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Methamphetamine
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Get the Facts!
Methamphetamine affects your brain.
In the short term, meth causes mind and mood changes such as anxiety,
euphoria, and depression. Long-term effects can include chronic fatigue,
paranoid or delusional thinking, and permanent psychological damage.
Methamphetamine affects your body. Over “amping” on any type of
speed is pretty risky. Creating a false sense of energy, these drugs
push the body faster and further than it’s meant to go. It increases the
heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of stroke.
Methamphetamine affects your self-control. Meth is a powerfully
addictive drug that can cause aggression and violent or psychotic
behavior.
Methamphetamine is not what it seems. Even speed drugs are not
always safe. Giga-jolts of the well-known stimulants caffeine or
ephedrine can cause stroke or cardiac arrest when overused or used by
people with sensitivity to them.
Methamphetamine can kill you. An overdose of meth can result in
heart failure. Long-term physical effects such as liver, kidney, and
lung damage may also kill you.
Before You Risk It . .
.
Know the law. Methamphetamine is
illegal in all states and highly dangerous.
Get the facts. The ignitable, corrosive, and toxic nature of the
chemicals used to produce meth can cause fires, produce toxic vapors,
and damage the environment.
Know the risks. There are lots of risks associated with using
methamphetamine, including:
• Meth can cause a severe “crash” after the
effects wear off.
• Meth use can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain.
• Meth users who inject the drug and share needles are at risk for
acquiring HIV/AIDS
Know the Signs . . .
How can you tell if a friend is using
meth? It may not be easy to tell. But there are signs you can look
for. Symptoms of methamphetamine use may include:
• Inability to sleep
• Increased sensitivity to noise
• Nervous physical activity, like scratching
• Irritability, dizziness, or confusion
• Extreme anorexia
• Tremors or even convulsions
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of stroke
• Presence of inhaling paraphernalia, such as razor blades, mirrors, and
straws
• Presences of injecting paraphernalia, such as syringes, heated spoons,
or surgical tubing
What can you do to help a friend who is using meth? Be a real
friend. You might even save a life. Encourage your friend to stop or
seek professional help. For information or referrals, call the National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686.
Q & A
Q. Isn’t methamphetamine less harmful
than crack, cocaine, or heroin?
A. Some users get hooked the first time they snort, smoke, or inject
meth. Because it can be made from lethal ingredients like battery acid,
drain cleaner, lantern fuel, and antifreeze, there is a greater chance
of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or serious brain damage with this
drug than with other drugs.
Q. Isn’t using methamphetamine like using diet pills?
A. No. Though it is easily attainable, methamphetamine is dangerous
and addictive.
The bottom line: If you know someone who uses meth, urge him or
her to stop or get help. If you use meth – stop! The longer you ignore
the real facts, the more chances you take with your life.
It is never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a
teacher, or another adult you trust.
Do it today!
To learn more about methamphetamine or obtain referrals to programs in
your community, contact one of the following toll-free numbers:
SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
800-729-6686
TDD 800-487-4889
Web site: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov
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