What is Methamphetamine (Meth)?

What is Methamphetamine (Meth)?

N-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine

Background Information

The full name of meth, or crystal meth, is methamphetamine a synthetic drug that is similar to amphetamine. Meth has a powerful effect, lasting up to 16 hours. Meth is a highly addictive drug as the need for another dose comes very fast.

Meth is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally, intranasally (inhaling the powder), by needle injection, or by smoking.

The drug is relatively cheap to make and is often called a bathtub drug because there are a number of chemicals that are combined together to create meth. There are many adverse chemicals used in the manufacturing of this drug such as battery acid, ammonia and other toxic chemicals. Pure meth is a fine white powder but rarely sold on the street. The meth sold on the streets is mixed with other toxic chemicals and is dark yellow or brown in colour.

Street names of meth include: “P”, ice, crank, crystal, crack meth, Hawaiian salt, black beauties, chalk, hearts, leapers, tweak, wake ups, zip.

Effects of Meth/Crystal Meth

Meth’s ability to release dopamine rapidly in “reward” regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,” that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug.

Chronic meth abuse significantly changes how the brain functions, reducing motor skills and impairing verbal learning. Recent studies in chronic meth abusers have also revealed severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory.

Even small amounts of meth can result in many of the same physical effects as those of cocaine or amphetamines including increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and hyperthermia.

The individuals are left depressed and craving for more drugs. Meth addicts are capable of extraordinary aggression and brutality. They can become incapable of reason, rational judgement and empathy.

Short-Term Effects of Meth include

Erratic and violent behaviour

Suppressed appetite

Insomnia

Mood swings

Tremors

Convulsions

High blood pressure and increased heart rate

Suicidal throughts

Anxiety

Paranoia

Signs of Meth/Crystal Meth abuse

Needle marks on the arms, legs, hands, feet or neck

Euphoric states followed by fatigue or depression

Respiratory problems, sinus infections or lung infections

Cough or hoarse voices (from smoking meth)

Paranoia (that often doesn’t go away)

Hallucinations

Skin abscesses or infections of the skin

Anger or irritability

High levels of hostility or aggressiveness

Health Risks

Long-term meth abuse has many negative health consequences, including extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. Chronic meth abusers can also display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects crawling under the skin).

Transmission of HIV and hepatitis are other consequences of meth abuse. The intoxicating effects of meth can alter judgment and remove inhibitions and can lead people to engage in unsafe behaviours, including risky sexual behavior.

Long Term Effects of Meth Include

Addiction

Changes in the structure and functioning abilities of the brain; brain damage that is similar to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease

Permanent psychosis that may include paranoia, hallucinations or repetitive motor activity such as a neurological disorder

Memory loss

Aggressive behaviour

Coma, stroke and death

Meth mouth (rotten teeth)

Hallucinations

Sores on the body

Boils or infections on the skin

Weight loss

Cracked teeth

Physically, meth addiction can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and to other areas of the body. Those who abuse meth are at an increased risk of having a heart attack or a stroke as a direct result of their drug abuse. Many of the short and long term signs of meth abuse disappear once the meth user stops using the drug.

Meth Withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms of meth withdrawal can include:

Feeling moody and depressed

Lack of energy, lethargy, exhaustion

Getting no enjoyment from usual activities

Feeling irritable, angry, having a ‘short fuse’

Feeling agitated, anxious or nervous

Having aches and pains

Sleep disturbance, insomnia

Problems with concentration and memory

Cravings to use meth

Withdrawal can peak around day 2-3 after last use and generally begins to ease after a week to ten days. Low-grade symptoms including mood swings and agitation, cravings, and sleep disturbance can last for a further couple of weeks, while some people can feel depressed for a few days, weeks or even months.