Crystal methamphetamine is dangerously addictive and appeals to youth and young adults. It is cheap, and $10 a hit will keep a brain wired for up to twelve hours.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime not only are there many drug-related health ailments, but because crystalline meth can be used intravenously, it has the potential to increase the spread of HIV.
Physicians who specialize in addictions emphasize that this drug is second only to heroin in its addictive characteristics. For those seeking recovery, prognosis is bleak. Dr. Michael Sise, trauma surgeon at Mercy Hospital in San Diego says: “Meth carried a prognosis that is worse than many cancers.”
What is Crystal Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is an odorless, white, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Meth users take it orally, intranasally (snorting the powder), injection or by smoking.
Affects on the Brain
Methamphetamine increases the release of high levels of dopamine. This chemical neurotransmitter in the brain involves motivation, the experience of pleasure and motor function. Regular use of meth depletes the brain's supply of reserve dopamine. Without dopamine, a person loses interest in everything other than satisfying the addiction.
Taking small amounts of meth can result in increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heart rate, increased blood pressure, hyperthermia and wanting to be awake for extended periods of time.
Long term substance abuse has many negative consequences such as: extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances and violent behavior. Chronic meth users can also demonstrate several psychotic behaviors including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and severe delusions (for example, feeling as if an insect is crawling under the skin and the person then cutting away the skin to remove the perceived insect).
The intoxicating effects of methamphetamine alters judgment and lowers inhibitions, putting the users at risk. Injecting meth increases the possibility of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C, since contaminated needles are generally shared by more than one person.
How to Make Meth
In a few short hours meth can be manufactured using striker plates from matchbooks, drain cleaner and a few other household items. Anyone who can read instructions is capable of producing this powerful drug. Most meth comes from Mexican cartels that manufacture meth in “superlabs”.
A meth lab uses a variety of chemicals including explosives, solvents, metals, salts and corrosives. During the “cooking” process, additional compounds and by-products are produced, and the fumes, vapors and spillage associated with cooking is toxic.
Once a house, apartment or hotel room has been used to manufacture meth, a certified contractor must be hired to clean the lab as these volatile chemicals turn the environment into a hazardous waste site.
How Can I Tell if Someone I Care for is Using Meth?
Parents, family members and loved ones who suspect a person in their life may be using synthetic drugs like meth can be aware of several warning signs.
- changes in appearance (careless dressing, bloodshot eyes, etc.)
- changes in health (weight loss, loss of appetite, restlessness, apathy)
- changes in school or work performance
- money spending habits change, suspicious phone calls
- mood swings, sudden violent outbursts
- increased agitation and physical activity
- excited speech
- compulsive actions
- the presence of items needed for inhaling such as razor blades, mirrors, broken light bulbs, glass pipes, butane torches and drinking straws
Crystalline methamphetamine is a serious problem in society and educating children is essential to avert potential disaster. There are agencies such as CrystalMeth B.C. and Crystal Recovery that offer excellent detailed information and help for drug abuse.
Further Reading about Substance Abuse:
Huffing: Sniffing Inhalants is a Dangerous High
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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