Anorexic appearance (extreme weight loss).More chronic meth users can also present with the following: Track marks on arms or other parts of the body.
Amphetamine vs methamphetamine skin#
Dry skin with multiple scabs or open wounds on the face or arms.Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.Meth abusers can present with a variety of physical characteristics which can include the following: It is clear that education on methamphetamine abuse prevention and abuse treatment are increasing on an national level. For example, methamphetamine admissions accounted for 6.1% of the total in 2008 compared to 1.4% in 1992 nationwide, and 27.4% in California in 2009 compared to 7.8% in 1992. ĭespite slight decrease since mid-decade peaks in treatment admission, levels of methamphetamine admissions remain high in several states at levels seen in the early 2000's, well above levels from the 1990's. This shows that methamphetamine abuse can quickly become popular in a multitude of cultures and communities. However, growth rates were greater in higher-income areas with larger Non-White and Hispanic populations. Īnother study in California following an increase in abuse, found that amphetamine abuse was greatest in rural areas with more young low-income whites, a greater amount of retail and alcohol vendors, and fewer restaurants.
Further, more methamphetamine users had occupational/economic problems and problems with their primary support group. In a response to an increase of methamphetamine abuse in South Carolina, researchers found that compared to abusers of other drugs, methamphetamine abusers were more likely to be females, between 20 and 40 years old, and of non-Hispanic white ethnicity. History of physical or psychological abuse.Mental illness (31.3% of people with a serious mental illness have used illicit drugs).Genetics (if a parent has an addiction problem it is thought that the child will be more likely to have an addiction problem as well).There is no one known cause of methamphetamine abuse but it is thought that the following can lead someone to try any drug including meth and subsequently become addicted: Sulfuric acid – drain or toilet bowl cleaner Įtiology/Cause of methamphetamine abuse.Acetone – nail polish remover or paint thinner.The solvent is found in certain paint thinners, permanent markers, and some types of glue
Meth can be made from common household substances including: It is taken orally, intra-nasally (snorting), by smoking, or intravenously. Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter tasting crystalline powder which can easily be dissolved in water or other liquids. Methamphetamine causes a rapid release of dopamine in the brain resulting in an intense euphoric or grandeur feeling which is the addictive property of the drug. ĭopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the reward, motivation, and pleasure centers of the brain. It affects the brain by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine which is a common mechanism of action for most drugs that are abused. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant similar to the drug amphetamine and is classified as a Schedule II drug due to its high potential for abuse.ĭescription of Methamphetamine Psychosis such as - paranoia, delirium, auditory and visual hallucination, and delusions.Ĭhronic long-term methamphetamine use can be highly addictive, and if it discontinued abruptly, may lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be persistent for months after use.The use of methamphetamine in higher doses can induce: Due to illicit trafficking and recreational use the agent is classified as a schedule II, controlled substance in the United States and the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Today, there are safer medications of choice with the same treatment efficacy, and hence, the use of methamphetamines in the United States is very limited. Prescribing this medication is limited due to its neurotoxic potential and risk of recreational use as a euphoriant. In the 1930s, the drug was introduced to the United States as a bronchial inhaler and a nasal decongestant and later, it was used to treat obesity. In 1919 methamphetamine originated from amphetamine in Japan. Methamphetamine was first discovered in 1893.
Street names include meth, speed, ice, glass, chalk, and many others. It is sometimes used as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity however, methamphetamine is better known as a recreational drug. Methamphetamine is one of the powerful stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS).