Methamphetamine or Meth Addiction
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Methamphetamine goes by the names meth, speed, crystal, glass, crank, tweak, and yaba. Meth and amphetamines have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited. Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
How does methamphetamine affect the brain
and body?
Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter
dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing
mood and body movement. It also appears to have
a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that
contain dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter.
Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced
levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms
like those of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement
disorder.
Methamphetamine is taken orally or intranasally
(snorting the powder), by intravenous injection,
and by smoking. Immediately after smoking or intravenous
injection, the methamphetamine user experiences
an intense sensation, called a "rush"
or "flash”, that lasts only a few minutes
and is described as extremely pleasurable. Oral
or intranasal use produces euphoria - a high,
but not a rush. Users may become addicted quickly,
and use it with increasing frequency and in increasing
doses.
What are the possible consequences
of methamphetamine use and abuse?
The central nervous system (CNS) actions that
result from taking even small amounts of methamphetamine
include increased wakefulness, increased physical
activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration,
hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects
include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors,
convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness.
Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.
Methamphetamine causes increased
heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible
damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing
strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine include
respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and
extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular
collapse and death. Methamphetamine also damages
neuron cell-endings. Dopamine- and serotonin-containing
neurons do not die after methamphetamine use,
but their nerve endings ("terminals")
are cut back and re-growth appears to be limited.
A study in Seattle confirmed that methamphetamine
use was widespread. Members using methamphetamine
reported they practice sexual and needle-use behaviors
that place them at risk of contracting and transmitting
HIV and AIDS.
Help! I have a loved one that needs help
with his or her addiction to methamphetamine.
Many individuals have approached their loved one
regarding his/her drug addiction, with no success.
It may be helpful when talking with your loved
one, to have a third party present that is professionally
trained and knowledgeable about drug abuse and
addiction.
To read more information on our Drug Intervention Program, Click Here or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158