I know that Crystal Meth is making this name for itself as a “soccer mom” drug, a drug that moms are doing so that they have the energy to work, be full time moms, trek their kids around, and get diner on the table….which kind of makes it seem like a drug that isn’t a big deal to do.  In a word?  FALSE!  It is very addictive and has some pretty crappy long term health effects.  As well, it can make you age and all of your teeth rot into little nubs….not a good look!  The DEA has estimated that 10 million Americans have tried Crystal Meth at least once!!

healthinmotion.wordpress.com

What is Crytsal Meth?

www.chemistry.about.com

It is methamphetamine (basically an “upper”) mixed with ephedrine (from cold medicine also an “upper”) and phosphorous and iodine to bind the chemicals together, and make it into a crystal like substance, hence crystal meth.  Methamphetamines are legal drugs, with a prescription, used for ADD and ADHD, but when mixed with these other compounds and either smoked, snorted, injected, or inserted into the anus or urethra can give a 12 hour euphoric high.  It also increases alertness, energy, and decreases fatigue and appetite.

What are the immediate effects?
Euphoria
Increased energy
Increased libido (sexual drive)
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Agitation and irritability
Loss of appetite
Insomnia (people will go days without sleeping)
Tremors
Muscle clenching
Intense alertness and concentration
Psychosis (from the drug AND lack of sleep)

With Chronic use:
Increased tolerance (needing more to get the same high)
Severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping (intense depression)
Temporary weight loss
Rotten teeth (due to vein constriction- it kills blood supply to the teeth and they die)
Psychosis can last for months to years after the drug is stopped…

royalyorldental.com

Long Term effects?
People with chronic meth use can have severe depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, violent behavior, and have a much higher rate of Parkinson’s Disease. As well, the drug can kill off certain parts of your brain which will cause decreased memory, impaired attention, and can have long term schizophrenia.

How do people die?
Due to the increased blood pressure and heart rate at such intense levels, most people who overdose or have other medical issues, go into sudden cardiac arrest, have strokes, OR can go into severe hyperthermia (elevated temperature) which will cause immediate death.

What are the street names?
Ice, Meth, glass, tweak, yaba, Tina, quartz, speed, stove top, and numerous others!!

Other Meth issues:
Crystal Meth is a public health issue because adding the chemicals together to make the compounds, is highly excitable and can cause major explosions.  It is so dangerous.

As well, the vapors and gases from cooking the drug up can seep into the walls and flooring and drug families living in the same building, plus put them at risk for the possible explosions from the noxious gases.  In many states, it is now required to test the structure of buildings for meth presence before purchasing a home, which is a sad statement for the US, but good to know that you are not being exposed unbeknownst to you in your own home.

Also due to the hyper sexuality that is caused by the drug, there is an increased risk of STDs/HIV and transmission with meth users due to a lack of use of protection.

Crystal Meth is illegal in all forms worldwide, and transporting, buying, production, and use will get you put in jail if you are caught.

Honestly, based on all of the physical effects, I really don’t think it’s worth it.  The whole Meth Mouth would be enough for me not to try it, along with the risk of schizophrenia-type effects for the long term after using.  There are plenty of other ways to get a boost in energy that are legal (like caffeine).  Please stop using and get help if you use Crystal Meth, and if you have friends who use, please help them stop!  It is bad for you AND the community at large.  Please be safe and get healthy.

Yours in Good Health
B