Methamphetamine and Methamphetamine Treatment
Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug which induces a strong feeling of euphoria, is highly psychologically addictive, and increasingly subject to drug abuse. Pure methamphetamine is a colorless crystalline solid, sold on the streets as Glass , Ice , Tina , or Crystal . It is also sold as less pure crystalline powder called Crank or Speed , or even in rock formation termed Tweak , Dope , or Raw .
Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that affects the brain by acting on the mechanisms responsible for regulating a class of neurotransmitters known as the biogenic amines or monoamine neurotransmitters. This broad class of neurotransmitters is generally responsible for regulating heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, appetite, attention and responses associated with alertness or alarm conditions. As in most neurotransmitter chemistry, its effects are adapted by the affected neurons by a decrease in the production of the neurotransmitters being blocked from re-uptake, leading to the tolerance and withdrawal effects.
The acute effects of Methamphetamine abuse closely resemble the physiological and psychological effects of the fight-or-flight response including increased heart rate and blood pressure, vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, bronchial dilation and increased blood sugar. The person who ingests meth will experience an increased focus and mental alertness and the elimination of the subjective effects of fatigue as well as a decrease in appetite. Many of these effects are broadly interpreted as euphoria or a sense of wellbeing, intelligence and power.
Methamphetamine is an addictive drug. While withdrawal symptoms are less pronounced than alcohol or opiates such as heroin, they are no less physiological in nature, and include extreme irritability, loss of energy, depression, fearfulness, nausea, palpitations, sweating, hyperventilation, and increased appetite. Furthermore, the mental and social consequences of quitting can be severe and extremely difficult for the addict to experience. As with all addictions relapse is a common occurrence.
A relapse prevention program will help an individual begin to build back their self-esteem, and to learn to live with the memories of the often selfish and self-indulgent behavior associated with methamphetamine abuse. Relapse prevention should be a part of any methamphetamine addiction treatment program. The methamphetamine addict will be able to clean up the wreckage of the past while building a solid foundation for the future. |