Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine N-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine Methamphetamine is a stimulant, so it increases alertness, concentration, energy, and in high doses, can induce euphoria, enhance self-esteem and increase libido. Meth has a high potential for abuse and addiction. This is because it activates the dopamine (reward system in brain) neurotransmitters. It is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHA and exogenous obesity. It is dispensed in the USA under the trademark name Desoxyn, it can be prescribed for ADHD as well as exogenous obesity. Chronic abuse may lead to post-acute withdrawals which persist beyond the with drawl period for months and even up to a year. Some physical consequences of meth include anorexia, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, and headaches. Some psychological effects include euphoria and anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, increased appetite and fatigue. Symptoms can last anywhere from days too months depending upon the duration and frequency of use.

General Information
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a central nervous system stimulant drug. It is white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder, easily dissolvable in water or alcohol. It can be taken orally, tranasally (snorted) by needle or by smoking. It's available through prescription, but it cannot be refilled, has few medical uses and the doses are smaller than what is usually used in abuse.

How it Works
Meth increases the release and also blocks the reuptake of the brain chemical or neurotransmitter, dopamine, which leads to higher levels of the chemical in the brain. As stated above, dopamine is the reward system in the brain so it is involved with reward, motivation, the experience of pleasure and motor function. The ability meth has to release dopamine rapidly in the reward regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or is what causes the user to feel a rush.


 * 1887:** Amphetamines are first synthesized.
 * 1919:** Methamphetamine, a stimulant, is developed by a pharmacologist in Japan. The drug alleviates fatigue and produces feelings of alertness and well-being.
 * 1930s:** Doctors begin using amphetamines in the United States to treat asthma and narcolepsy.
 * 1932:** The amphetamine Benzedrine introduced as an over-the-counter bronchial dilator for the treatment of nasal and bronchial congestion associated with colds.
 * World War II:** Methamphetamine and amphetamine are given to Allied bomber pilots to sustain them on long flights. The experiment fails because soldiers become irritable and can't channel their aggression. Primarily, amphetamines were used by soldiers to fight off fatigue and enhance performance.
 * 1945-1950s:** Post-war Japan experiences the first meth epidemic. It spreads to Guam, the U.S. Marshall Islands and to the U.S. West Coast.
 * 1950s:** Still marketed to treat obesity, narcolepsy and sinus inflammation, "pep pills" or "bennies" are sold for non-medical purposes. Some truckers, homemakers, college students and athletes pop pills to stay awake or keep active.
 * 1960s:** Doctors in San Francisco drug clinics prescribe injections of methamphetamine to treat heroin addiction. Illegal abuse occurs in subcultures such as outlaw biker gangs and students, which cook and use the drug.
 * 1970:** Methamphetamine, or speed, is regulated in the Controlled Substances Act; a public education campaign is mounted.
 * 1980s:** Drug treatment counselors see increased abuse among men who have sex with men. Mexican drug manufacturers begin bringing methamphetamine north of the border. Forms of methamphetamine that could be smoked are introduced.
 * 1990s:** New ways to cook methamphetamine appear. Some new versions are four to six times stronger. Greatest use is seen in the Southwest and West. Methamphetamine use begins and grows in the rural Midwest. Rural locations become ideal for cooking of methamphetamine because of geographic isolation, available supply of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and anhydrous ammonia.
 * 1996:** Congress passes the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act, which regulates mail order and chemical companies selling precursor chemicals. For example, people who buy large quantities of red phosphorous, iodine and hydrochloric gas must show they will use them for legitimate purposes. Law enforcement agents are allowed to track large mail order purchases of pseudoephedrine, another precursor chemical. Chemical supply companies are punished if they sell chemicals to people who make methamphetamine.
 * 2000:** In the Inland Northwest, and in much of the West, methamphetamine is the favored hard drug, surpassing crack, cocaine and heroin. It's still prescribed for some medical purposes.

Effects
The commercials tell you "Meth. Not Even Once". But if you were to try meth just once, even in a small amount, you could experience increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and hyperthermia. If you were to use it more than once the effects would be extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (also called "meth mouth") anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, violent behavior, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions, an example of which is the sensation of insects crawling under the skin. Chronic meth abuse also significantly changes how the brain functions. It can lead to reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning. It also causes severe structural and functional changes in ares of the brain associated with emotion and memory which may account for emotional and cognitive problems.