Spotlight on: Methamphetamine
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According to Wikipedia, Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug. It is known by many names such as: meth, speed, chalk, ice, crystal, glass and tina. The drug works by entering into the brain and triggering the production of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, which causes a feeling of euphoria and excitement. This is, in large part, what makes it addictive to many people who abuse it.
Meth is an extremely addictive drug that can cause long lasting, potent damage to a person’s central nervous system. It is a Schedule II stimulant and is only available through a non-refillable prescription form. However, it still has a high potential for abuse.
A Brief History
Meth was first synthesized in Japan in 1893 and later, the crystallized version of meth was created in 1919. Amphetamine, which is a related compound was first synthesized in Germany in 1887. One of the first uses of methamphetamine was during World War II when it was distributed to pilots. Also, Adolf Hitler was given daily injections of the drug towards the end of his life; and there is much speculation as to whether or not the drug actually treated his Parkinson’s disease or caused its symptoms.
Effects and Usage
Methamphetamine can actually be found in Acacia berlandieri as well as Acacia rigidula trees that grow in western Texas. It can be taken orally, by injecting a needle, smoking the drug or by snorting a powder. The effects of methamphetamine are akin to the “fight-or-flight” response which includes: an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as increased focus, mental alertness, elimination of fatigue as well as lack of appetite. And while initially, meth can make the user feel great, eventually the drug will lead to dopaminergic degeneration. Some of the effects of long term use of meth include:
- increased craving for the drug
- weight loss
- rapid tooth decay (aka: “meth mouth”)
- loss of dopamine receptors (you won’t be able to feel as euphoric anymore)
- brain damage
- Formication (the sensation of your flesh being covered with crawling bugs, which leads to compulsive picking and infection of sores)
- paranoia, delusions and hallucinations
- kidney failure
Most people who die from meth use do so because of drug-related stroke, heart failure or hyperthermia. Currently, the most effective treatment for meth addiction is behavioral therapy such as cognitive intervention. If you know someone who is suffering from substance abuse, contact Mark Houston Recovery today.
Please check out some of the new pages at Mark Houston Recovery:
[...] all hear the stories about what happens to people who have a methamphetamine addiction; and usually the news is not good. There are a couple of popular videos on Youtube that show [...]
I am living with a recovering meth and alcohol addict. He has been clean and sober for 6 months. We almost lost our apartment an have had our electric shut off for several weeks at a time do to the drug use. Things financially are getting better since his sobriety has started, but I need help. I started going to Al-Anon meetings which are helping me a lot, but I still need help. I need to understand him, and I feel like he needs to understand me. His family and his drug counselor sort of put it in my hands to be the “watchful eye†to look out ofr warning signs of a relapse. Everytime I say i am nervous about him doing something he had done while he was using it tunrs into a huge argument. I just dont know what ot do or say anymore. I have been doing everyhting I cn to be supportive but not be controlling and pushy and enabling to him. . What can I do? Someone please help me!! he and I have barely spoken for the past three days due to this argument.
continue going to alanon, work your steps..leave him to god…..can’t be a cop in his life..if he want sobriety it is there for him, allow each soul to walk its path….