The Effects of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamines are
synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold illegally in
pill form, capsules, powder, and chunks. Methamphetamines stimulate the central
nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.
Short Term Effects · increased alertness
· sense of well-being
· paranoia
· intense high
· hallucinations
· aggressive behavior
· increased heart rate
· convulsions
· extreme rise in body
temperature (as high as 108 degrees which can cause brain damage and death)
· uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking, etc...)
· violent
behavior
· insomnia
· impaired speech
· dry, itchy skin
· loss
of appetite
· acne, sores
· numbness
Effects on the Mind ·
disturbed sleep
· excessive excitation
· excessive talking
· panic
· anxiousness
· nervousness
· moodiness and irritability
· false
sense of confidence and power
· delusions of grandeur leading to aggressive
behavior
· uninterested in friends, sex, or food
· aggressive and
violent behavior
· severe depression
Long Term Affects · fatal
kidney and lung disorders
· possible brain damage
· depression
·
hallucinations
· disorganized lifestyle
· permanent psychological
problems
· violent and aggressive behavior
· weight loss
· insomnia
· behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia
· decreased social life
· malnutrition
· poor coping abilities
· disturbance of personality
development
· lowered resistance to illnesses
· liver damage
·
stroke
· death
Methamphetamines cause a severe crash after the
effects wear off. The crash, or low feeling is more intense and longer lasting
than cocaine. The effects are not only long lasting, but continue to cause
damage to the user long after use has stopped. Methamphetamine abuse can also
lead to legal, financial, and social problems.
Addiction to
methamphetamine can be very strong; therefore withdrawal symptoms are likely
when use of the drug is discontinued.
Withdrawal Symptoms · severe
craving
· insomnia
· restlessness
· mental confusion
·
depression
Although a person addicted to methamphetamines experience
withdrawal symptoms for a short time, the benefits to a person who stops using
the drug greatly outweigh an addiction to methamphetamines. These benefits
include a longer, healthier life and greater enjoyment of everyday activities.
Effects on Society· car crashes
· crimes
· fires due to
explosions from the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines
· hazardous
waste
Pregnancy and Methamphetamine If methamphetamines are used
during pregnancy, babies tend to be:
· asocial
· incapable of bonding
· have tremors
· have birth defects
· cry for 24 hours without
stopping
There is also an increased risk of child abuse and neglect of
children born to parents who use methamphetamines.
If you have questions
whether you or a loved one has a problem with drug use or alcohol use or if
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