Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine

"crystal meth", "meth", "crystal", "ice", "p", Crank, Tweak , Tina, jib or glass".

1What is Meth Anyways?Methamphetamine is a very addictive synthetic stimulant. The most popular form of methamphetamine is Crystal Meth.

2Methamphetamine increases wakefulness and physical activity, produces rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. The user experiences and intense rush or flash that only last a few minutes. However, with Crystal Meth the rush can last for as long as 20 minutes.2THIS YOUR BRAIN ON METH!

3As this image illustrates that meth replaces normal functioning dopamine transmitters in the users brain. The meth creates and false since of happiness and over all well being. After a period of detox the dopamine transmitters do begin to replenish however there is long term damage.3METHOD OF USEINJECTIONAka: Slamming", Banging", "Smashing", Shooting up" or Mainlining; which carry greater risks than other methods of use.

Infection

4 Intravenous users risk developing pulmonary embolism (PE), a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches, and commonly develop skin rashes (also known as "speed bumps") or infections at the site of injection. As with the intravenous use of any drug, if a group of users share a common needle without proper sterilization procedures, blood-borne diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis, can be transmitted.4SPEED BUMPS(meth mites, crank bugs)

5INHALATIONCrystal meth is most commonly smoked in glass pipes made from glass blown Pyrex tubes and broken light bulbs.

6Methamphetamine usually comes in powdered form and can be compressed into a tablet to be taken orally, or snorted (much like cocaine). Crystal meth is a product that is found in clear chunky crystals through the re-crystallization of methamphetamine. Thus making inhalation one of the most popular method of use.6

7Meth can also be smoked off aluminium foil, which is heated underneath by a flame much like heroin. This method is also known as "chasing the white dragon. Crystal Meth is has a higher level of purity and its high can last up to 12 hours.7SHORT TERM EFFECTSLoss of appetiteIncreased heart rateIncreased blood pressure and body temperatureDisturbed sleep patternsNauseaHallucinationsHyper-excitabilityIrritabilityPanic PsychosisConvulsionsSeizuresPossible Death8Because meth is a stimulant the user tend to think they can do anything, thus pushing their bodies at times beyond its limits. Continued use and its effect of decrease in feeling of hunger can have severe adverse effects on the users outward appearance through extreme and dramatic weight loss.8LONG TERM EFFECTSPermanent damage to blood vessels of the heart and brain.Liver, kidney and lung damageDestruction of tissues in the noseInfectious diseasesAbscesses if smokedMalnutritionSever tooth decayDisorientation

Strong Physcological dependancePsychosisDepression

9Many users suffer varying degrees of brain damage, which include memory gaps. The damage to the brain is comparable to those who suffer with Alzheimers disease, stroke and epilepsy to those who recover.9Meth Mouth

10"Meth mouth" name used for tooth decay/ rotting attributed to heavy meth use. According to the American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in dry mouth, long term poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sugared soft drinks, and teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)."

10WITHDRAWALCrystal Meth is not known to be physically addictive. 30 90 days can pass since the last drug use before they begin to experience the severe symptoms of withdrawal11While Crystal Meth withdrawal symptoms can be very intense, they are generally psychological in nature. The addict going through the withdrawal process will experience symptoms of anxiety, agitation, extreme violence, paranoia, sleeplessness, and intense cravings for the drug. It is possible that it is the users lack of energy, extreme depression and inability to experience pleasure (because meth has replaced the rains ability to produce dopimene) that the user believes the only way to feel better is to return to the drug. It is not uncommon for a long time user to become suicidal when detoxing.

11Common Crystal Meth Ingredients2-liter bottlesAcetone AlcoholAnhydrous ammoniaBattery acidBenzeneBlendersBronchodilatorsCamera batteriesCamp stove fuelChloroformCold tabletsDiet aidsDrain cleanerEnergy boostersEphedrineEther (starting fluid) Freon Gasoline additives/Rubbing AlcoholHot platesIodineIodine crystalsLithium from batteries

12Methamphetamines is a synthetic man made drug. These dangerous chemicals are commonly used in cooking meth.12WHATS EATING YOU?

13METH LABS

14Due to the dangerous materials used to cook meth, meth labs are highly explosive. There is very little room for error in the production of meth and often the cooks are themselves users which lends to very costly mistakes. Meth labs are prone to explode and sometimes can cost people their lives and endanger those who live around it. The number of Methamphetamine labs seized in Canada increased by 925% between 1998 and 2003. Police rely heavily on the public to report their suspicion of a meth lab in their neighbourhood.

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