Methamphetamine Abuse
Methamphetamine is an odorless, white and bitter crystalline powder that can easily be dissolved in water or alcohol. Due to the fact that it can enter the bloodstream faster, by injecting it, this drug is very potent, long-lasting and with much more harmful effects on the nervous system, in comparison to other similar narcotics.
Methamphetamine is known under various knick names, such as speed or chalk. When one refers to the crystal form inhaled by smoking, the knick names are crystal, ice, glass or tina.
It is important to know that medical methamphetamine is named Desoxyn and it is prescribed in low doses for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other similar conditions.
METHAMPHETAMINE HISTORY AND POPULARIZATION
The drug that was first produced in Germany, in 1887, was initially called amphetamine. Starting with the year 1919 the drug called methamphetamine was developed in Japan. It was actually easier to produce because of its water-soluble characteristics. But the usage of the drug became prominent during World War II.
It was specifically administered to keep troops alert. After the war, these drug supplies spread through Japan. But people were not actually concerned about addiction or treatment and were ignoring all the side effects.
Nowadays, methamphetamine is primarily produced in laboratories in Mexico, Canada, and Southeast Asia, and it is sold around the world because of the profit it can bring to drug dealers.
METHAMPHETAMINE STATISTICS
According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), over 1.2 million people used at least once this narcotic during the year.
Also, according to the Substance Abuse and Medical Health Services Administration’s on Drug Abuse, over 23.5 million people needed treatment for methamphetamine in 2014.
LEARN ABOUT METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION AND MEDICAL RISKS OF PROLONGED ABUSE
Long-term drug abuse have many negative consequences, including addiction or compulsive drug seeking and usage. The tolerance to the pleasurable effects of the substance develops when it is taken repeatedly.
The numerous initial risks involved with drug abuse include anxiety, confusion, depression, insomnia, tooth decay or hair loss.
Moreover, prolonged usage leads to severe psychotic symptoms that include paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and violent behavior. These symptoms may last for several months after the person has quit using the drug.
Other significant risks are impaired verbal learning and reduced motor speed, emotional and cognitive breakdown, organ failure and strokes.
Therefore, it is important to know that this drug affects the mind and also the human body.
SOCIAL RISKS OF METHAMPHETAMINE USE
Drug abuse and addiction also have a negative impact for the society, including factors such as productivity, health, and crime-related costs.
To be more specific, the usage of methamphetamine will finally lead to severe social consequences, such as loss of employment, failure in school, domestic violence, child abuse and family disintegration.
TREATMENT APPROACHES TO METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION
Due to the fact that methamphetamine abuse affects each aspect of a person’s life, the treatment is not an easy one. Subsequently, an effective drug rehab program includes various components, each one directed towards a particular issue and its negative results.
It is important to learn about methamphetamine addiction and to know that an effective treatment is one tailored according to the needs of each individual. Before beginning a recovery, the person has to acknowledge the problematic behavior. There are various cognitive therapies that offer support and help in the rehabilitation process.
Also, methamphetamine treatment centers will provide a successful and significantly longer treatment and will help each person to choose the right path for positive results.
Please visit alcohol treatment programs if you are struggling with alcoholism.