Methamphetamine

From AODWiki

Contents 1 Background 2 Pharmacology 3 Origins 4 Street Names 5 Typical Use 6 Effects 7 Harm 8 Prevention Strategies 9 Consumption Measures 10 Addiction Screening Measures 11 Treatment 12 References

Background

Methamphetamine, an artificial stimulant, is a very familiar drug that is being misused in the United States because it is very addictive and cheap. In addition, its effects are very much alike to that of cocaine.¹ According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, there is a “greater than fifty per cent increase in the number of emergency department visits related to methamphetamine abuse from 1995 to 2002, reaching approximately 73,000 emergency department visits in 2004.”²

Pharmacology

Origins

Street Names

The street names for methamphetamine are meth, crystal, speed, chalk, ice, crank, and glass.²

Typical Use

Usually methamphetamine is smoked, however it can be injected, snorted, swallowed, or inserted through the buttocks as well.¹

Effects

The acute effects of methamphetamine consist of a very enjoyable and fast rush that is caused by the discharge of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. It also increases energy, puts a person in a stage of ecstasy, and boosts sexual satisfaction. However, a state of anxiety and restlessness and longer sleep may occur when the effects of methamphetamine start to diminish.¹

The chronic effects of methamphetamine can cause severe damage to the brain. Some sicknesses that have occurred from using this drug are stroke, hepatitis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and respiratory failure. In addition, people who have used methamphetamine for a long period of time may appear much older and elderly due to overall bad health habits.¹

A study for pregnant women who have utilized methamphetamine during their pregnancy were expected to be more youthful, be single and alone, do not get paid as much, have a lower education level, and have not been given as much help and received less care when pregnant as compared to other pregnant women. As for the fetal effects, studies have told of clefting, prematurity, and even death.¹

There is not that much information for children subjected to methamphetamine, however some side effects that have been accounted for are irregular sleeping habits, insufficient nourishment, trembling or quivering effects, and hypertonia.¹

Harm

Prevention Strategies

There is not that much proof to determine if the prevention methods for methamphetamine really work. However, studies have shown that by having family-oriented scholarly events and programs at public schools, the rate at which teenagers used methamphetamine lowered. This type of program and other community programs are needed for people who use this drug and want to stop.¹

Consumption Measures

Addiction Screening Measures

The United States Preventive Service Task Force did not find evidence that was good enough to suggest whether or not a routine drug exam should be enforced for methamphetamine. However, people with a history of use of this drug should be considered for regular screening.¹

For diagnostic testing, methamphetamine can be traced through the hair or a simple urine test for about forty-eight hours after being used. Meconium testing is used for newborns to see whether or not its mother did methamphetamine during the second half of her pregnancy.¹

Treatment

The treatment for methamphetamine intoxication is based on, for the most part, supportive treatment. If the drug was taken through the mouth, activated charcoal can be used to help with the treatment. Benzodiazepines can be used for people who suffer from seizures or agitation. Also, if a person suffers from paranoia or frank psychosis, then it can be treated by the use of antipsychotics.¹

The typical treatment for methamphetamine abuse and dependence are based on outpatient behavioral therapies. Some therapy programs that may be successful in treating methamphetamine abuse are cognitive behavior therapy and contingency management programs.¹

References

1. Winslow, B., Voorhees, K., & Pehl, K. (2007, October). Methamphetamine abuse. American Family Physician, 76(8), 1169-1174.
2. Yegiyants, S., Abraham, J., & Taylor, E. (2007, October). The effects of methamphetamine use on trauma patient outcome. The American Surgeon, 73(10), 1044-1046.