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Archive for the ‘Methamphetamine’ Category

With methamphetamine addiction on the rise not just here in America but all over the world to the point where it is now considered an epidemic, something has to be done about this and now. Not only is this drug extremely addictive, but it’s so easy to make that one could make methamphetamines right in his/her basement or garage from ingredients you can buy at your local drug store.

Methamphetamines or meth for short, is a drug that when smoked allows the brain to release a chemical called dopamine which is sort of a feel good chemical that rewards our bodies for doing something that our brain likes. Sex and food are the main reasons that dopamine is released. But meth when smoked releases 3 and 1/2 times the normal amount of dopamine and double what the body can release on it’s own. And once a person on meth gets to a certain point, the brain stops releasing dopamine so the user smokes more to chase that high they once got to no avail.

By releasing this much dopamine it gives your body a burst of energy to where if you smoke enough of it you can stay up for days at a time and go for days without an appetite.
Like any drug, meth can be very addictive and if smoked enough, can cause severe hallucinations and even death. You lose a lot of weight, your teeth start to rot and you can develop sores on your body.

In some parts of the world employers give their employees methamphetamines so they will work harder and stay up longer to get more work done so they can make more money.

In a 2 year span there were over 35,000 meth labs shut down here in the United States alone. But that hasn’t slowed this drug down at all. Now the states get most of their supply from Mexico running the same routes as cocaine. They say that meth is the poor mans cocaine.

Methampethamine- does this word seem familiar to you? If not, then perhaps the terms “meth”, “ice,”, “crystal”, or “glass” would ring a bell. Yes, methamphetamine is THAT illegal drug- potent and dangerous when abused. “Meth” is a strongly addictive substance, and a psycho stimulant drug. It comes as no surprise that so many individuals of all ages are enmeshed in methamphetamine addiction. But on the other hand, “meth” is also available through prescription, and refilled. As a prescribed drug, “meth” is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes, it is also used as an anti-obesity agent. “Ice” is a drug which has high potential for abuse.

Meth is a crystal form of hydrochloride and it stimulates the nervous system when taken. What causes methamphetamine addiction? Primarily, crystal dependency starts with misuse. There are people who take meth illegally to lose weight and maintain it.
Others abuse crystal, or glass for recreation. While methamphetamine is availed of through prescription, it can also be prepared in a (small) laboratory. Users may ingest the drug through smoking, or a syringe. Methamphetamine dependency takes place through misuse, and regular use from hence. The meth user requires more and more dosage of the substance. It is then anticipated that the “glass” user develops a constant craving for it.

And so there goes-methamphetamine addiction. In meth addiction, the drug inhaled or smoked deposits in the brain. Cellular processes in the brain are then affected. A crystal addict is more likely to suffer from mental depression and other mental disturbances. What are the effects of methamphetamine addiction? Methamphetamine addiction effects are short-term and long-term. Short-term effects of meth abuse are heightened attention and hyperactivity. For some, they experience decreased fatigue, appetite changes. Respiratory functions also increase, and blood pressure rises. As for the long-term or chronic effects of methamphethamine addiction, they are drastic weight loss, altered brain and nervous system functions and damage to major organs such as the heart and the lungs.

Violent behavior can also be consequences of constant meth use. Mood disturbance and anxiety are long-term meth addiction effects as well. Misuse of methamphetamine may cause transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C. Withdrawal from methamphetamine addiction causes symptoms such as depression, anxiety, weight loss and intense craving for the drug. Mood changes are also experienced because neurotransmitter activity in the brain is altered by the substance. An addiction is akin to a vicious spiral which only takes it’s victim down, and further. It can be so much of a trying struggle to emerge from it. So it goes for methamphetamine addiction, which can only be as vicious as it is having to get involved with a highly addictive, potent and dangerous substance.

Meth is the abbreviation of methamphetamine or methylamphetamine. It is also known as crystal meth. Its street names are ice and cristy. Meth is a sympathomimetic and a psychostimulant substance. Some of its isomers, such as unmethylated amphetamine, are prescribed as medications for hyperactivity disorder. Crystal meth, which is an illegal and an addictive substance, directly affects the central nervous system. When administered, crystal meth brings toxins to the human body. According to statistical studies, crystal meth is very addictive that about 42% of first timers feel the need to try it again while approximately 84% of second time users feel the need to take it over and over again that it turns into an addiction. Most of the first time crystal meth users are unaware of the harmful effects it may cause to the human body. They simply like using meth because it causes them to “feel wonderful.”

