subject: Methamphetamine Revisited [print this page] Methamphetamine Revisited Methamphetamine Revisited
It seemed for a while in this country that we were getting the methamphetamine problem under control. Authorities were busy busting local mom and pop type labs and the ingredients needed to make methamphetamine (like pseudoephedrine) were becoming harder to get. Local law enforcement was visiting schools successfully educating the kids on the dangers of methamphetamine. Most of us had come to learn facts about methamphetamine. Our lessons included information about the memory impairment, "meth mouth" and psychotic behavior that could endanger family members a high price to pay for the rush that users seek. The decrease in availability and the vast public education had methamphetamine off the radar screen. Drug treatment centers were turning their attention to the prescription drug epidemic that had their phones ringing.
But, the embers of a once huge methamphetamine fire never really went out. The smolders of the destroyed meth labs kept us from seeing it- but the fire was still there. The abusers that were still alive and the Mexican cartel soon had the fire blazing again with a little fanning. Authorities have now linked six major Mexican cartels with the production of methamphetamine that finds its way into the United States. Current users testify that the methamphetamine available through the Mexican cartel is stronger than any of the local stuff ever was. The shipment methods are sophisticated and once in this country, the drug travels through individuals that appear to have normal lives. Drug dealers can easily hide behind a construction hard hat or a middle class neighborhood.
Unless attention is paid now, the number of abusers will expand. Since they don't grab attention like the prescription drug abusers who can die of a sudden overdose, it may take a while to notice them. But meth kills through erosion of the brain, body and psyche. It is so highly addictive that it could once again become the wild fire that was sweeping the nation in earlier years. We need to remind ourselves of some important facts about methamphetamine or it will be right next door again.
Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine - the release of dopamine is what creates the rush that users feel.
Sleeplessness, irritability and anxiety start in the early stages of meth abuse.
A crash from the methamphetamine high is accompanied by severe depression and risk of suicide.
Prolonged use of methamphetamine can lead to paranoia, abnormal behavior and even violence.
Physical effects may include increase in blood pressure, severe weight loss, seizures and loss of brain function.
Methamphetamine causes damage to teeth and bones, often requiring extensive dental work.
Methamphetamine can cause severe deterioration in appearance with skin ulcerations, caused by the addict picking at the face. Beautiful people can become ugly within months.
Signs of methamphetamine abuse are large pupils, agitated and irritable behavior, change in sleep patterns, loss of weight and dental problems. These signs of drug addiction are similar to other drugs, but methamphetamine is especially deadly.
The good news is that methamphetamine addiction responds to effective drug treatment and many of not all the symptoms of meth abuse can disappear if treated early enough.
