A Dangerous Drug: The Faces of Crystal Meth (856 hits)
What is Crystal Meth? Crystal Meth also referred to as ice, crystal, glass, tweak and Tina. It is the known street drug and considered the fastest growing and most serious drug problem facing America today. One of the reasons crystal meth has become so popular, is it can be produced by combining a specific set of chemicals, all of which can be obtained legally. Another reason is its mood altering effects have a tendency to last a long period of time.
History of Methamphetamine Methamphetamine was originally used in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. The experimental medical use of amphetamines began in the 1920's. It was introduced in most of the world in the form of the pharmaceutical Benzedrine . The drug was used by the militaries of several nations, especially the air forces, to fight fatigue and increase alertness among servicemen. After decades of reports of abuse, the FDA banned Benzedrine inhalers, and limited amphetamines to prescription use in 1959, but illegal use began to gradually increase. Medical use for weight loss is still approved in some countries, but is regarded as obsolete and dangerous in, for example, the United States .
Legal Classification In the United States , amphetamine and methamphetamine are Schedule II controlled drugs, classified as a CNS (Central Nervous System) Stimulant. A Schedule II drug is classified as one that has a high potential for abuse, has a currently-accepted medical use and is used under severe restrictions, and has a high possibility of severe psychological and physiological dependence. Internationally, amphetamine is a Schedule II drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances .
About Amphetamine Amphetamine is one of the standard treatments for ADHD. Beneficial effects can include improved impulse control, improved concentration, decreased sensory over stimulation, and decreased irritability. These effects can be dramatic, particularly in young children. The ADHD medication Adderall is composed of four different amphetamine salts, Adderall XR is a timed release formulation of these same salt forms. When used within the recommended doses, side-effects like loss of appetite tend to decrease over time. However, amphetamines last longer in the body than methylphenidate and tend to have stronger side-effects on appetite and sleep. Amphetamines are also a standard treatment for narcolepsy as well as other sleeping disorders. They are generally effective over long periods of time without producing addiction or physical dependence. Amphetamines are sometimes used to augment anti-depressant therapy in treatment-resistant depression.
How crystal meth is used? Methamphetamine comes in several forms and can be smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected. The drug alters the user's mood in different ways, depending on how it is taken. Immediately after smoking the drug or injecting it intravenously, the user experiences an intense rush or "flash" that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Snorting or oral ingestion produces euphoria, a high but not an intense rush. Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and oral ingestion produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes. As with similar stimulants, methamphetamine most often is used in a "binge and crash" pattern. Because tolerance for methamphetamine occurs within minutes, users try to maintain the high by using the drug continuously, or binging, on the drug.
What are Meth Effects and Symptoms of using crystal meth? •Dizziness •Tachycardia •Convulsions •Sweating •Decreased appetite ( anorexia ) •Euphoria (followed by depression) •Insomnia •Respiratory problems •Brain damage •Hypothermia •Anger •Paranoia •Anxiety •Aggressiveness •Hostility •Tremors •Skin abscesses •Hallucinations
Meth Effects - Psychological effects of Methamphetamine Short-term psychological effects can include alertness, euphoria, increased concentration, rapid talking, increased confidence, increased social responsiveness, eye wiggles, hallucinations and loss of REM sleep the night. Long-term psychological effects can include insomnia, mental states resembling schizophrenia, aggressiveness and dependence with accompanying withdrawal symptoms, irritability, confusion and panic. Chronic use can lead to psychosis, causing delusions and paranoia. Methamphetamine is psychologically addictive and tolerance develops very quickly. Withdrawal is an unpleasant experience. This commonly leads chronic users to re-dose frequently.
