Understanding the Dangers of Methamphetamines, Part 1

July 23, 2008

By Datriona Spears

Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence for this reason the federal government categorizes it as a Schedule II stimulant. The initial use of meth was for medical purposes, but its ability to increase energy and to enable users to function without sleep made it attractive for military purposes during World War II. Meth has undergone both legal and illegal uses in the United States. As early as the 1930s it was used therapeutically to treat asthma and epileptic seizures.

What does Methamphetamine do to the brain?
When meth is used over and over again, the drug changes ones brain chemistry, destroying the wiring in the brain's pleasure centers and making it increasingly impossible to experience any pleasure at all. Studies have shown that these tissues can regrow over time, although the process can take years, and the repair may never be complete. Users report having a euphoric, feeling that's unlike anything they've ever experienced, but once the drug wears off, users experience profound depression and feel the need to keep taking the drug to avoid the crash.

What’s commonly in Meth?
Wonder why so many people find meth so addictive? After reading about the list of ingredients used to make meth, you may find the phenomenon even more puzzling. Would you swallow a spoonful of drain cleaner? Does the thought of injecting brake fluid into your arm appeal to you? Well when meth is the selected drug, here are some of the things that one is sending to their brain, cardiovascular system and throughout their bodies:

• Alcohol - Gasoline additives or Rubbing Alcohol
• Ether (starting fluid)
• Benzene
• Paint thinner
• Freon
• Acetone
• Chloroform
• Camp stove fuel
• Anhydrous ammonia
• White gasoline
• Pheynl-2-Propane
• Phenyl acetone
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Rock, table or Epsom salt
• Iodine crystals
• Red Phosphorous
• Toluene (found in brake cleaner)
• Red Devil Lye
• Drain cleaner
• Muraitic acid
• Battery acid
• Lithium from batteries
• Sodium metal
• Ephedrine
• Cold tablets
• Diet aids
• Iodine
• Bronchodialators
• Energy boosters

Individually, each product is legal and useful. But when mixed together and processed, the results are deadly, to the producer, user and innocent people who may be in the area while this drug is being formed.

For more information about Methamphetamine, call the Meth helpline 24 hours a day at 1.866.535.7922.

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Work Cited
1. “Meth Spiked Drink.” KCI The Anti-Meth Site. April 2008. http://www.kci.org/meth_info/msg_board_posts/2007/033007/Meth_spiked_drink.htm viewed 18 June 2008
2. “How Meth Destroys The Body.” Frontline: The Meth Epedimic. 14 February 2006. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/body/
3. “Meth Defined.” Missouri State Meth Education. 2007. http://www5.semo.edu/criminal/Medfels/text_meth.htm viewed 20 2008
4. “What is Meth.” MAPP-SD, Meth Awareness And Prevention Project. 2000. http://www.mappsd.org/What%20Is%20Meth.htm viewed 17 June 2008 viewed 17 June 2008