What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetatime is an illegal drug that can be administered through various methods including injection and smoking. First time users typically feel a strong “rush” after taking meth. With increased use, euphoric feelings are produced as well as a decreased appetite and hallucinations.
This drug is categorized as an addictive stimulant. This drug is so addictive that its users often need to attend a drug rehab facility. Consistent use of methamphetamine effects the central nervous system as well as various systems in the brain. Before these systems are negatively affected, many drug treatment facilities attempt to get users to stop abusing methamphetamine. Popular street names of methamphetamine include speed, crystal, tina, glass, meth and ice.
How is Methamphetamine used?
Methamphetamine can be snorted, swallowed, injected, or smoked. Smoking and injecting produces an extreme “rush” for the user, lasting a few minutes. Snorting or swallowing methamphetamine does not give off such an intense “rush” but rather produces euphoric, energetic feelings. Uncommon forms of taking this drug include anal insertion or insertion into the urethra.
Smoking meth is usually done through the use of a glass pipe or in aluminum foil. These methods are known as “chasing the white dragon” or “clucking”. Damage to the lungs has been documented with long-term exposure to methamphetamine smoking. Because of this danger, drug rehab at a drug treatment center is recommended for anyone addicted to the use of this drug.
Injection is a more dangerous method of taking methamphetamine. During injection, the user typically dissolves the drug and inserts it with a small needle. Injecting methamphetamine is known as “slamming” by some users. Common risks associated with injection include infections, and HIV or hepatitis due to the sharing of needles not properly sterilized. Inpatient drug treatment is available for users of this drug, and numerous others. This drug treatment seeks to stop further cases of infection by treating users while they still can be helped at a drug and alcohol rehab center.
Signs/Symptoms of Methamphetamine
A few signs of methamphetamine use include:
- Lack of an appetite
- Euphoria
- Nausea, vomiting
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Talkative
- Attentive, energetic
- Profuse sweating
- Panic attacks, paranoia
- Increase in physical activity
- Hyperthermia
- Tremors
- Wakefulness
- Raised blood pressure
Effects of Methamphetamine
Long-term effects of methamphetamine include:
- Hallucinations, paranoia, delusions
- Mood disturbances
- Repetitive movements
- Stroke
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Aggressive behavior
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Decay in teeth
- Brain damage
- Breaking down of muscles
- Kidney failure
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate
- Death
Methamphetamine use can be very dangerous. When large doses of this drug are taken, convulsions and a raised body temperature can occur. Death can even occur in some cases as a result of this drug’s toxic effects. Drug treatment centers offer drug rehab and are available to help in decreasing the death rate among users of this drug.