Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and strong drug that triggers changes in the systems in the brain. It is used in a limited way in diet pills and products to suppress the appetite, but it has a high potential for abuse. It has many street names, which includes speed, meth and chalk. The clear chunks of this drug look like pieces of crystal ice, which users smoke, as sometimes called crystal, ice and glass.

When you take the drug methamphetamine, it releases high doses of dopamine into your system. This is a neuro transmitter, which stimulates the cells in the brain making you feel happier and giving you more energy. However, it does damage cells that normally contain dopamine and serotonin in the brain. If you take this drug for a long period of time, it can produce symptoms similar to that of Parkinson’s Disease.

There are several ways users can take methamphetamine. As a powder, they usually smoke it, but you can take it by smoking or injection. If you smoke or inject this drug, the effects are almost instant. It produces an instant sensation, often called a “rush”. This only lasts for a few minutes, but it brings about a feeling of intense pleasure. Snorting the drug gives the same feeling, just not as quickly. You can become addicted to this drug very easily – often after only one or two uses.

Even small amounts of this drug will cause you to be unable to get to sleep for long periods of time. Some of the other side effects are increased physical ability, irritability, confusion, and aggressiveness. Convulsions related to taking this drug can be severe enough as to cause death.

Over time, methamphetamine takes its toll on the body because of the increased heart rate and blood pressure. This damages the blood vessels leading to the brain, causing a stroke. Breathing problems often result and because of the appetite suppressant qualities – anorexia.