Methamphetamine Toxicity

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is an addictive synthetic drug that acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. It acts similarly to amphetamine (a pharmaceutical drug that treats ADHD and narcolepsy), nicotine, ecstasy, and cocaine.

Meth is offered in the form of a pill, powder, and rock/chunk/crystal. It can be snorted, ingested, smoked, or injected.

Why Do People Use It?

It’s used by many people because it makes them feel euphoric, confident, and alert. It can also make a person more talkative and increases their libido. Meth produces these psychological effects by increasing levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for rewarding behaviours, pleasure, attention, and movements.

Methamphetamine leads to an extreme high, and as a result of this, it can be quite addictive. People who binge (“run”) or are regular users can become so addicted to meth that they don’t eat or sleep. Getting off of a meth high can cause psychological withdrawal symptoms, like depression, anxiety, and scattered-brain. Using meth can also cause other effects, like hallucinations, paranoia, and sudden, unintentional periods of violence.

How Is It Made?

It is illegal to produce, and oftentimes highly dangerous to manufacture because of the ingredients and chemical processes that are used. Toxic gases can be easily inhaled and it is common for fires to ensue.

Meth is supposed to mainly contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are found in cough medications. These chemicals are then combined with other random toxic chemicals to produce methamphetamine. Despite its high potency, it is relatively cheap to buy. Not knowing what the “meth” is made up of is one of the major risks of taking it.