What is Crystal Meth? This is the street name for a drug consisting of METHAMPHETAMINE: a synthetic amphetamine (or stimulant) that has adrenaline-like properties and is produced and sold illegally in the form of crystal-like chunks. In appearance, Crystal Meth often resembles frozen ice water. However, it may also have a brown, yellow or pink tinge to it, with the consistency of a paste or earwax. Like Amphetamines, Crystal Meth acts directly on the Central Nervous System (C.N.S.) with the same effects as two of our Neuro-transmitters: Norepinephrine & Dopamine. This results in a chronic depletion of brain Serotonin levels and Endorphin production. What is Methamphetamine-induced brain damage? Hours after you’ve taken Crystal Meth the receptors in your brain start to turn off the natural production of dopamine. But unlike other stimulants like cocaine that allow the brain cells to re-capture & package dopamine, Crystal Meth does not!  Instead the brain receptor cells respond by releasing an enzyme that destroys any extra dopamine. With repeated use over time these enzymes permanently destroy dopamine cells. This leads to chemical changes in the brain that affect the way it works. This condition is known as METHAMPHETAMINE-INDUCED BRAIN DAMAGE. And this is why CRYSTAL METH IS NEURO-TOXIC! EVEN AS THE CRYSTAL METH DOES ITS DAMAGE, THE BRAIN STARTS TO CRAVE EVEN MORE AS IT INCREASINGLY SHUTS OFF THE EFFECTS! ONCE THE CRYSTAL METH HAS WORN OFF, THE DAMAGE TO THE BRAIN & CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOUR EMOTIONAL STABILITY, LEAVING YOU CRAVING MORE & FEELING MOODY, DEPRESSED, ANGRY & IRRITABLE! CRYSTAL METH & SPEED: what is the difference? Methamphetamines (Crystal Meth and Ice) are more concentrated and produce a  stronger more intense reaction than Speed. FOR THIS REASON, CRYSTAL METH IS WELL KNOWN FOR BEING A POWERFULLY ADDICTIVE DRUG - BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. What are the immediate effects of Methamphetamines? Increased alertness A sense of well-being Increased talkativeness Increased aggressiveness and violent behavior Increased breathing and heart rate Increased blood pressure Reduced appetite or complete loss of appetite Dilated pupils Insomnia Visual hallucinations Impaired speech Twitching and jerking What are the short term side effects of crystal meth? Dry, itchy skin Facial acne and sores Numbness Aggressive and often violent behavior Increased disinterest in friends, sex, work and food Introverted Irritable, anxious and restless With continued use of crystal meth a persons actions become: Compulsive, repetitive & obsessive in nature, less organized and more irrational, Self-conscious, nervous, introverted, irritable, anxious and restless. What are the long term side effects of Methamphetamine use? Confusion – due to disturbed / lack of sleep Excessive excitation Moodiness and irritability Panic Anxiousness Nervousness Paranoia False sense of confidence and power Grandeur delusions leading to aggressive and often violent behavior Disinterest in friends, sex, work & food introverted & agoraphobic Irritable, anxious and restless Crystal Meth induced brain damage FACT: ONE THIRD OF HEAVY CRYSTAL METH USERS WILL DEVELOP BIZARRE, PARANOID BEHAVIOR & SUFFER FROM VISUAL AND AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS. Larger or repetitive doses of crystal meth can cause: Constant cravings for more of the drug Emotional instability (particularly with anger) Headaches Dry mouth and persistent thirst Fever and sweating Pale appearance Blurred vision Irregular heart rate Tremors and Seizures Loss of co-ordination Collapse and Stroke TOO MUCH CRYSTAL METH CAN CAUSE FEELINGS OF CONFIDENCE & WELL-BEING TO TRANSFORM INTO AGITATION, PANIC, PARANOIA & RAGE! Crystal meth speeds up the aging process! As we get older we naturally lose neurons as part of the aging process. Therefore, by the time a person (who used Crystal Meth for a number of years when they were younger) reaches the age of 65 and their remaining neurons start to drop off, they are highly likely to develop early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and suffer problems with memory recall. The withdrawal symptoms from crystal meth include: Continuous cravings Severe exhaustion & Depression    Disturbed sleep (insomnia & nightmares) Deep sleep lasting up to 48hours  Anxiety reactions such as panic, fearfulness, agitation, irritability, frustration & restlessness Psychotic behavior (bizarre & repetitive in nature) Extreme hunger & nausea Heart palpitations Hyperventilation Sweating FACT: USING CRYSTAL METH WHILST PREGNANT CAN CAUSE: Miscarriage of the pregnancy (termination of the foetus). Your baby could also be born with: Cardiac defects Birth defects such as a cleft palate An addiction to Methamphetamines. AND ONCE YOUR BABY IS BORN HE / SHE WILL GO THROUGH CRYSTAL METH WITHDRAWALS!
The Facts & Effects of.....   Marijuana   Ecstasy   Hallucinogens   Methamphetamines   Speed   Heroin
::  Home  ::  Contact Us  ::  ADTARP Inc.  ::  Shay Louise House
© ADTARP Incorporated 2007