Methamphetamine by Athena Nguyen

Effects of Methamphetamine on the body (Short term and long term)

16slee — 2016-01-13 16:46:25 UTC

Short Term

Even in small doses, methamphetamine can increase wakefulness and physical activity and decrease appetite.

It increases attention and decreases fatigue

Decreased Appetite

Euphoria and rush

Increased respiration

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Hyperthermia

Long Term

In addition to these initial effects, meth can also cause a variety of cardiovascular problems, including rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure.

Addiction

Psychosis, including:

paranoia

hallucinations

repetitive motor activity

Changes in brain structure and function

Deficits in thinking and motor skills

Increased distractibility

Memory loss

Aggressive or violent behavior

Mood disturbances

Sever dental problems

Weight loss

Description of Methamphetamine

16slee — 2016-01-14 16:07:07 UTC

Methamphetamine is also known as meth, crystal, chalk, and ice, among other terms) is extremely addictive stimulant drug that is chemically similar to amphetamine.

It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter tasting crystalline powder.

It is often indulged through smoking it or injecting it.

Behavioral Changes

16slee — 2016-01-14 16:23:14 UTC

As stated in the Effects of Methamphetamine it can be seen that Meth abusers often have aggressive or violent behaviors and mood disturbances.

This often causes individuals to be separated from society as they are not sociable or care to be apart of society.

Meth addicts will often be distant from family because they do not have the mental will to maintain relations with people that used to be important to them. Meth and intake of meth is what basically runs their life.

Family members will recognize that their relative is no longer the person they used to know. Meth completely changes a person.

Treatment Options

16slee — 2016-01-14 16:36:32 UTC

Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral and contingency-management interventions

Matrix model, 16-week comprehensive behavioral treatment approach that combines behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and encouragement for non-drug-related activities

Citations

16slee — 2016-01-14 16:37:07 UTC

"Meth Addiction Symptoms and Effects." Meth Addiction. Web. 21 Jan. 2016.

"What Are the Long-term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse?" What Are the Long-term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse? Web. 21 Jan. 2016.

"Montana Meth Ads: Everything Else." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 21 Jan. 2016.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/06/article-0-1661996A000005DC-571_964x1499.jpg

http://www.methamphetamine.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/meth.jpg

PSA

16anguyen18 — 2016-01-19 06:29:46 UTC

16anguyen18 — 2016-01-19 06:34:14 UTC

How It's Made (Fact)

16anguyen18 — 2016-01-19 06:56:29 UTC

Meth is made in "superlabs" or small, often unsanitary laboratories. It can be made with over-the-counter medication and other toxic chemicals to boost potency. These chemicals often contaminate populations that utilize meth or are around those who use it, resulting in deaths from poisoning. Additionally, the "cookers" of meth often create toxic waste in the process that tends to never be properly disposed of, creating danger for surrounding citizens.

Addiction and Its Symptoms

16anguyen18 — 2016-01-19 07:17:28 UTC

Meth is known to be one of the most addictive drugs, as abusers often say that one use causes physical and psychological addiction.

Symptoms of addiction include picking of the skin due to the feeling of crawling beneath, severe hair loss, and dental hygiene issues.

16anguyen18 — 2016-01-19 07:26:43 UTC

Tweaking (fact)

16anguyen18 — 2016-01-19 07:32:28 UTC

"Tweaking" refers to the period of time an abuser is no longer feeling the high of meth. The experience of each user varies, but occurrences such as the picking of the skin, the taking apart of objects, and simply sitting and thinking (often ideas deemed "crazy") are common. This is the stage of using meth that users are considered the most unpredictable and dangerous, as they feel a sense of lost identity and disconnection from reality.