Methamphetamine
By Brett Veilleux
What is Meth?
Meth is a whitish or yellowish crystalline powder, crystals or pill. It can be snorted, smoked, injected, or swallowed. It is composed of pseudoephidrine, a decongestant, and a number of toxic ingredients such as dry cleaner or lye.
Common chemicals: acetone, lithium, toluene, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid
Meth can be prescribed by a doctor but its uses are limited and it is taken in much smaller doses than abusers.
Classification
Meth is a synthetic stimulant, which excites the central nervous system. It causes an increased alertness or physical activity, elevating mood and energy, and then leads to rebound depression and anxiety.
Slang Terms
Ice, speed, chalk, crystal, glass, crank, yaba, fire, tina, tweak, poor man's cocaine, uppers, trash, yellow bam, methlies quick, go-fast, stove top
How meth alters consciousness
Meth increases the release and blocks the reuptake of dopamine, causing a high amount of dopamine in the brain. Since dopamine is involved with pleasure and reward large releases of it in the pleasure centers of the brain cause a rush or euphoria.
Effects
Psychological effects: mania, paranoia, obsessive compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, and psychosis
Physiological effects: brain damage, organ failure, stroke, open sores, extreme weight loss, rapid heart beat, and rotting teeth
These effects can still be present years after using meth
Dependence
Psychological: mood swings, depression, getting no enjoyment from usual activities, feeling irritable, angry, agitated, restless, insomnia, problems with concentration and memory, cravings for meth
Physical: chemical and molecular changes in the brain, lack of energy, aches and pains,
Myths
- Meth dependence is not treatable
- Average time from first use of meth to death is five years
- Using meth makes holes in the brain