Meth (Methamphetamine) : Know the Associated Risks

Methamphetamine, also referred to as “Meth,” is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system that has aroused public and scientific interest. It has a wide range of effects on the body and psyche of humans, from exhilaration to serious health implications. This article will look into Meth, its history, usage, legality, effects, comparison with other addictive substances and addiction recovery.

Introduction

Meth is a potent and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It’s a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that dissolves quickly in water or alcohol.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2021, 0.9% of adults over the age of 12 reported taking methamphetamine in the previous 12 months, or over 2.5 million individuals. Its use in the previous year was expected to have occurred in 2022 in 0.2% of eighth graders, 0.3% of tenth graders, and 0.5% of twelfth graders.

Common Names for Meth

Common names used for Meth include:

• Speed
• Crystal
• Crank
• Chalk
• Uppers
• Tweak
• Go-fast
• Ice
• Glass
• Tina

History of Meth

Meth (Methamphetamine) was first created in 1893 by a Japanese chemist from another stimulant. It was first prescribed as a medication to treat narcolepsy, asthma, and to aid in weight loss. Both the Allies and the Axis used the drug to keep soldiers awake during World War II. Meth use skyrocketed following the war, despite the US government outlawing it in 1970.

Scientists first produced amphetamine-type stimulants—including methamphetamine—as a synthetic substitute to the ephedra plant.For more than five millennia, traditional Chinese medicine has employed ephedra extract. Japanese scientist Nagai Nagayoshi, who was studying in Germany in 1885, discovered ephedrine, the stimulant that is the active ingredient in ephedra.

Up until 1919, when another Japanese chemist named Akira Ogata simplified the procedure, methamphetamine production was a challenging task. He utilised phosphorus and iodine to convert the ephedrine into a crystallized form, generating the world’s first crystal meth.

What does meth look like?

Meth or methamphetamine is typically comes in two forms: crystal meth, which looks like glassy pebbles, and powder form, which looks like crystalline powder. Aside from that, there are also less frequent types of meth available. These include waxy and liquid forms such as meth base, tablets, and capsules. Meth frequently appears translucent or has a whitish, off-white tint. When meth is coupled with other drugs and substances such as marijuana or alcohol, the colors naturally alter. Pure meth is surprisingly colorless.

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Meth Legality

The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methamphetamine as a Schedule II substance under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Ovation Pharma manufactures Desoxyn, which is available by prescription. While there is no legal distinction between methamphetamine and other controlled stimulants, most doctors are hesitant to prescribe it due to its reputation.
In addition to federal legislation, some states have imposed additional limitations on the sale of precursor chemicals often used to make methamphetamine, including pseudoephedrine, a popular over-the-counter decongestant.

How Long Does a Meth High Last?

Numerous variables can affect how long a meth high lasts. Usually, it lasts between four and sixteen hours. This, however, is contingent upon the user’s current state of euphoria. The length of time that methamphetamine takes to take effect usually depends on when and how the user consumed the drug. Meth highs also come in phases, with an initial rush and a drop at the conclusion.

First Rush:

The extreme exhilaration that comes from smoking or injecting meth is referred to as the “rush” or “flash.” Dopamine, the brain’s pleasure chemical, suddenly surges in a matter of seconds, causing this rush. This stage is characterised by an increase in heart rate, dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, and accelerated metabolism. The first surge is strong but fleeting, lasting between five and thirty minutes.

High Duration:

Meth has an intoxicating impact that lasts for a longer time. The exact duration of a crystal meth high is unknown, however it often lasts eight to twenty-four hours. According to some researchers, the effects of stimulants endure for roughly six to eight hours, but sources claim that they can last for up to twelve or fourteen hours.

Binge and Crash Cycle:

Binge and crash is a common tendency among meth addicts. They embark on up to two-week-long meth binges in order to maintain and extend the energy and euphoria. Sleep and healthy eating become less important during these binges as the high lasts longer.

Meth Long Term Effects

Long-term methamphetamine consumption produces a variety of undesirable outcomes, including addiction. Addiction is a chronic relapsing condition characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use, as well as functional and molecular abnormalities in the brain.

When methamphetamine is used frequently, tolerance to its euphoric effects develops, as it does with many other narcotics. Abusers typically have to take bigger dosages of the drug, take it more frequently, or change how they take it in order to have the desired effect. Chronic methamphetamine addicts may experience trouble perceiving pleasure other than that offered by the drug, which fuels additional abuse. When a chronic abuser quits taking methamphetamine, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as despair, anxiety, exhaustion, and an overwhelming yearning for the substance.

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What Does Meth do to Pupils?

