Methamphetamine---it comes with many names; meth, crystal meth, speed, and chalk. If it’s smoked, it’s called crystal, or ice, or glass or even crank. What is it about this substance that makes its really popular?

Methamphetamine belongs to the drug family known as amphetamines. These are powerful nervous system stimulants. These drugs can be produced so easily that even clandestine or makeshift laboratories can make them, given the right mix of know-how, tools and ingredients. As such, methamphetamine is a kind of substance that is subject to widespread abuse.

Meth: How It Is Taken And Its Effects

Meth can be smoked, taken orally, snorted or even injected. Mood alterations do happen after the drug is taken. Habitual users of the drug describe having “flashes” and states of “euphoria” which are often defined as experiences that are extremely enjoyable.

For those who are not familiar with the drug, meth comes as white, odorless crystalline powder that has a bitter taste. When taken orally, crystal meth has an effect that can last for 6-8 hours. When smoked, meth’s effect can endure for 10-12 hours. Like other amphetamine substances, users will experience an overwhelming sensation of alertness or wakefulness, loss of appetite and an unusual sense of well-being. The “high” that is produced is largely attributed to the excessive release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s “pleasure” center. It is one of the most addicting substances in the planet and has toxic effects on the body.

Chronic meth users are at risk for developing tolerance to the drug, addiction, depression and some drug related psychosis. Overdose may result , leading to brain damage, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations, muscle breakdown, cardiac arrest, organ failure and consequently—death.

Crystal Meth And Its Production

The manufacture, sale and possession of crystal meth is prohibited in many jurisdictions. In the United States, methamphetamine is regarded as a Schedule II medication; meaning it can only be prescribed by a doctor with no refills. Its medical use is pretty much limited and the doses in which they are prescribed are much lower than those which are typically abused.

Sadly, since meth can be produced easily, it’s illegal production and usage seems to be increasing once more, thanks to various drug cartels and small time drug producers who have decided to make some great efforts to peddle their wares on the street. Reports say that 2/3rds of the country’s meth supply comes from some large meth labs in Mexico and Southern California, while the rest is created in obscure labs hidden in a person's basement, bedroom, attics, garages, vacant buildings and the like.

Crystal Meth And Its Links To Induced Criminal Activity

The use of crystal meth is in itself a crime. However, there are some other crimes which have increased and more often than not, the perpetrators are high on the drug when the crimes are committed. Incidences of robbery, assault, domestic violence, identity theft and property crimes have increased as a direct result of people on meth. Typically, the reason these crimes are done in the first place all boils down to the person's need to get more funds to buy more drugs. To support their addictions, they resort to spur-of-the-moment crimes such as purse snatching, motor vehicle thefts or armed burglaries. More violent crimes however can likely be a result of long time pharmacological effects associated with chronic meth usage.

Can meth abuse be prevented? Probably the best ways to combat meth usage is thru strict implementation of laws governing the production of illegal drugs, zero tolerance to red tape so illegal drugs won’t find their way to the rest of the populace and promotion of advocacies that educate people about the negative effects of methamphetamine abuse to a person and the society they belong to.

For more information contact the Narconon program.

Source:  http://www.rrobserver.com/news/local/article_829c99a8-4f75-11e2-b690-0019bb2963f4.html