What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine or "Meth" is an addictive
stimulant of the central nervous system. Related
to amphetamine, methamphetamine is manufactured
in illegal laboratories using a combination of
common over-the-counter ingredients and a
variety of corrosive, poisonous, and
carcinogenic chemicals such as acetone, battery
acid, bleach, lead and red phosphorous.
What are the Dangers of Meth Abuse?
In addition to the risk of injury or death as a
result of accidents, violence, or overdose, meth
abuse can cause or worsen many physical and
mental disorders. Negative effects include:
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Sleeplessness
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Loss of appetite and weight loss
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
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Elevated body temperature
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Skin ulceration and infection
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Increased blood pressure, headaches, chest
pain, or irregular heartbeat stroke or heart
attack
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Seizures
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Irritability, anxiety, paranoia
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Loss of short-term memory
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Lack of self-control
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Permanent damage to brain cells caused by
injury to small blood vessels serving the
brain
Teens:
The brain of a teenager is wired to seek out and
encourage new experiences. This helps teens
learn important new skills, like driving a car.
Meth, because it initially causes pleasure, is
reinforced by the brain. This means
experimentation is highly likely to cause
addiction.
Teens in general are impulsive, which means they
act without thinking and without regard for the
consequences of their actions. Meth makes that
tendency much more severe. This means that meth
users can easily become aggressive or violent.
Meth affects the part of the brain that
regulates negative behaviors, including fear,
anger, and suspicion.
Meth use can affect a teen's short-term memory
for a long time. This can cause problems at
school and in the home. A lot of family
arguments begin because teens forget their
requests or promises.
