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Methamphetamine (Meth) is a drug with great abuse potential. It is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Like cocaine, it is a powerful "upper" that produces alertness along with an euphoria lasting many times longer than cocaine, yet they cost about the same to purchase on the street. Methamphetamine has been referred to as the "poor man's cocaine." However, the side effects of using meth are very dangerous. Users can experience anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings, general violent behavior, loss of appetite, and death to name a few.
Methamphetamine, a powerful central nervous system stimulant, is highly addictive. It works by interfering with neurotransmitters, which are chemical substances naturally produced within nerve cells used to send messages to influence and regulate our thinking along with all other systems throughout the body. One main neurotransmitter, dopamine, is affected by methamphetamine use. Dopamine is what makes a person feel good about their life (i.e. getting pleasure from being with family, friends, at your favorite sporting event, etc). When methamphetamine is taken for the very first time, the euphoric reaction is so intense that the user craves it from then on. The user will keep taking meth in attempt to achieve the same high they did the very first time. Unfortunately, the more times meth is used the less of an euphoria the user will experience.
Meth can be ingested, inhaled, injected or smoked (crystal meth). It can be sold as powder, chunky rocks or clear crystal looking substances. The clear crystal chunks (known as “ICE”, “CRYSTAL”, or “GLASS”) are usually smoked in a small pipe similar to “crack” cocaine. The powder or chunky rocks, that are not clear crystals, usually are brown or red depending on the method of production.
Click below to view a poster from the DEA"Madness of Meth".
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