Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly
activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is
closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central
nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both
drugs have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of
obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited.
Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a
high potential for abuse and dependence. Street methamphetamine
is referred to by many names, such as "speed," "meth,"
and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear
chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking,
is referred to as "ice," "crystal," and
"glass."
Health Hazards
Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter
dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and
body movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect,
damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin,
another neurotransmitter. Over time, methamphetamine appears
to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms
like those of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.
Methamphetamine is taken orally or intranasally (snorting
the powder), by intravenous injection, and by smoking. Immediately
after smoking or intravenous injection, the methamphetamine
user experiences an intense sensation, called a "rush"
or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes and is
described as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use
produces euphoria - a high, but not a rush. Users may become
addicted quickly, and use it with increasing frequency and
in increasing doses.
Animal research going back more than 20 years shows that
high doses of methamphetamine damage neuron cell-endings.
Dopamine- and serotonin-containing neurons do not die after
methamphetamine use, but their nerve endings ("terminals")
are cut back and re-growth appears to be limited.
The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from
taking even small amounts of methamphetamine include increased
wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite,
increased respiration, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS
effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors,
convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia
and convulsions can result in death.
Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure
and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the
brain, producing strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine
include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme
anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and
death.
A study in Seattle confirmed that methamphet amine use was
widespread among the city's homosexual and bisexual populations.
Of these groups, members using methamphetamine reported they
practice sexual and needle-use behaviors that place them at
risk of contracting and transmitting HIV and AIDS.
Extent of Use
Monitoring the Future Study (MTF)*
MTF assesses the extent of drug use among adolescents (8th-,
10th-, and 12th-graders) and young adults across the country.
Recent data from the survey:
In 1997, 4.4 percent of high school seniors had used crystal
methamphetamine at least once in their lifetimes - an increase
from 2.7 percent in 1990.
Data show that 2.3 percent of seniors reported past year use
of crystal methamphetamine in 1997 - an increase from 1.3
percent in 1990.
Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG)**
Methamphetamine is the dominant illicit drug problem in San
Diego. San Francisco and Honolulu also have substantial methamphetamine-
using populations. Patterns of increasing use have been seen
in Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Seattle, and
Tucson. New trafficking patterns have increased availability
of the drug in Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa.
National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA)***
According to the 1996 NHSDA, 4.9 million people (aged 12
and older) had tried methamphetamine at least once in their
lifetimes (2.3 percent of population). This is not a statistically
significant increase from 4.7 million people (2.2 percent)
who reported using methamphetamine at least once in their
lifetime in the 1995 NHSDA.
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* MTF is an annual survey on drug use and related attitudes
of America's adolescents that began in 1975. The survey is
conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social
Research and is funded by NIDA. Copies of the latest survey
are available from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol
and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.
** CEWG is a NIDA-sponsored network of researchers from 20
major U.S. metropolitan areas and selected foreign countries
who meet semiannually to discuss the current epidemiology
of drug abuse. CEWG's most recent reports are available on
the CEWG web site.
*** NHSDA is an annual survey conducted by the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Copies of
the latest survey are available from the National Clearinghouse
for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
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