Crystal meth is classified under the D-type methamphetamine class accompanied by GIB, JIB, sister, and ice.
The following are a few facts regarding D-type methamphetamine:

(1) This type of meths is generally crystalline in structure and is mostly transparent and sparkly in appearance. They look like sugar cubes.

(2) D-methamphetamine is smoked using single-chambered glass pipes or cracked light bulbs.

(3) When D-methamphetamine is warmed up by using small fires or common lighters, it is likely to become vapor soon after forming a liquid puddle.

(4) This variety of methamphetamine starts to react somewhat impulsively, within 3 to 5 seconds, when administered. Within a short period of time, D-methamphetamines affect the central nervous system. Its side-effects, which are easily noticed, typically last for approximately 8 to 24 hours.

There is another type of methamphetamine existing these days and it goes by the name L-type meth. Several examples of this kind of meths are smack, speed, crank, yellow, and grit.

THE EFFECTS OF CRYSTAL METH:

Crystal meth affects the body both mentally and physiologically. The following are the several side-effects of crystal meth:

Psychological Effects:
(1) The delirious side-effects of crystal meth are very much comparable to that of cocaine.

(2) Crystal meth triggers psychological complications a lot faster than the other varieties of drugs. The psychological effects of crystal meth last for around 8 to 24 hours.

(3) Because the side-effects of the crystal meth last for a longer period of time, first time users become even more inclined to use the substance yet again.

(4) Usually, users of crystal meth will most likely use the substance more often.

(5) Because crystal meth causes the users to stay wide awake for a long period of time, which is about 8 to 24 hours, the users are most likely to sleep for a long time after that in order to make up for the time they wasted because of staying up a whole lot longer. The amount of time spent by the crystal meth user for resting or sleeping is usually the same as the time he spent for being wide awake.

(6) Crystal meth dependent people sometimes feel chemically-induced schizophrenia and toxic psychosis.

Physiological Effects:
(1) Crystal meth users often experience a few physical complications such as skin rashes, itching, body sores, JIB sores, and cracked lips.

(2) Speed bumps become noticeable the instant the harmful substances penetrate the crystal meth user’s system.

(3) Some of the symptoms of crystal meth addiction include mental confusion, incapability to focus on the goals, hyper alertness, muscle spasms and muscle cramps.

(4) The effects of crystal meth are also visible through the crystal meth user’s eyes. The crystal meth user’s pupils become quite dilated and his eye movement becomes very rapid.

(5) A persistent ingestion of crystal meth leads to lightheadedness, blurred vision, and lack of coordination.

(6) An addiction to crystal meth may also cause health disorders such as liver failure, lung failure, kidney failure, cerebral toxicity, and a handful of serious heart-associated diseases such as congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction.

(7) Another possible effect of using crystal meth, even in trace amounts, is brain injury.

(8) Aside from the above mentioned physiological effects and probable health problems, crystal meth addiction may also cause the death of the user.

An addiction to crystal meth is totally curable when the proper treatments are performed. There are some residential and non-residential addiction treatment programs available for crystal meth users who are willing to be treated. These treatment services also include counseling. The treatment services include detoxifying the human body while the counseling proper involve encouraging the crystal meth user to give up his addiction. It is really important for the crystal meth user to get an adequate amount of love and support from his family, his peers, and his fellowmen so that he can restore his health a little sooner.

Methamphetamine has become one of the most common drugs in the US today. Within just ten years of its introduction into the world of addiction, it has reached shocking heights of popularity. Today, methamphetamine and its derivative, crystal meth, are both highly infamous drugs in the nation with almost every state having some or the other level of meth addiction to fight against. In some states, especially the southern states, meth addiction has risen to such an extent that it has surpassed the popularity of heroin and cocaine. And, methamphetamine is on par with heroin when it comes to the level of dependency it can cause in the person. That is the reason why the problem is quite grave.

Here are some points about the meth addiction that will tell you why this substance is so highly addictive and why it has become such a threat to the world today.

How does Methamphetamine act on the Body?

Methamphetamine is an amphetamine drug as the name suggests. These drugs have a capacity to act on specific areas of the brain of the person and trigger the release of dopamine. Dopamine is the hormone that produces the sensation of pleasure in people. When dopamine is released, the person goes into a trancelike state, which is characteristically called as the meth high.

Why is Methamphetamine so popular?

