Methamphetamine Addiction

What is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a member of the stimulant group amphetamines, the other being dextroamphetamine. It is probably the most highly addictive member and has a far stronger effect on the brain and central nervous system. They were prescribed under the names Methedrine, Dexedrine and Benzedrine which used to be widely available as an inhaler for nasal blockages. It has been used in the treatment of narcolepsy, obesity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and during the Second World War, for keeping military personnel awake during battles. Methamphetamine use has been increasing and in some parts of the world, has overtaken cocaine as the drug of choice. It is less expensive than cocaine and, despite the fact that in most countries supply of the two main ingredients are controlled, very easy to make. The equipment is not very elaborate and can be set up anywhere to make very pure quantities of the drug. It is because of this that law enforcement agencies find it difficult to track down the laboratories that make it. How it works. There are two areas influenced by this drug, first the brain is affected by the release of the neuro-transmitter dopamine which works on the pleasure centre giving the user a feeling of wellbeing. Secondly it works on the central nervous system by increasing alertness and decreasing tiredness and appetite, the user will become more active and may start to grind their teeth. The user may become more irritable or even paranoid. The drug doesn’t provide energy; it merely releases it from the body which is why the user sleeps for so long after taking it. Unlike cocaine, which is broken down by the body fairly quickly, methamphetamine stays in the body for much longer, thus keeping the high going longer as well. The combination of euphoria and alertness gives rise to something known as the ‘superman syndrome’ where the user imagines they can do things that are beyond their normal ability. The drug can be taken orally, snorted, smoked or injected, the last two give the most extreme effect but are also the most addictive. What happens to the body. The effects of the drug are to increase the heart rate and blood pressure and the breathing becomes quicker. There is a rise in the body’s temperature as well. Prolonged use can lead to some extreme side effects such as:- Irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the brain which can lead to a stroke. Anxiety and paranoia. Hallucinations. Convulsions. Shortness of breath. Scratching, the person may even think that insects are walking over their skin. Irritability leading to aggression. Suicidal feelings. Weight loss or anorexia. Cardiovascular collapse. Nausea. Sweating. Muscle spasms. Moodiness Those who inject also have an increased risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis and septicaemia and also collapsed veins. There is also a risk of lead poisoning as one of the solvents used in production may be lead acetate which, if not used correctly, can contaminate the drug. There has also been research carried out on animals which show that high doses of methamphetamine have damaged the nerve endings of the neurons that contain both dopamine and serotonin. Although they do not die completely, the endings are reduced and do not fully grow back. If the user has been using and staying awake for several days and nights, as they begin to come down, they enter what is usually referred to as the Tweaker stage. This can be dangerous for user and family alike as they are prone to paranoia, delusions and even violence. Like cocaine, when the user stops taking the drug there is a `down` when feelings of tiredness and even depression sets in, which encourages the user to take more of the drug to make themselves feel better. As the effects diminish, the longer it is taken, then the dose is increased to get the same effect.

• How to detect a methamphetamine user