Methamphetamine

S

MethamphetamineBy: Julie Frankian

What is Methamphetamine?

An extremely addictive stimulant that is chemically similar to amphetamine.

Takes form of white, odorless, crystalline powder.

Street Names

Beannies

Crystal

Chalk

Crank

Speed

Redneck Cocaine

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