Click here to learn about helping Methamphetamine users: www.CrystalRecovery.com
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is also called "meth," "crystal," "ice," "speed," "jib" and "crank." Methamphetamine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system. When people use methamphetamine, they feel alert and energetic and often have no interest in food or sleep. Users may experience any or all of the following negative effects:
rapid and unhealthy weight loss (under no circumstances should this drug be considered as an aid to weight loss)
sores on the skin, or itchy skin that can lead to scratching and sores and infection
confusion, irrational anger, paranoia and irritability
damage to the inside of the nose from "railing" (snorting) the drug
out of control rages (violent and aggressive behavior referred to as "tweaking")
problems with thinking, memory, concentration and movement
brain damage - there is evidence that brain damage occurs in some users
What to expect when someone quits
In general, when people are withdrawing from methamphetamine they will experience the opposite of the effects of the drug. The severity of withdrawal depends on how long and how much they used. The following physical symptoms may last for about five days:
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extreme tiredness - they may sleep for most of two to four days
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disturbed sleep - after extended use of amphetamines normal sleep patterns do not return for many weeks
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dry mouth
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headaches
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anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations
The emotional withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks or months. These include:
What you can do
Watching others withdraw from drugs can be frightening and you may feel helpless. You can support them by:
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helping them get plenty of sleep
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ensuring they get plenty of fluids
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providing healthy food
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encouraging and affirming their move as wise and courageous in the long run
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acknowledging that withdrawal is difficult and sometimes painful
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reminding them that the brain and body need time to heal
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helping them learn to live again without the drug
What crystal did to me!
For several years, I was a pretty confused person.
I got high for happiness and became unhappy.
I got high for joy and became miserable.
I got high to be out going and became self-centered.
I got high for sociability and became argumentative and lonely.
I got high for sophistication and became crude and obnoxious.
I got high for friendship and made enemies.
I got high to soften sorrow and wallowed in self-pity.
I got high for sleep and awaken without rest.
I got high for strength and felt weak.
I got high medicinally and got sick.
I got high because I thought my job called for it.
You see I sold drugs. I lost my job and went to jail.
I got high for relaxation and got the shakes.
I got high for confidence and became uncertain.
I got high for courage and became afraid.
I got high for assurance and became doubtful.
I got high to stimulate thought and blacked out.
I got high to make conversation and couldn't remember what I said.
I got high to feel heavenly and came to know hell.
I got high for power and became powerless.
I got high because I thought I had the right and everything turned out wrong.
I got high to cope with life and almost died.
I wrote this 8 or 9 m in to my recovery.
I am now into my second year and still going strong.
Corry G. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Jan 18, 2005
HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS... About Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. Street names for the drug include "speed," "meth," and "crank."
Methamphetamine is used in pill form, or in powdered form by snorting or injecting. Crystallized methamphetamine known as "ice," "crystal," or "glass," is a smokable and more powerful form of the drug.
The effects of methamphetamine use include:
increased heart rate and blood pressure
increased wakefulness; insomnia
increased physical activity
decreased appetite
respiratory problems
extreme anorexia
hypothermia, convulsions, and cardiovascular problems, which can lead to death
euphoria
irritability, confusion, tremors
anxiety, paranoia, or violent behavior
can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes
Methamphetamine users who inject the drug and share needles are at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS.
Methamphetamine is an increasingly popular drug at raves (all night dancing parties), and as part of a number of drugs used by college-aged students. Marijuana and alcohol are commonly listed as additional drugs of abuse among methamphetamine treatment admissions. Most of the methamphetamine-related deaths (92%) reported in 1994 involved methamphetamine in combination with at least one other drug, most often alcohol (30%), heroin (23%), or cocaine (21%). Researchers continue to study the long-term effects of methamphetamine use.
