, dangerous sexual behavior, frustration, lack of concentration, hallucination, and paranoia. The severity of these signs will normally depend on the period of time that the abuse has occurred and the dosage that was being administered.

If a loved one or someone else who you are living with is abusing methamphetamine, it is possible to notice some signs around the house. Signs to look out for include: Items for drug abuse, strong smells, broken light bulbs, Meth pipes, hypodermic needles, plastic bags and spoons. Once you have established a pattern of methamphetamine abuse, you should take the required steps for treatment to be administered.

Methamphetamine Abuse Symptoms

Statistics indicate that the number of people who are abusing prescription drugs such as methamphetamine is steadily rising in the United States. This is a drug that was derived from amphetamine, hence has similar effects, and was used in the manufacture of nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

Doctors also use the drug in certain circumstances to treat various medical conditions such as narcolepsy, hyperactivity, weight loss, etc. Methamphetamine is a drug which is classified as a Schedule 2 stimulant. These are drugs that have a high potential of addiction and consequently abuse. When the drug is used for a long period of time, the body develops a dependence on it, which means that the user will be required to take a higher dosage to maintain the same ‘high’.

Methamphetamine is a drug that provides a user with euphoric feelings that come in a rush and last from 6 to 8 hours. Once these feelings disappear, the user’s mood changes and they may become aggressive or violent. This drug is readily available because it is usually made in clandestine laboratories, and the ingredients used are normally found in the household. Historically, this drug was abused by white males holding blue collar jobs, but now people from all walks of life have begun using it for recreational purposes.

People who abuse methamphetamine usually exhibit certain symptoms that you can identify. The most common symptom is mood swings as the effects of the drug wear off, leaving the user in a state of mental imbalance. Other symptoms that you will also notice when dealing with a case of methamphetamine abuse include Frequent sweating, darting eyes, dilated pupils, tooth decay, skin lesions, frequent sores that take a long time to heal, weight loss and hallucinations.

These are usually the most common symptoms, although symptoms vary from case to case depending on the dosage that has been ingested by the user. Other symptoms include: Obsessive behavior, confusion, fidgety behavior, constant conversation, lack of concentration, risky or dangerous sexual behavior, paranoia, lack of sleep and oversleeping once the effects of the drug have worn off.

If the person who is abusing this drug is living in the same household with you, then it is advisable to check for other signs around the house. People who abuse methamphetamine usually leave items for drug abuse around, and you will also notice strong smells in the house. In addition to this, you might also notice Meth pipes, broken light bulbs, hypodermic needles, spoons and used plastic bags.

Abusers usually hide their behavior until it has escalated and is out of control, so it is advisable to detect a case of abuse as early as possible. This is important in helping them seek the essential help that they need.

Methamphetamine Abuse Withdrawal

Many people usually have the misconception that methamphetamine is a drug which is illegal and only sold in the streets. This is however not the truth of the matter mainly owing to the reason that doctors also prescribe the drug for certain medical conditions. Methamphetamine is a drug that belongs to the Schedule 2 stimulants group and this means that it is highly addictive hence its potential for abuse is consequently higher.

When someone has been using this drug for a relatively long period of time, the body usually develops a dependence towards it which means that it cannot function in the absence of the drug. In addition to this, tolerance is also created, and this normally requires an increase in the dosage in order for the desired ‘high’ to be achieved. Methamphetamine was extracted from amphetamine and it was used by doctors initially in treating medical conditions that required nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

Methamphetamine is a drug which tends to remain in the brain for a long time and this is why its effects are usually more elevated. On the other hand, once the body has become used to this drug it is usually very difficult to stop usage abruptly because of the withdrawal symptoms. The entire process of withdrawal is quite challenging, and this is the main reason why it is advisable to ensure that you seek professional assistance from a doctor for the withdrawal process.

People who usually take higher doses of methamphetamine experience more severe withdrawal symptoms that can lead to fatality especially in cases where this drug was abused in combination with other illegal drugs. There are numerous withdrawal symptoms of methamphetamine abuse and some of them include: Extreme fatigue, depression, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, confusion, mood swings and hallucinating. These symptoms are usually quite painful, and this is why some people usually opt to take the drug again in order to relieve them. Pregnant women who abused methamphetamine and stopped later on during the pregnancy usually leave their children prone to attacks from the withdrawal symptoms after birth.

In case you are taking methamphetamine as prescribed by the doctor then you need not worry about the withdrawal symptoms. Patients who are taking large doses should nonetheless discuss with their healthcare providers on the best course of action to take on that regard. There are some medications like antidepressants for instance which are usually given to people who are suffering from the methamphetamine abuse withdrawal symptoms. Apart from relieving the withdrawal symptoms, the antidepressants also enable an abuser to kick out dependence from the drug.

Another advisable thing that one should do is to reduce the amount of dosage administered gradually so that the withdrawal process can be made less painful. Other things that also come in handy when you want to stop using this drug are Yoga, exercise, and detoxification. It is important to note that methamphetamine is a drug which remains in the brain for longer so its withdrawal process and treatment as well all take a long time to be completed.