The addictive action of methamphetamine on the body takes place quite fast. Within just a few minutes of injecting methamphetamine, the person feels the euphoric feeling that overrides every other sentiment in the mind. This is an important reason in the popularity of the substance. People who are looking for a quick-release drug are quite happy using methamphetamine and crystal meth. This really appeals to the young people who look upon it as the best club drug available. In nightclubs and in rave parties where such quick fixes are much in demand, meth addiction is quite understandably on the rise.
Another factor that makes meth popular is its aphrodisiac effect. People who have the drug feel libidinous and the fact that they have the drug when they are with a group of people such as in clubs makes it possible for them to have sexual releases also. The sexual aspect of a meth use is what makes it a very in-demand youth drug. The average age of methamphetamine and crystal meth users in most states lies between 18 and 25 years of age.

Meth is also very popularly used by the gay community. The drug is the drug of choice in gay clubs and party areas. The fact that the drug can make a person lose their inhibitions and can produce an aphrodisiac effect makes it a hit in gay nightclub activities. Most states have meth rehab centers that are specifically catering to the gay population.

How does Methamphetamine come in?

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug. It can be prepared with some very commonly available materials, the most vital of which are cough syrups that contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Other materials used are also quite easily procurable, such as antifreeze and lantern fuel. There are various clandestinely operating meth labs in almost each major city of the US, located a bit on the outskirts of the city where they can conduct their operations without much interference. These meth labs get hold of the raw materials and produce methamphetamine and even the purer crystalline version, crystal meth. Most of these labs are operated by one or two people, usually belonging to the same family so that it becomes much more difficult to nab them.

Today, these meth labs are the primary sources of meth addiction in most states. A constantly-in-operation lab can produce even as much as ten pounds of the substance in a single day, which is then distributed by agents into various local areas.

But it is not that all the methamphetamine that is available in the US is locally produced. A lot of it is brought through illegal drug trafficking, especially from the Mexican areas. There are various states through which there are networks operating for meth supplies. These states act both as distribution points as well as the markets themselves.

How are the Governments responding to Meth Addiction?

There is very strict control over the supply of cough syrups containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in most states, and some states have even banned their OTC supply. This has significantly reduced the amount of meth addiction in some states. In addition, there are constant raids on meth labs, usually acting on tips provided by anonymous neighbors. There is also a vast tightening of security on road traffic in most states today. Highway interdiction points are set up to nab people trafficking these substances.

Marijuana is an aphrodisiac. Of course everyone is entitled to their opinions, and sexuality experts have kicked this topic around for years. With the prospect of recreational use of Marijuana becoming legal (California) and several states already green lighting Medicinal Marijuana, it’s time to kick it around again.

Why the reluctance to accept this libido enhancing herb? Remember that the F.D.A. is not too keen on drugs which require a smokey delivery, not one has been accepted. Perhaps vaporized pot, which is rapidly gaining approval, might alter the perception of governmental research agencies. Studies would also have an enormous range, since there are quite a few strains of Marijuana, literally hundreds on the domestic side alone. However, for the sake of argument, let’s suppose that we are examining Cannabis Sativa alone.

My first true high came from the island strain (Hawaii) known as Kona Gold. This sativa was an uplifting, mind blowing aphrodisiac if ever there was one.
Yes the blood pressure and heart rate were elevated, and my sensory perception was flooded with keen sights, sounds, and feelings. The jazz playing on the reel-to-reel tape player was better than I’d ever heard. The ambiance of the room was far more sensual and warm than before, and of course- the intimacy was unforgettable!

These feelings of erotica have not gone unnoticed by Hollywood, the sexual barometer of the United States of America. In the teaser film, “10″, Bo Derek (Jenny) flips the script on character George, by challenging him to turn on, dig the “Bolero” music, and screw. Even though she has an “old man”, Jenny says she likes the pleasure of screwing and insists that he bring the partially smoked joint into the bedroom, where she is now naked and basically in heat. Diane Keaton, in the Oscar heavy flick, “Annie Hall”, goes a step further. When Diane and Woody are in the sack, Keaton is uneasy and restless, even though they are in a relationship. She literally appears to be physically removed from the event. After persistence from Allen, Keaton proclaims, “I need grass!” Need or want, either way- it’s going to make for a better sexual experience.

America does not want to publicly admit to drug aphrodisiacs. Aphrodite (the Greek goddess) is merely mentioned as a love god, not one that promotes sexual bliss as Cannabis does. Yet, Cannabis is not alone. Toss in Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Club Drugs (i.e. ecstasy), some pills, a few Hallucinogens and you may understand how at best, documents merely refer to a drug as causing “euphoric feelings”. Marijuana is a psycho-active plant, which means that sex on it is definitely going to be a different experience, and with a Sativa strain- pleasurable, as in an aphrodisiac. The characters portrayed by Derek and Keaton speak to one thing, women sexually know which buttons need pushing, Marijuana being one of them.
Joycee