Methamphetamine
Definiton
Also known and meth, this illegal drug is a neurotoxin and potent phychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine classes that is used as a recreational drug.
Effects of Meth
In low doses, methamphetamine can cause an elevated mood and increase alertness, concentration, and energy in fatigued individuals. At higher doses, it can induce phychosis, rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue), and cerebral hemorrhage. Methamphetamine is known to have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Methamphetamine is neurotoxic to humans, damaging neurons in the CNS. Methamphetamine causes brain damage from long-term use in humans; this damage includes adverse changes in brain structure and function, such as reductions in gray matter volume in several brain regions.
Cost to Society
The production, distribution, sale, and possession of methamphetamine is restricted or illegal in many jurisdictions. Methamphetamine has been placed in schedule II of the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances treaty.