|
Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants
that are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules,
powder, and chunks. Two such Methamphetamines are crank and
ice. Crank refers to any form of methamphetamine. Ice is a
crystallized smokeable chunk form of methamphetarnine that
produces a more intense reaction than cocaine or speed. Ice
has an appearance that is clear and crystal-like, and
resembles frozen ice water.
Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system,
and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.
Crank and ice are extremely addictive and produce a
severe craving for the drug.
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS
- increased alertness
- sense of well-being
- paranoia
- intense high
- hallucinations
- aggressive behavior
- increased heart rate
- convulsions
- extreme rise in body temperature (as high as 108
degrees which can cause brain damage and death)
- uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking,
etc...)
- violent behavior
- insomnia
- impaired speech
- dry, itchy skin
- loss of appetite
- acne, sores
- numbness
EFFECTS ON THE MIND
- disturbed sleep
- excessive excitation
- excessive talking
- panic
- anxiousness
- nervousness
- moodiness and irritability
- false sense of confidence and power
- delusions of grandeur leading to aggressive behavior
- uninterested in friends, sex, or food
- aggressive and violent behavior
- severe depression
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
- fatal kidney and lung disorders
- possible brain damage
- depression
- hallucinations
- disorganized lifestyle
- permanent psychological problems
- violent and aggressive behavior
- weight loss
- insomnia
- behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia
- decreased social life
- malnutrition
- poor coping abilities
- disturbance of personality development
- lowered resistance to illnesses
- liver damage
- stroke
- death
Methamphetamines cause a severe crash after the effects
wear off. The crash, or low feeling is more intense and
longer lasting than both speed and cocaine.
The effects are not only long lasting, but continue to
cause damage to the user long after use has stopped.
Methamphetamine abuse can also lead to legal, financial,
and social problems.
Addiction to methamphetamine can be very strong,
therefore withdrawal symptoms are likely when use of the
drug is discontinued.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
- severe craving
- insomnia
- restlessness
- mental confusion
- depression
Although a person addicted to crank or ice may experience
withdrawal symptoms for a short time, the benefits to a
person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an
addiction to methamphetamines. These benefits include a
longer, healthier life and greater enjoyment of everyday
activities.
EFFECTS ON SOCIETY
- car crashes
- crimes
- fires due to explosions from the illegal manufacture
of methamphetamines
- hazardous waste
PREGNANCY AND METHAMPHETAMINE
If methamphetamines are used during pregnancy, babies
tend to be:
- asocial
- incapable of bonding
- have tremors
- have birth defects
- cry for 24 hours without stopping
There is also an increased risk of child abuse and
neglect of children born to parents who use methamphetamines |
