Methamphetamine is commonly known as meth or crystal meth. It is classified as a stimulant or upper.

What it does is, it greatly increase energy, concentration and alertness. In large or high doses, it can enhance self-esteem, induce euphoria, or it can even amplify libido. Methamphetamine is considered highly addictive because it triggers the release of chemicals in the brain, activating that “feel good” sensation and prompting the individual to use again and again. In theory, some could think that methamphetamine could be used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and obesity.

How is it made?

In addition to the abuse issues that accompany methamphetamine, the manufacture of it is simple enough and the components accessible enough for almost anyone to make. Basically, the mixture is red phosphorous, ephedrine and iodine. Once liquefied to a jelly consistency, the concoction is activated with hydrochloric acid, and then dried. The end result is crystal methamphetamine. This relatively simple process is a nationwide problem with “meth labs” popping up across the country.

The Effects of Meth

The effects of methamphetamine vary only slightly from one individual to another. Most instantly notice an enhanced ability to focus, an acute mental awareness and a lack of defined need of rest and a definite decrease in appetite. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant so, it directly affects the neurochemical mechanisms responsible for regulating the heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, appetite, attention, mood and emotional responses associated with alertness or alarming conditions. Not only are the acute effects escalated heart rate and blood pressure, extensive use causes constriction of the arterial walls, and increased blood sugars in the body. Methamphetamine is an extremely strong drug also proven to produce significant drops in levels of dopamine and serotonin; the ‘feel good’ chemical in the brain.

Long-term effects of abuse of methamphetamine

Linked to long-term use of methamphetamine are cases of depression and suicide as well as serious heart disease. Because methamphetamine is labeled neurotoxic, it is often associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease. Long-term use can greatly affect thinking, the ability to reason and to focus one’s attention. At least 20% of the people addicted to methamphetamine develop a psychosis resembling schizophrenia.

Various Routes of Administration

There are various ways to administer methamphetamine. The various routes of administration of methamphetamine can affect the psychological addiction to the drug. The method used to dispense the drug greatly affect the time it takes to reach the brain and is also crucial to the long-term effects of the drug.

Injecting

The first of these methods of administration approached is injection. Injection, or commonly known as banging, slamming, mainlining or shooting up is a popular method which can induce greater risks than the other methods of using. Basically, it is the method by which the individual will mix it with water and inject it directly into the bloodstream using a hypodermic needle. This method is vastly popular because the effect on the mind and body are immediate. The risks involved, however, include pulmonary embolism, possible blockage of an artery and skin rashes at the sight of injection. Additionally, the use of shared needles may result in blood born diseases, such as HIV or Hepatitis.

Smoking

The act of smoking methamphetamine is vaporizing, but not burning it, to inhale the fumes. Most commonly it is smoked in a glass pipe or a light bulb. Some will smoke it on aluminum foil with a flame beneath it, commonly known as “chasing the white dragon”. The long-term effects of smoking methamphetamine are far less risky than injection however, it is possible to develop lung disease as a result of extensive or excessive use.

Snorting

Yet another method of administration commonly used is snorting the drug, where one will crush the drug into a very fine powder and then inhale quickly, through a straw or rolled up dollar bill or a piece of paper, creating a tube like structure. “Snorthing” the methamphetamine will allow the drug to absorb into the soft tissue of the nasal cavity and eventually drain into the sinuses. This method of dispensing the drug is most popular among adolescents but, is still commonly practiced among all users.

Please take note that the routes above could be used with any stimulant drug.

In Closing

In conclusion, this is only a brief synopsis of the making, effects and various methods of administration of methamphetamine. There is a vast amount of information yet uncovered in this brief article. There are the legal ramifications, distribution and sale of, history and synthesis of methamphetamine which cover an enormous amount of information. Additionally, more and more statistics and data are uncovered every day.

Methamphetamine is a very dangerous and addictive drug. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 1.2 million Americans over the age of 12 have abused methamphetamine during a one year period.

The drug can be difficult to recover from but with the right treatment, it is highly possible. For more information on methamphetamine or other drug information, contact Narconon at 800-468-6933.