Methamphetamine ("meth") is apsychoactive drug and a central nervous system stimulant commonly known as "meth", "ice" or "crystal meth". It is an FDA approved Schedule II drug used in treating exogenous obesity and ADHD.
Methamphetamine is a psychoactive drug and a central nervous system stimulant commonly known as "meth", "ice" or "crystal meth". It is an FDA approved Schedule II drug used in treating exogenous obesity and ADHD.
The procedure of making methamphetamine begins with a reduction of some chemical components of drugs found in cough syrups and antihistamines. Red phosphorus (red), ephedrine (white) and iodine (blue) are mixed. This process of creating meth is called red, white and blue. This is a dangerous procedure since overheat of red and white ingredients can result to a huge explosion of the meth laboratory.
Other ingredients for making meth are the following:
- Lantern Fuel
- Lye
- Anhydrous Ammonia
- Anti-Freeze
- Muriatic Acid
- Table Salt
- Ammonia
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Battery Acid
- Drain Cleaner
It is surprising to note that the ingredients of meth can be derived from common household chemicals. This is the reason for many house arrests conducted by the local police after careful investigation of suspicious reports of chemical fumes in the neighborhood. But it is noteworthy that professional shops create meth in bulk which is smuggled in the country. Home-made methamphetamine owned by amateur chemists for small production or for their own consumption only comprises 20% of the available substance in the US. DEA reported that most of the imported meth came from Mexico.
Due to the report of the law enforcement department that meth is the biggest illegal drug problem in the country at least 40 States enacted laws that restrict the access to the above-mentioned ingredients. Combat Meth Act was also passed by the Congress to put a limitation on the sale of substances with ephedrine and pseudoephedrine contents. This includes requiring customers to present an identification card before they can buy. There is also a limitation on the number of cold medicines that can be purchased in a day.
Alternative and street names
Methamphetamine is popularly called Meth, Crank, Crystal, Crystal Glass, Crystal Meth, Christina, Tina, Cris and Cristy. Other street names include Ice, Speed, Geep, Go Fast, Poor Man's Coke, Redneck Cocaine, Geeter, Getgo, and Working Man's Cocaine.
How is methamphetamine consumed?
Methamphetamine is taken by snorting the powder ( intranasal), by smoking, by needle injection, or orally after dissolving the bitter-tasting crystalline powder in alcohol or water.
Effects of consumption
Methamphetamine intake can result in hyperactivity, increased alertness, rapid breathing, irregular heart rate, high blood pressure and increased body temperature (hyperthermia).
Impact on the mind/body and health risks
Physical effects of methamphetamine intake include poor appetite, increased physical activity, dilated pupils, restlessness and dry mouth. The client can also experience diarrhea, rapid heart (arrhythmias), dizziness, blurred vision, numbness and tremors. Chronic use or high doses of amphetamine can cause stroke, heart attack convulsions and even death.
Psychological effects consist of increased alertness, libido and concentration. It can also increase a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Its negative psychological effects include excessive feeling of power (grandiosity), psychosomatic disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, hallucinations and paranoia. Chronic or high doses can cause amphetamine psychosis.
Signs of abuse of Meth
There are many remarkable effects of long-term abuse of meth. Among these effects are ”meth mouth” or severe dental problems, and extreme weight loss. Psychological effects include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Risky sexual behaviors may also be exhibited by the client because of alteration in inhibition and judgment. The abusers of meth are also prone to HIV and other STD’s because of the unsafe use of shared needles.
Common treatment options
At present, the most recommended treatment for Meth abuse is detoxification followed by drug treatment program. Although there is no specific medication that has been approved to treat meth addiction, the comprehensive cognitive and behavioral intervention inside the detox facilities and drug treatment centers are effective in the reduction of Meth abuse. The use of the 12-step program and counseling are some of the methods used to encourage the drug adduct to live a sober life.
Meth withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms may vary in duration from days to weeks or even months. The following are the withdrawal symptoms:
- Excessive sleeping
- Deep REM sleep
- Vivid or lucid dreams
- Akathisia or restlessness and inability to sit still
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Thoughts of suicide