Methamphetamine

Facts

General Facts about Methamphetamine:

Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks. It is chemically similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.

Other common names for methamphetamine include blue, crystal, ice, meth, and speed.


Side Effects of Methamphetamine:

  • increased wakefulness and physical activity

  • decreased appetite

  • faster breathing

  • rapid and/or irregular heartbeat

  • increased blood pressure and body temperature

  • increased risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C

  • alter judgment and decision-making leading to risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, which also increases risk for infection

  • extreme weight loss

  • addiction

  • severe dental problems ("meth mouth")

  • intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching

  • anxiety

  • changes in brain structure and function

  • confusion

  • memory loss

  • sleeping problems

  • violent behavior

  • paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others

  • hallucinations—sensations and images that seem real though they aren't

Methamphetamine and the Body:

Brain: Methamphetamine increases the amount of the natural chemical dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in body movement, motivation, and reinforcement of rewarding behaviors. Use increases risk of stroke

Heart: Irregular heartbeat

Teeth: Cracked teeth and tooth loss

Lungs: Increase risk for lung diseases

Immune System: lowered resistance to illnesses

Skin: Sores from compulsive skin picking

(NIDA)

Warning Signs

Signs of Methamphetamine Use:

  • Hyperactivity

  • Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements

  • Paranoia

  • Dilated pupils

  • Noticeable and sudden weight loss

  • Skin sores

  • Rapid eye movement

  • Reduced appetite

  • Agitation

  • Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers

  • Erratic sleeping patterns

  • Rotting teeth

  • Outbursts or mood swings

  • Extreme weight loss

Signs of Addiction:

  • Using meth even in situations that are dangerous to the individual and/or others, such as overdosing or driving under the influence

  • Neglecting professional, academic, or personal responsibilities

  • Social or interpersonal problems caused by meth use

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or not using meth

  • Requiring more and more meth to get the same feeling (tolerance)

  • Using larger amounts of meth for longer amounts of time

  • Repeated failed attempts to control or quit use altogether

  • Spending large amounts of time abusing meth

  • Developing physical or psychological problems due to meth use

  • Giving up activities in effort to use or get meth

  • Experiencing drug cravings