“THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE ABOUT DRUG USE AFFECT NOT ONLY YOU, BUT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU TOO.”
Highly addictive and toxic to the brain, meth will give you a high that can damage your body and brain for life.
AKA
Meth, ice, crank, chalk, crystal, fire, glass, go fast, speed, Tina, T
WHAT IS IT?
Meth, or methamphetamine, is a powerfully addictive stimulant that is both long-lasting and toxic to the brain. Its chemistry is similar to speed (amphetamine), but meth has far more dangerous effects on the body’s central nervous system.
Meth has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
THE RISKS
Like cocaine and speed, even small amounts of meth can produce a rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and elevated body temperatures. These symptoms, especially when meth is taken at high doses, can cause death from stroke, heart attack or organ failure due to overheating.
Meth works by severely changing the way the brain functions. First, it increases the release of the brain chemical dopamine. At the same time, it blocks the brain from absorbing the dopamine released. Studies show that alterations in the dopamine system in the brain are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal skills.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
Because it’s such a highly addictive drug, using meth a few times can lead to getting hooked — and the long-term effects of this drug are ugly and scary. It can make you lose weight, lose your teeth and develop scabs and open sores on your skin and face. Chronic meth abusers can become anxious and violent. Meth users often display a range of psychotic behaviors, including paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. One of the most common meth delusions is the feeling of insects crawling under the skin.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Powerfully addictive and powerfully damaging to your body and brain—you might ask yourself if meth is really worth the risk. If you get hooked, paranoia, skin scabs and a toothless “meth mouth” might be the best you’ll get out of the deal. But long-term brain damage and death are the risks you also take.
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