What Is Methamphetamine?

 

Methamphetamine (also known as meth, speed, crystal or ice) is part of the amphetamine family. There are variations in the meth which is illegally sold for recreational use. For instance, amphetamine sulphate is classified as being less dangerous than the crystal form of methamphetamine. Crystal meth is an extremely risky drug to take, because the effects on the nervous system are very powerful and it is incredibly addictive.

Crystal and speed are popular among drug users because they can make you feel alert, wakeful and energized. Because of the way in which the drug stimulates the brain, the user may also feel exhilarated. However, the user may also become confused or paranoid, or feel aggressive or highly agitated. Depending on the form of meth which was taken, the effects can last between two and twelve hours.

Methamphetamine carries some very serious health risks. Predominantly, these are mental health related. Regular use of meth is  known to cause severe psychoses where the addict loses touch with reality. It is an extreme and distressing form of paranoia, where the person struggles to believe that certain aspects of the world around them are real. The damage to the brain can be irreversible and permanent, although rehabilitation can lead addicts to make an almost full recovery the longer they stay off the drug.

Sometimes, the detrimental effects of the drug can be physical. Overdoses are common among addicts, and can trigger a stroke, or cause damage to the lungs, kidneys or intestines. In more serious cases, the impact can be fatal.

Methamphetamine is also dangerous because lowered inhibitions can encourage the user to indulge in risky activities which they would not normally consider. The likelihood of this happening is raised if the user is mixing meth use with alcohol consumption.

Speak to a doctor for more advice.