Methamphetamines

What is it ?• Methamphetamine (or “Meth”)

is a stimulant with a high potential for abuse

• It is a white, odorless, bitter-

tasting crystalline powder taken orally, by snorting, by needle injection, or by smoking.

• It is very powerful and highly addictive

• Users experience a rush that lasts only a few minutes

Question 1:

• Meth is __________ powerful and _________ addictive.

-Not, not

-Very, not

-Not, very

-Very, very

How does it work?

Meth increases the brain chemical dopamine, which is involved in motivation, pleasure, and motor function. This is why we often see a lack of motivation or decreased motor function when using this drug.

Meth needle marks

Skin infection caused by “cranking” (injecting Meth intravenously)

How does it work?

Recent studies in chronic meth abusers have shown severe changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory, which may account for many of the emotional and brain functioning problems observed in chronic meth abusers.

Question 2:

• True or False?

Chronic meth abuse causes severe damage in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory.

Meth facts

• Meth can be more addictive than crack.

• Meth is available as a crystalline powder or in rock-like chunks. Meth varies in color, and may be white, yellow, brown or pink.

• Meth users often neglect families, home, work, personal hygiene and safety.

• Prolonged use leads to consuming the drug continuously for up to 5 days without sleep (some sleepless binges last up to 15 days) and ends with intolerable crashes.

• User driven into severe depression, followed by worsening paranoia and aggression – a period known as “tweaking”.

• Users eventually collapse from exhaustion and sleep for long periods of time often forcing neglected children to try to fend for themselves.

What are you putting into your body when you use meth?

• Battery acid • Ammonia• Iodine • Red phosphorus• Drain cleaner• Anti-freeze• Lantern fuel

And many other potent chemicals!

The fumes, vapors, and spillage associated with cooking meth are toxic, combustible and hazardous to children, adults and the environment.

Some other names for meth: • ice• ice crystals• speed• rock• glass• meth• crystal• crank • tweak • go –fast

Question 3:

• Which of the following is NOT an ingredient in meth?

-Anti-freeze

-Battery acid

-Plant material

-Drain cleaner

Immediately after smoking or injection, the user experiences an intense sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes. Next, there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Other possible immediate effects include increased wakefulness and insomnia, suppressed nutrition intake, irritability and aggression, anxiety, nervousness and convulsions.

Dopamine is the feel-good chemical produced by the brain. • Upon first use, meth kicks dopamine production into high gear — this is what produces the initial rush. • BUT, Meth then changes brain chemistry, and after extended use, the brain can no longer respond to dopamine. • The result is that users can no longer feel good, and increase consumption of the drug in an attempt to recapture the first high. • This cycle often leads to addiction.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS:

METH MOUTH

Long-Term Effects of Meth• Fatigue

• Paranoia/ Confusion

• Memory loss

• Delusional thinking

• Hallucinations- the sensation of insects creeping under the skin

• Repetitive behavior (such as compulsively cleaning and grooming or disassembling and assembling objects)

• Aggressive behavior

• Mood disorders

• Anorexia (extreme weight loss)

• Cracked teeth from extreme jaw-clenching during a meth high

• Rotted teeth known as “meth mouth”

• Cardiovascular collapse

• Meth causes a loss of sexual inhibition which increases the chance of spreading STD’s such as HIV (AIDS)

• Brain becomes porous and soft (sponge-like)

• DEATH by stroke, coma, overheating and convulsions

Skin sores & infection caused by meth…

Question 4:

• Which of the following is NOT an effect of abusing meth?

-Rotted teeth

-Brain becomes porous & sponge-like

-Death by stroke or coma

-Clear, rational thinking

The signs of Meth Use:

• Inability to sleep • Increased sensitivity to noise • Nervous physical activity, like scratching/ picking at

the skin • Irritability, dizziness• Loss of appetite leading to nutritional deficiencies• Tremors or even convulsions • Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of

stroke • Presence of items used to inhale meth, such as

razor blades, mirrors, and straws • Presence of items used to inject meth, such as

syringes, heated spoons, or surgical tubing

Meth Mouth

Before And after

• This is the same person after three years and five months of abusing meth.

Question 5:

• Which of the following is NOT a sign of abusing meth?

-Picking at the skin

-Improvement in school grades

-Tremors or convulsions

-Inability to sleep

Before & After Meth

This is Angela Fatino at 12 yrs old.

This is her yearbook picture, 2 weeks before she died while using meth at 15 yrs old.

QUIZ SUMMARY1. Meth is __________ powerful and _________ addictive.

2. True or False?Chronic meth abuse causes severe damage in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory.

3. Which of the following is NOT an ingredient in meth?

4. Which of the following is NOT an effect of abusing meth?

5. Which of the following is NOT a sign of abusing meth?

A STORY ABOUT METH ABUSE…