Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth is a derivative of amphetamine, a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a Schedule II stimulant, which means it has a high potential for abuse and available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. Meth can be smoked, snorted, taken by mouth and injected. It is accessible in many different forms and may be identified by color, which ranges from white to yellow to darker colors such as red and brown. Meth comes in a powder form that resembles granulated crystals and in a rock form known as "ice" which is the smokeable version of meth that came into use during the 1980's.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2006 there were an estimated 731,000 current users of meth aged 12 or older. Of the 259,000 people who used meth for the first time in 2006 , the mean age at first use was 22.2 years, which is up considerably from the mean age of 18.6 in 2005. From 2005 to 2006, lifetime meth abuse increased among those 26 and older, particularly those 26-34 years of age.
Meth can easily be manufactured in clandestine laboratories using ingredients purchased in local stores. Over-the-counter cold medicines containing ephedrine and other materials are "cooked" in meth labs to make meth.
Meth labs can be portable and are easily dismantled stored or moved. This portability helps methamphetamine manufacturers avoid law enforcement authorities. Meth labs have been found in many different types of locations, including apartments, hotel rooms, rented storage spaces and trucks.
Meth use increases energy and alertness while decreasing ones appetite. An intense rush is felt almost instantaneously when a user smokes or injects the drug. Snorting meth affects the user in approximately 5 minutes, whereas oral ingestion takes about 20 minutes for the user to feel the effects. The effects of meth can last up to 12 hours. Side effects include convulsions,
dangerously high body temperature, stroke, stomach cramps and shaking.
The intense rush and high felt from meth results from the release of high levels of dopamine into the section of the brain that controls the feeling of pleasure. Chronic meth abuse can lead to psychotic behavior including intense paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and out- of-control rages that can result in violent episodes. Chronic users at times develop
sores on their bodies from scratching and picking at objects they believe that they see.
Long-term meth abuse has many negative consequences, including extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. Chronic meth abusers can also display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions; for example, the sensation of insects
creeping under the skin.
You'll often see drastic changes in the individuals eating or sleeping patterns as well as changes in their mood patterns. Ones appetite usually decreases drastically which can cause extreme weight loss in the individual. Especially when the individual is coming off of the drug, they are going to be very quick to snap into depression or even anger. Another sign is individuation from family members or loved ones. These are just some general signs to look for.
Meth is highly addictive and does not care what walk of life a person comes from. It will destroy ones life and those who love and care for them before the individual becomes aware his life is controlled by his addiction to meth.
Narconon Arrowhead is aware of this problem and has a rehabilitation program that handles all aspects of methamphetamine addiction with a success rate of over 70% and free educational materials concerning meth addiction. If you or someone you know suffers from drug and alcohol addiction, give us a call at 1-800-468-6933 or check us out on the web at stopaddiction.com
