Methamphetamine Abuse: Management Focus – Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Abuse
Methamphetamine, or Meth, abuse is an all too common problem within personal and work environments. Chemically, meth is a psychotic stimulant which triggers a cascading chain reaction of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.[1] These are part of the “reward system,” which activate after a job well done, family bonding, support of personal safety and care, and contentment with personal identity. Obviously, these chemical releases are powerful motivators and internal forces for receiving pleasure and satisfaction. When these neurotransmitters are over-stimulated, the person receives an enjoyable “high.” Meth severely over-stimulates these chemical balances and the result is deep dissatisfaction when the effect of the drug has worn off. Depression, paranoia, and a lot of sleeping are prevalent factors when abusing meth. What are some signs and symptoms of meth abuse in others?
Long-term physical symptoms are quite noticeable. Extreme weight loss and loss of appetite are two of the main signs of meth abuse. In fact, during subsequent withdrawal of using meth, severe hunger and cravings for different types of food can set in, due to the previous lack of appetite. Dilated pupils and quickly rotting teeth (known as “meth mouth”) are also common side effects. Physical shaking of the body, as if extremely cold, is common, along with nervousness, anxiety and large bouts of paranoia. Meth abuse affects the skin quite a bit, which becomes pale with acne and red splotches in some areas, and sometimes dry and itchy, though most meth users have a perpetual non-activity-induced sweat. Meth users have lots of temporary energy and can usually be highly excitable and physically active around the clock, including sudden bouts of talkativeness.
Psychologically, meth abusers experience excited emotional states, primarily of their dominant or frequently used emotions. This means that some meth users are extremely happy and filled with joy, while others become very paranoid and afraid, and still others become violent and very physically aggressive. Again, the primary emotion which is increased tends to be the dominant emotional state of the individual. Stimulated factors can also include sexual libido, general irritability or feelings of power and invincibility.
When investigating treatment for abuse of this drug, understand that prolonged usage and high dosage has a powerful, long-term effect on the body, causing it to suffer with up to several months of severe depression, sleepiness and feelings of suicide. Although effective treatment for meth addiction is possible, it is a long-term commitment and a painful process.
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1. “Methamphetamine Dependence and Treatment.” Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. www.turningpoint.org.au/library/cg_14.pdf.
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Methamphetamine Abuse: Crystal Meth / Methamphetamine / Ice – Educational Video #2
Local police chief talks about the Meth problem in the land of Rocori. Producer: Duane Kuss, WOW Training. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally. Methamphetamine users feel a short yet intense “rush” when the drug is initially administered. The immediate effects of methamphetamine include increased activity and decreased appetite. The drug has limited medical uses for the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders, and obesity. Most amphetamines distributed to the black market are produced in clandestine laboratories. Methamphetamine laboratories are, by far, the most frequently encountered clandestine laboratories in the United States. The ease of clandestine synthesis, combined with tremendous profits, has resulted in significant availability of illicit methamphetamine. Large amounts of methamphetamine are also illicitly smuggled into the United States from Mexico. Long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause addiction, anxiety, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. Additionally, psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions (such as the sensation of bugs crawling under the user’s skin) can occur. The psychotic symptoms can last for months or years after methamphetamine use has ceased. Of an estimated 108 million emergency department (ED) visits in the US during 2005, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimates that 1449154 ED visits …
Video Rating: 3 / 5
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