Methamphetamine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Methamphetamine, (sometimes referred to as methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine) is a psychostimulant drug used primarily for recreational purposes, but is sometimes prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy under the brand name Desoxyn. It causes euphoria and excitement by acting directly on the brain's reward mechanisms, thus making it highly addictive. Methamphetamine rapidly enters the brain and causes a cascading release of norepinephrine and dopamine (and to a lesser extent, serotonin). Users may become obsessed or perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, hand-washing or assembling and disassembling objects. Withdrawal is characterized by increased sleeping and eating, and depression-like symptoms, often accompanied by anxiety and drug-craving.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meth
Photo courtesy Douglas County Methamphetamine Task Force
What does meth do?
Many people do not know there is a down side to meth until they stop using and come down. The problem reveals itself with the crash following a run with meth. The day after the user feels sick, depressed, guilty, ashamed and angry. The meth user is aware that a small amount of meth will eliminate these unpleasant symptoms and produce good feelings. Eventually the user depends on meth to become a solution to the problem it has created, and the cycle of meth addiction is born. The trouble is that after awhile the high of meth becomes disappointing, euphoria turns to numbness, super focus is replaced by confusion, and productivity is limited to simple tasks.
A meth addict's time is spent 'teching', an obsession with repeating tasks like drawing, writing, applying and reapplying makeup or even ruthlessly picking at their own flesh.
Meth addicts become delusional and paranoid from lack of sleep combined with the hallucinogenic properties of the drug, this condition is known as 'sketching'.
Meth addicts can also become prone to hostility and rage, this condition is known as 'tweaking'.
Meth addiction is cunning and powerful, although it eventually fails the user, crystal meth is extremely addictive and many cannot resist the temptation to use meth 'one last time'.
