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Street Names for
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is commonly known
as "speed," "meth," or "chalk." In its smoked form, it is often referred to as
"ice," "crystal," "crank," or "glass."
The Effects of Methamphetamine
Like amphetamine, it causes increased
activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. The effects can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial "rush," there is
typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent
behavior. Although meth may not be as frequently used as alcohol or marijuana,
this is not a drug to overlook when talking to children about drugs or educating
your community. Twelve million people aged 12 or older have tried
methamphetamine at least once, according to the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use
and Health: National Findings.
Is Methamphetamine a Club Drug?
Teenagers have increasingly started to use the drug, especially after the
popularity of raves and all-night dance parties returned in the mid to late
1990s. Meth allows partygoers to keep up with the high energy beat of the music
and stay up for days at a time.
Methamphetamine isn’t used just as a party drug. Some people use it to cope with
the stress of work, school, and extra-curricular activities, or issues with
family and friends. Because of the drug’s ability to curb hunger and fight
fatigue, many females are attracted to it as a dietary aide and students may
turn to it to help them stay awake while studying.
Community members and parents should be on the lookout for suspicious activities
that could signal methamphetamine production or methamphetamine abuse. Here are some warning
signs:
• Many different people frequenting a house during all hours of the day
• A large supply of pharmaceuticals or toxic chemicals such as cough
suppressants,
anti-freeze, drain cleaner, and fertilizers bought very periodically
• Peculiar smells similar to nail polish remover or cat urine
• Irritability, mood swings, lack of sleep, aggressive behavior, loss of
appetite, and repetitious behavior.
Health Hazards of Methamphetamine Abuse
Neurological hazards of Methamphetamine Abuse
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.
Short-term effects of Methamphetamine 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.
Long-term effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
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.
If you have increased your monitoring of your child and you suspect that he or
she may be using drugs or alcohol, it's time to have a conversation about
substance abuse. In a caring, gentle way, let your child know that in your
family you have a policy of no drug use. And know that you should have this
conversation not just once in your child's life, but often. If you continue to
spot the signs and symptoms of drug use, you may want to take your child to the
doctor and ask him/her to screen for the use of illicit substances. This may
involve a urine or blood drug screen test. It is also
possible to screen your children in the privacy of your home with home urine
drug testing kits, saliva drug testing kits and hair drug testing kits.
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Source: SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and
Drug Information (NCADI)
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