Meth (Methamphetamine), has various effects on the pupils known as Meth eyes. Let us investigate these effects:

Dilation of the pupils:

When someone takes meth, their pupils may become larger than usual. Methamphetamine causes a surge in dopamine levels in the body and brain, resulting in dilatation. Pupils typically dilate after smoking meth.

Visual impairment:

Methamphetamine use can cause impaired vision and temporary blindness.
Common side effects include severe inflammation, redness, dryness, and eye discomfort.
In some situations, meth can create corneal ulcers, which are open sores in the eye’s protective layer that, if not treated, can cause permanent eyesight impairment.

Long-term effects on the eyes:

Even if drug addiction has stopped, meth can have long-term repercussions on the eyes.
Some of the long-term impacts are:
Cataracts
constricted blood vessels
Corneal Ulcers
Glaucoma
Crystalline retinopathy.
Retinal vascular occlusive disease (arteries in the eyes constrict, preventing normal blood flow and generating blood clots).

Signs a Person is on Meth

Meth (methamphetamine) is a potent illegal stimulant with a variety of physical and psychological consequences. Recognising the indicators of someone taking meth can lead to timely intervention and appropriate support. Signs of meth abuse might be physical or mental.

Physical Evidence of Meth Use

Physical symptoms that someone is using meth may include:

Dilated pupils:

Meth use frequently causes pupils to become highly dilated, making them appear much larger than normal. This is one of the early indicators of meth use.

Skin sores:

People who abuse meth may develop skin sores, often known as meth sores, as a result of excessive itching and scratching. These lesions might become infected, causing scarring.

Face twitching:

Methamphetamine use can cause involuntary face twitching or repeated movements.

Increased sweating:

Meth use frequently results in profuse sweating and a sensation of overheating.

High body temperature:

Symptoms of meth usage can include a dangerously high body temperature, known as hyperthermia.

Psychological Signs of Meth Use

Mental indicators that someone is using meth may include:

Agitation and irritability:

Symptoms of meth use include agitation, irritability, and mood swings.

Confusion:

Symptoms of meth use include feeling confused and disoriented, as well as having difficulty focusing or holding coherent discussions.

Paranoia:

Meth can cause acute paranoia, leading some people to fear they are being watched or persecuted.

Hallucinations:

Some people who use meth have auditory or visual hallucinations, which are visions or sounds that are not real.

Meth use can cause repetitive, obsessive behaviours, such as plucking at the skin. This is related with a variety of skin issues.
great euphoria: Meth users frequently experience great exhilaration and increased energy levels, followed by bouts of severe depression as the substance wears off.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Meth Half-life:

Methamphetamine usually has a half-life of nine to twenty-four hours, which is quite short. Its metabolites, however, could stay in the body for a long time and interfere with certain drug tests.

How long does meth stay in Urine?

In Urine Meth can be found in urine for up to 72 hours following consumption, however prolonged usage may increase this period.

How long does meth stay in Blood?

In Blood Blood tests, depending on variables like metabolism and usage frequency, can detect the presence of methamphetamine for around 24-48 hours following use.

How long does meth stay in Saliva?

In Saliva Saliva tests are an effective short-term detection approach since they can identify meth within 1-4 days of consumption.

How long does meth stay in Hair?

In Hair Compared to other techniques, methamphetamine has a longer detection window since it can remain in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

Meth vs Amphetamine

Both amphetamines and methamphetamines are stimulants. The first drugs of this sort were amphetamines, which were followed by methamphetamines in the early twentieth century. Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug, which means it is manufactured entirely in a lab. It is one of the most powerful stimulant medications with a significant addiction potential. Both substances have similar chemical compositions, however the little changes between methamphetamine and amphetamine make Meth a more potent stimulant drug. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, when taken in the same amounts as amphetamine, methamphetamine can have the following additional effects:

• Reduced appetite
• Increased sensation of well-being or euphoria
• Higher levels of the substance in the brain.
• Longer lasting and more potent effects.

Methamphetamine directly increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Amphetamine does as well, albeit at a lower dose. Meth lasts longer than amphetamine and stays in your system longer.

Both meth and amphetamine have the potential for abuse. Methamphetamine has a higher risk of tolerance and dependence than amphetamines. Tolerance among methamphetamine addicts can have long-term consequences. Methamphetamine tolerance can lead to the following outcomes:

Take more methamphetamine to get the same effect.
Need to take the medicine more often.
Difficulty experiencing pleasure outside of methamphetamine.

Meth vs Cocaine

Methamphetamine and cocaine are both potent stimulants, yet they differ in numerous fundamental ways. Let’s look at these differences:

Appearance:

Methamphetamine might appear in the form of crystalline powder, rock-like chunks, or microscopic glass-like shards. It comes in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, orange, grey, and brown.
Cocaine is also available as a crystalline powder. When combined with other narcotics such as meth, it might appear off-white or pink. Crack cocaine resembles opaque or golden boulders of various shapes and sizes.

