What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a powerful central nervous system stimulant widely abused in Washington State which impacts all levels of the community. Speed, meth, chalk, crystal, ice, glass are all names for the drug Methamphetamine. Meth comes in many different forms and is snorted, swallowed, injected, or smoked.
"Crystal" methamphetamine or "ice" is the crystallized form of meth, which dominates the market as the preferred form of methamphetamine and is typically smoked.
Effects of Meth Use
Methamphetamine is a powerful drug. It acts by changing how the brain works. It also speeds up many functions in the body. Methamphetamine can cause lots of harmful things, including inability to sleep, paranoia, aggressiveness, and hallucinations.
Taking even small amounts of
methamphetamine can result in many of
the same physical effects of other
stimulants, such as cocaine or
amphetamines, including increased
wakefulness, increased physical
activity, decreased appetite, increased
respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular
heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and
hyperthermia.
Long-term methamphetamine abuse has many
negative health consequences, including
extreme weight loss, severe dental
problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety,
confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances,
and violent behavior. Chronic
methamphetamine 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).
Click here to see animations of Meth's
effect on the brain
Drugs Alter Your Brain
Life with Meth
- personal experiences
Signs of Meth Use
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Inability to sleep
-
Extreme anorexia
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Tremors or even convulsions
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Increased sensitivity to noise
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Irritability, dizziness, or confusion
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Nervous physical activity, like scratching Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of stroke
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Presence of inhaling paraphernalia - razor blades, mirrors, and straws
-
Presence of injecting paraphernalia - syringes, heated spoons, or surgical tubing
How Does Meth Get Here?
Meth is readily available throughout Washington State. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are primarily responsible for the importation and distribution of meth in Washington, most of which is now produced in Mexico. Clandestine meth lab activity within the state has decreased over the years. This is likely due in part to state and federal legislation, which has hindered accessibility to chemicals such as pseudoephedrine.
How Can I Help Someone Who is Using Meth?
Be a real friend. You might even save a life. Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help. For information and referrals, call the Meth Hotline at 360.586.2800
or click here for a list of treatment agencies.
Sources: Mind Over Matter is produced by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health and the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign - Freevibe
Safety
Tips for Dealing with a Meth User:
-
If possible, keep your distance (preferably a 7 to 10 foot radius).
Once a person has been identified as a possible meth user, call for help.
-
Slow your speech and lower the pitch of your voice.
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Keep the person talking.
(When an abuser is silent, their paranoid thoughts can more easily take over).
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Slow your movements to decrease of odds of our physical actions being misinterpreted.
-
Keep your hands visible
(if your hands are hidden, abuser can imagine danger and become violent).
-
Avoid bright lights. A meth user is already paranoid.
If blinded by a bright light, the chance of violence increases.
Source: S. Alex Stalcup, M.D., New Leaf Treatment
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