| What is
Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a central nervous
system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence.
A synthetic drug, methamphetamine is closely related chemically to
amphetamine, but produces greater effects on the central nervous system.
The drug’s euphoric effects are similar to, but longer lasting
than those of cocaine. Methamphetamine
is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline powder, readily
soluble in water or alcohol. Users
also smoke chunks of a very pure form of crystalline methamphetamine
called “Ice”.
Methods and effects of Methamphetamine
use:
Methamphetamine can be smoked, injected
intravenously, snorted, or ingested orally.
The drug alters mood in different ways, depending on how it is
taken. Immediately after
smoking or intravenous injection, the user experiences an intense
“rush” or “flash” that lasts only a few minutes and is described
as extremely pleasurable. Smoking
or injecting produces effects fastest - within 5 to 10 seconds. Snorting
or ingesting orally produces euphoria - a high but not an intense rush.
Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and ingesting
orally produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.
Short-term effects of Methamphetamine:
Like
other amphetamines, methamphetamine induces a temporary state of
alertness, increased energy, suppressed appetite, and feelings of well
being. Continued use may
result in severe anxiety, sleeplessness, and a paranoid state of
psychosis. Methamphetamine causes a wave of physical and psychological
exhilaration, which may last 4 to 30 hours.
What is “Crystal Meth”?
Crystal Meth is the slang name of a
different form of methamphetamine. It
is one of the most popular forms of amphetamine. Its main ingredient is
ephedrine. Ephedrine is a
chemical found in many legal drugs, including bronchial inhalers, diet
pills like Mini Thins, and decongestants, because ephedrine it is a legal
narcotic, it can be purchased over the counter.
"Crystal Meth” is usually smoked in
glass pipes. It is odorless,
making it difficult to detect. After
smoking “Crystal Meth” users experience a rush, with bursts of energy,
and alertness. After the
high, they feel extremely fatigued and usually go into a prolonged state
of deep sleep that can last up to three days.
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Dr.
David Ohlms, a 25-year veteran and expert in the addictions field says,
“Meth has a very long half life, it stays in the body longer so the user
maintains the high, or the “buzz” much longer than with cocaine.
Ohlms thinks that’s one reason Meth is gaining in popularity,
outside of West coast biker gang groups”.
Dr. Ohlms says of all the drugs of abuse
he’s seen people use, he associates violence and aggressive behavior
with methamphetamine. “I
see far more cases of domestic violence, child abuse, assaults, and bazaar
attacks for no reason”, Ohlms says.
What Is Ice?
Ice is an extremely pure (98-100%)
smokeable form of methamphetamine. Also
called crystal, glass or batu. It looks like chunks of clear to yellowish
rock candy. Ice first appeared in the United States in Hawaii in 1985, smuggled
in from Asia.
Clear or translucent Ice is water-based and burns quickly. It leaves a milky white residue in the bowl of the pipe
(sometimes called a “bong”) The smoke from Ice is colorless and
odorless. It can be used virtually unnoticed.
Yellowish Ice is
oil-based and burns more slowly, leaving a brownish to black residue.
Users re-smoke the
residue.
What are the short and long-term effects
of Ice?
Ice produces intense effects with an
almost instant onset. The
short and long-term effects of Ice
are similar to those of other forms of methamphetamine but are much more
intense. Physical damage from
chronic use can occur more quickly. Because
of its purity, an overdose is more likely to result in seizures, cardiac
arrest and maybe even death.
To find out more about methamphetamines,
or other substances contact the TAADAS Clearinghouse at
615.780.5901 or the TN. REDLINE 1.800.889.9789. The Clearinghouse is
located at 1800 Church Street Suite 100 Nashville, TN
37203. Or visit us on the web www.taadas.org
or E-mail mail@taadas.org
The
Clearinghouse is funded by the TN. Dept. of Health.
Revised 10/00, Source: USDHHS, GWC, Inc.
* Dr. David
Ohlms video “The Meth Effect” is available on loan from the Clearinghouse.
Methamphetamine information is available in video and written form
from the Clearinghouse.
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