Methamphetamine Abuse
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug and powerful central nervous system stimulant. It is very similar in effects to amphetamine, however it's effects are more potent and last longer. It is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1971.
Due to its ease of manufacture, illicit production of methamphetamine has led to its widespread abuse. Small clandestine laboratories in the U.S. and Mexico provide the majority of the street abused methamphetamine.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows lifetime use (meaning the person has used the drug at least once in their lifetime) of methamphetamine for people aged 12 and older has been on the rise since 1994.
Methamphetamine can be taken as an injection, crushed tablet or since the new "recipes" in the 1980s a smokable form called "Ice", "Glass" or "Crystal".
Illicit Methamphetamine is manufactured from a variety of other chemicals, most of them individually capable of causing death as most are toxic poisons, such as battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel and antifreeze. Licit uses combine the chemicals in a pharmaceutical laboratory, however, the precursor chemicals are just as individually toxic.
Short-term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
Whether illicit or licit, methamphetamine has some serious effects for the user. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control, low doses of methamphetamine produce increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased body temperature and euphoria. Other adverse health effects include memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior, heart damage, malnutrition and severe dental problems.
The abuse of methamphetamine is often by teens and young adults attending dance parties such as "raves". Close quarter dancing and increased activity while on methamphetamine often leads to dehydration, overheating and even violence.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, reports that in 2006 over 55% of all emergency department visits for drug misuse/abuse were illicit drugs. Stimulants, including amphetamines and methamphetamine, were involved in 107,575 emergency department visits. Between 1995 and 2002 there has been a 50% increase in emergency department visits related to methamphetamine abuse. It is also noted whole communities have experienced new waves of crime, child neglect and abuse as well as other social ills due to methamphetamine abuse.
Long-term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
The long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse include first and foremost addiction. The user will also experience anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances and episodes of violence. Psychotic behavior is common including paranoia, hallucinations, delusions such as insects under the skin, reduced brain function and impaired learning. Other structural brain damage has been shown in studies. Liver, kidney and lung damage is also common. Only some of the long-term effects have shown to be reversible.
Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse
Drug abuse is a difficult subject for anyone to have to face. When one has a loved one that one suspects to be abusing a drug the unwillingness to face this fact is often the first barrier that must be overcome for someone to get true addiction help. The longer an addiction goes on the more damage the abuser is doing to his body and interpersonal relationships.
There is always something that can be done and when it comes to a drug as serious as methamphetamine, the sooner the abuser gets help for his or her addiction, the better.
There are telltale signs of abusing methamphetamine, the most common are:
Inability to Sleep
Sensitivity to Noise
Extreme Anorexia
Irritability
Dizziness
Confusion
Nervous Physical Activity (such as scratching)
Tremors or Convulsions
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Paraphernalia (razor blades, mirrors, straws, syringes, heated spoons, surgical tubing, etc.)
Glassy Eyes and Large Pupils
"Crashing" (Sleeping for excessive periods of time.)
Help for Methamphetamine Abusers
The abuse of methamphetamine can be devastating for the user and their family and friends. Broken lives, abused children and shattered relationships are common with methamphetamine abuse. The extreme addictive nature of methamphetamine lends itself to these serious consequences. The abuser will stop at nothing to obtain the substance, violence included. It's important for the loved one noticing the signs of methamphetamine abuse talk with someone who is experienced in handling drug abusers, especially methamphetamine abusers. Narconon has long been successfully withdrawing abusers from methamphetamine, even back in its early days when biker gangs on the west U.S coast were distributing it in the 1970s.
Safely Overcoming Methamphetamine Withdrawal
The withdrawal symptoms of methamphetamine use include anxiety, depression, fatigue, and an intensive craving for the drug. The avoidance or lessening altogether of withdrawal symptoms have been reported during Narconon withdrawal. Narconon uses a safe non-drug method to withdraw abusers from drugs.
Most damaging to drug abusers of all types and particularly to the methamphetamine abuser is the sever nutritional depletion caused by the drug use. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients vital to normal healthy function are rapidly depleted and destroyed during drug use. In the case of methamphetamine the nutritional destruction of the body can become quite pronounced causing severe mal-nutrition and anorexia. The rapid tooth decay which can lead to the shrinkage of the jawbone is also a symptom of methamphetamine use causing nutritional deprivation.
The Narconon drug rehab program begins with the abuser being seen by a medical doctor and any necessary treatment given. Proper nutrition and specific nutritional supplements given to aid withdrawal are an essential part of the Narconon program. Combined with nutrition to rebuild the abusers body, the Narconon withdrawal consists of specific physical techniques that have been proven to assist withdrawal and ease or alleviate entirely painful withdrawal symptoms.
The Narconon program began in 1966 and has evolved into a worldwide network of over 120 organizations that effectively use the Narconon program to safely withdraw thousands who have been addicted to drugs, medicines or alcohol. Narconon staff are highly trained and many have themselves overcome addiction through the Narconon program and have dedicated their lives to helping others do so as well.
If you know of someone struggling with methamphetamine addiction or would like more information on the Narconon program call Narconon East U.S.
at 877-237-3307.