Metabolic Differences:

Because of metabolic changes, meth takes longer to leave the body than cocaine.
Cocaine has a half-life of roughly one hour.
Methamphetamine has a prolonged half-life of around 12 hours.
Effects: Meth’s prolonged stay in the brain produces longer-lasting stimulant effects than cocaine.

Euphoric effects:

Both medicines boost dopamine levels in the brain, causing sensations of pleasure.
Methamphetamine produces higher dopamine levels than cocaine. It inhibits dopamine elimination and stimulates dopamine release, resulting in profound euphoria.
Cocaine inhibits dopamine reuptake but does not increase release as much as meth.

Addiction and health consequences:

Meth is considered more addictive than cocaine. Long-term use can cause serious health concerns.
Cocaine is still addictive, although much less so than meth. Shorter high duration (20-30 minutes) than meth (8-24 hours).

Meth and Alcohol

Polysubstance use is defined as the use of two or more substances concurrently. Polysubstance use can amplify the effects of either drug or cause drug interactions that can result in dangerous outcomes.
Some may feel that because alcohol is a depressant and meth is a stimulant, their effects cancel each other out, but this is not true. Instead, they can disguise the effects of the other, resulting in higher consumption of both, raising the risk of overdose toxicity. Those who mix meth with alcohol may do so to achieve a higher level of euphoria; nevertheless, alcohol might alter how the body metabolises amphetamine, resulting in increased meth absorption. This can extend meth’s effects on the brain and heart.

Meth and Coffee

Methamphetamine and coffee (which contains caffeine) are both stimulants, although they have different effects and modes of action. Let’s see how they compare.
Methamphetamine works as a dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, releasing dopamine directly into the synapse. It also has an effect on serotonin and the sigma opioid receptor. In contrast, caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors, enhancing alertness and decreasing tiredness. It indirectly influences dopamine levels by increasing striatal dopamine receptor availability.
Methamphetamine causes strong exhilaration, elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic consequences. It can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine, on the other hand, increases alertness but has a weaker effect. Some people feel shakiness, anxiousness, and an elevated heart rate. In conclusion, while both are stimulants, methamphetamine is significantly more effective and has more serious health consequences due to its long-term impact on the brain’s reward system.

Meth and Sexuality

Meth can help you relax and have more enjoyable sex by lowering your inhibitions. However, when high, you might not make the same judgements or think clearly as when sober. Because of this, it’s a good idea to make plans for how you’ll refrain from having rash or impulsive sex before using drugs.

Here are some suggestions for safer methusection:

Consult your partner before taking a drug.
Decide which safer sexual practices you will employ.
Bring lubricant and condoms with you.
Find out if you qualify for PrEP.
Clearly state your boundaries when it comes to sexuality.
Anytime you feel uncomfortable, stop or say no.

Meth and Pregnancy

Methamphetamine usage during pregnancy offers serious dangers to both the mother and the unborn child. Let’s investigate the threats and consequences:

The dangers and risks of using meth while pregnant:

Misusing any substance during pregnancy can cause serious health concerns for both the mother and the foetus. The unborn child is exposed to the chemical and may develop withdrawal after birth.

Specific risks for pregnant women who use meth:

High Blood Pressure.
Heart attack.
Heart Weakness and Impaired Function
Pregnancy complications.

The Effects of Meth on an Unborn Baby:

Methamphetamine crosses the placenta, which provides nourishment to the foetus, including its brain.
Potential consequences:
Premature birth.
Possible causes of low birth weight include brain and heart abnormalities.
Emotional concerns (anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal)
Attention and Concentration Problems

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FAQs

Q. How long does a meth high last?

A. The duration of a meth high varies, typically lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the method of use.

Q. Can methamphetamine be detected in hair after a one-time use?

A. While less likely, methamphetamine can be detected in hair after a single use, though the likelihood decreases compared to chronic use.

Q. What are the most common street names for meth?

A. Common street names for meth include “crystal,” “ice,” and “crystal meth,” among others.

Q. Does meth make you constipated?

A. Meth’s vasoconstrictive properties limit blood flow to the intestines, reducing their ability to carry waste through the digestive tract properly. As a result, this slowing of bowel movement may cause constipation, a condition characterized by irregular and difficult stool transit.

Q. Is there a specific age group more prone to meth use?

A. Methamphetamine use spans various age groups, with no specific demographic being immune to its impact.

Q. Can detox drinks guarantee the removal of meth from the system?

A. No detox drink can guarantee the removal of meth from the system. The effectiveness of such drinks remains uncertain and may vary among individuals.