Transcript
What is Methamphetamine?
An extremely addictive stimulant that is chemically similar to amphetamine.
Takes form of white, odorless, crystalline powder.
How are Methamphetamines Used?
Orally
Snorted
Smoked
Injected
Smoking or injecting the drug delivers it very quickly to the brain, where it produces an immediate, intense euphoria.
Affects on the Brain
Brain damage Memory loss and inability to grasp abstract
thoughts.
Damage to blood vessels
Short Term Effects
Extremely pleasurable sensation called “rush” or “flash”. Lasts only a few minutes.
Snorting or swallowing produces a high, not a rush.
Weakness
Rapid/ irregular heart beat
Increased respiration
Long Term Effects
Malnutrition/ weight loss
Severe tooth decay
Heart attacks, stroke and or death
Psychosis
depression
Low Intensity Abuse
Use Methamphetamines because: They want the extra stimulation. Want to be able to stay awake to complete tasks. Want appetite-suppressant effect to lose weight.
Binge Abuse
Use Methamphetamines because: They want a higher dosage. Allows individual to feel more of the “rush”
sensation.
High Intensity Abuse
These users are often “speed freaks”.
Refuse to let themselves crash after getting high.
Each high becomes less than the one before it.
Statistics
Teen Methamphetamine Use at Lowest Levels in NIDA's 2009 Monitoring the Future Survey. Number of high school seniors reporting they used
methamphetamine in the past year is now at only 1.2 percent.
The proportion of 10th graders reporting that crystal meth was easy to obtain has dropped to 14 percent, down from 19.5 percent five years ago.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think individuals start using methamphetamines?
Do you think that there are gateway drugs that lead to the use of Methamphetamines?
References
DrugFacts: Methamphetamine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
Meth Abusers - Signs & Symptoms of Crystal Meth Amphetamine Abuse - Drug-Free World. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/how-methamphetamine-affects-people-s-lives.html
Methamphetamine - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/methamphetamine/
Short- & Long-Term Side Effects of Crystal Methamphetamine on the Body- Drug-Free World. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/the-deadly-effects-of-meth.html
Teen Methamphetamine Use, Cigarette Smoking at Lowest Levels in NIDA's 2009 Monitoring the Future Survey. (2009, December 14). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.nih.gov/news/health/dec2009/nida-14.htm
top related