Methamphetamine (MET)

What is it?

Crystal meth is the most common form of methamphetamine (meth). As the body absorbs this drug, levels of neurotransmitters fluctuate. Increased levels of one chemical, dopamine, helps the user to feel intense pleasure. Dopamine generally helps people experience pleasure from processes like eating food in order to encourage the person to continue doing those processes. However with more continuous use of meth, the brain no longer can produce dopamine unless it has meth to activate those regions, making the user unable to experience pleasure without using meth.[1]

Common names of meth are:

  • Speed
  • Crystal
  • Jibb
  • Ice

What health risks are there?

Short term:

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased respiration
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Alertness
  • Energy
  • Insomnia
  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations
  • Convulsions
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of appetite






 

 

Long Term:

  • Meth mouth (teeth and gum erosion)
  • Paranoid Schizophrenia-like behavior
  • Extreme, unhealthy weight loss
  • Violent tendencies
  • Kidney Damage
  • Skin sores
  • Stroke
  • Acne
  • Psychosis[2]





 

How is it used?

Meth can enter the body through ingestion, injection and smoking. Meth is mainly used for the euphoria it produces along with other perceived uses such as weight loss (as for weight loss effects, the weight that gets lost returns once a user stops taking in meth). Doctors may try to use meth to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but it is rarely used and the amount prescribed is a safe amount compared to levels that may be abused.[3]

[1] http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update1105b.shtml

[2] http://www.drugabuse.ca/crystal-meth

[3] http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine