2. Two Major Stimulants top The NIDA 5:
Amphetamines. Meth, MDMA: disrupt serotonin
transmission
Cocaine. Powder, crack: block dopamine
transporter.
(Marijuana. THC: binds to cannabinoid receptors.
Opiates. Codeine/morphine: bind to opioid
receptors.
Phencyclidine. PCP: disrupts glutamate
transmission.
Beyond the NIDA five:
Alcohol
Nicotine
Club drugs
Steroids
Emerging drugs (Khat, Salvia, energy drinks)
Prescription medications
3. Social Pressure to Excel
“The po pularity o f the
stim ulants is co ng rue nt
with value s in We ste rn
so cie ty. ”
Ray. Drug s, So cie ty and_ Hum an Be havio r
4. Uppers: Natural and Synthetic
Plant-derived
o Caffeine
o Nicotine
o Cocaine
o Methcathinone
o Ephedrine
Synthetic
o Amphetamine
o Methamphetamine
5. o Percent of those everusing who become addicted
Alcohol Cocaine Heroin Tobacco
35%
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Schuh et al., Am J Ther. 1996 May;3(5):335-341
6. o All stimulants increase activity and availability of
monoamineneurotransmitters
o neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that contain one
amino group connected to an aromatic ring by a two-
carbon chain (-CH2-CH2-).
o all monoamines are derived fromaromatic amino acids
like phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and the thyroid
hormones by the action of aromatic amino acid
decarboxylase enzymes.
o Catecholamines
o Dopamine
o Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
o Epinephrine (adrenaline
• Tryptamines:
o Serotonin
o Melatonin
Note of interest: MAOI drugs inhibit the production of
monoamine oxidase, enzymes that break down the
monoamine nts…used to treat depression.
7. o Direct effect on dopamine levels result from
different mechanisms by which different
stimulants increase availability of dopamine
o Cocaine blocks reuptakeof dopamine
o Amphetamine stimulates releaseof dopamine
o Complexeffects produced by interactions with
othermonoamine neurotransmitters
(norepinephrine, serotonin)
Direct and Indirect Effects of Stimulants
8. Positive Reinforcement
o Exaggerated “fight orflight” response
o Neurotransmitters potentiated
o Norepinephrine
o Dopamine
o Seratonin
o Low doses mimic norepinephrine
o Increased alertness, energy
o Increased blood flow to muscles
o Increased blood sugarand oxygen
9. Direct Action in Reward Pathway
VTA
Nucleus
accumbens
Caudate
nucleus
10. Ability of Endogenous Reward System To Elevate Dopamine
Significantly Less than that of the Stimulant Drugs
Fiorino and Phillips,
J. Neuroscience, 1997.
DAConcentration(%Baseline)
0 1 2 3 4 5 hr
Time After AmphetamineSample
Number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Female Present
SEX AMPHETAMINE
DAConcentration(%Baseline)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
12. The Xanthenes: Caffeine
• Caffeine: Performance
enhancement limited to simple
tasks – not complex tasks
requiring concentration and
high-level thinking
• Xanthenes produce a mildly
stimulating effect by blocking
receptors foradenosine, a
neurotransmittermodulator
(inhibits release of other
neurotransmitters)
• Chocolate also contains a
xanthene - theobromine –
almost no effect on CNS
13. Nicotine
o Naturally occurring liquid alkaloid
o When plant is heated, nicotine is released in
smoke
o Highly toxic - 60 mg is lethal dose
o Cigarettes, cigars are effective delivery methods
o Action in CNS is complex
o Mimics acetylcholine
o First stimulates, then blocks
acetylcholine receptors
o Also causes release of adrenaline
(sympathomimetic)
14. Ephredrine
o Originally derived from herbs classified as
Ephedra
o Used medically in asthma inhalers to dilate
bronchial passages (sympathomimetic)
o Called herbal ecstasy – sometimes marketed
as “safe” alternative to MDMA
o NOT REGULATED BY FDA when used as
dietary supplement
o Be te lnuts and yo him be are close relatives
15. From Ephedrine to Amphetamine
o Amphetamine – synthesized to
resemble ephedrine chemically
o First patented use for
amphetamine was
Benzedrine inhaler(OTC )
o Meth molecule is derived from
altering amphetamine molecule
o Methamphetamine – added
methyl molecule to basic
amphetamine
o Ice – smokable formof
methamphetamine
o More rapid absorption,
fastereffect
Amphetamine
Methamphetamine
16. Cathinoids
o Schedule 1 drugs: no known (or
recognized) medical uses in U. S.
o Alkaloids derived from khat – plant
native to Africa/Arabian Pe ninsula
o Effects similar to amphetamines and
cocaine
o Little known about long-term effects; still
in early research
o More widely used in Eastern Europe
than in west, although this may be
changing.
17. Antidepressants
Note: Thesedrugs donot belongintheclass of
stimulants, but produceanexcitatoryeffect
similarto that of thestimulants by
increasingavailabilityof themonoamine
neurotransmitters
o MAOIa (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) –
raise norepinephrine levels by blocking
enzymatic breakdown
o Tricyclic compounds – prevent reuptake of
excitatory neurotansmitters
o SSRIs such as Fluoxetine (Prozac) – blocks
reuptake of seratonin and keeps it circulating
at higherlevels in the brain
18.
19. o Cocainecauses “…exhilaration and lasting euphoria,
which in no way differs from the normal euphoria of
the healthy person...You perceive an increase of
self-control and possess more vitality and capacity
for work....In other words, you are simply normal,
and it is soon hard to believe you are under the
influence of any drug....Long intensive physical
work is performed without any fatigue...This result
is enjoyed without any of the unpleasant after-
effects that follow exhilaration brought about by
alcohol....Absolutely no craving for the further use
of cocaine appears after the first, or even after
repeated taking of the drug...”Sigmund Freud, circa 1884
20. OTC medicine
Cocawine - beverage of
choice of Pope Leo XIII
In 1909, Ernest Shackleton
took “Forced March” brand
cocaine tablets to Antarctica,
as did Captain Scott a year
later on his ill-fated journey to
the South Pole
21. o Once used widely as an anesthetic
o Still used as a local anesthetic fornasal, laryngeal
and esophageal surgeries because of efficiency with
which it’s absorbed into mucous membranes
o Potential formisuse recognized early on -
o Novacaine, zylocaine developed as safertopical
anesthetics
o Chemically similar, no CNS effects
Schedule II
22. Cocaine Facts
o Cocaine is a $35 billion illicit
industry now surpassing coffee as
Columbia’s #1 export
o Only one in fouraddicts will be able
to quit without help
o Each day 5000 more people
experiment with cocaine
o Young single people are most
frequent users of cocaine
25. o Inhaled cocaine
penetrates mucous
membranes of
nasal lining
o enters
bloodstream
through many
small capillaries
o reaches brain in 3-
5 minutes
Most Common Route of
Administration is “sniffing” or
“snorting” – “doing a line”
26. Other Administration Routes
o Oral ingestion (chewed leaves)
o Oldest slowest form
o 15-20 minutes
o Injection
o rush – 15 seconds)
o Often combined with heroin or other injectable
drug to “soften” crash
called “speedballing”
o Smoking – soak cigarette or joint with vapors or use
water pipe
o “Freebasing” - uses ether to produce vapors –
highly flammable – very risky
o “Crack” - uses baking soda or ammonia –safer
and cheaper – same results
31. Crack Cocaine -
Drug of Choice in Rat Studies
CrackCocaine Comparison drugs
Rapid effect Sloweronset
Intense euphoria Less intense
More “brain rewarding” – always
first choice
Chosen only if crackisn’t
available
Short duration with abrupt end of
effect (rapid “let down”)
Less intense
“let-down”
No visible side-effects Side effects visible
No odor- undetectable Tell-tale odor
Can be smoked Cannot be smoked
What
makes it
first
choice
for
humans?
32. Perfect Model of Positive
Reinforcement
o Exaggerated “fight orflight”
response
o Neurotransmitters released and
potentiated as a result of stimulant
administration
o Norepinephrine
o Dopamine
o Seratonin
o Low doses mimic norepinephrine
o Increased alertness, energy
o Increased blood flow to muscles
o Increased blood sugarand oxygen
33.
34. Faster RUSH = Higher RISK
o Asingle dose of
crackcancause
stroke, heart
attack, orcardiac
arrest
o B/c of speed with
which it reaches
heart/brain
35. Crack babies
o In males, cocaine may attach to
spermcausing damage to fetal
cells
o Increased incidence of miscarriage
n female users
o Increased incidence of premature
laborand delivery
o Pre-natal strokes due to
fluctuations in blood pressure
o Fetal addiction/withdrawal
o Kidney and respiratory ailments
o Increased riskof SIDS
36. Addiction Process
o Cocaine, especially crackcocaine,
can become addictive on the first
use
o Scientific studies with animals
o Rats ormonkeys hooked to
intravenous source of drug
o Will administerheroin
indefinitely, but still eat and
sleep
o Will administercocaine and do
virtually nothing else
37. Addiction Process (cont.)
o Continued self-administration
o Stop eating and sleeping
o Within days/weeks, lose up to
40% of their body weight
o Within a month, are dead
o Addiction “cues” in animals
o Visible excitation at sight of
lever for obtaining cocaine
38. Addiction Process in
Humans?
o Similarly, addiction cues have
been observed in studies with
humans
o Racing heartbeat when
shown items identified with
taking cocaine
o Intense cravings when
reminded of use even after
period of abstention
39. Acute Potential for harm
o Cardiovasculartoxicity
o HIV/AIDS infection
o Tuberculosis infection
o Accidental overdose
o Asthma attacks and seizures
o Violent death
o Severe emotional and behavioral
problems
o Adulterated drugs (“cutting”)
40. Here’s Why
o Because cocaine constricts coronary arteries at the same time it
raises blood pressure, it increases the likelihood that a cardiac
event will occur. At the same time, it disturbs the electrical
signals which stimulate heart beat.
o Needle use
o TB= this and otherrespiratory infections occurmore frequently
in cocaine users than any otherdrug group – effect on nasal
tissues is one cause, but also a practice known as “shotgunning”
– often used to increase “intimacy” orto hooknew users –
o Accidental overdose most often linked to lowersocioeconomic
status of user–
o Asthma – severe constriction of airways is one of the sympathetic
effects of cocaine – can be severe enough to cause epileptic
seizures
o Aggression, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression are most
common emotional problems associated with cocaine use.
41. Psychological
o Addiction
o Irritability; mood
disturbances
o Restlessness
o Paranoia
o Auditory
hallucinations
Physiological
o Arrhythmias;
heart attacks
o Chest pain;
respiratory failure
o Increased risk for
stroke
o Seizures
o Headaches
o Abdominal pain,
nausea
Medical Complications (Long-Term Use)Medical Complications (Long-Term Use)
42. o The “crash,” the initial abstinence phase
o depression
o agitation
o suicidal thoughts
o fatigue
o Withdrawal
o mood swings,
o craving
o anhedonia (absence of emotional response, such as
joy, affection)
o obsession with drug seeking
o Extinction - normal pleasure returns, which cues
o triggercraving
o mood swings
3 Main Stages of Cocaine Withdrawal
43. Treatments
o Treatment providers in most areas report
cocaine as most common cited drug of
abuse among clients
o Majority of cocaine addicts seeking
treatment are poly-drug users
o Behavioral/cognitive (in-patient)
o Pharmacological approaches
o No medication specific to cocaine
addiction
o Disulfiram, Selegeline being tested, other
antidepressants
www.selegiline.com/
44.
45. Amphetamines
o Amphetamine (Benzedrine)
o Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
o Methamphetamine (“crystal
meth” or“crank”)
o Smokable form: “ice”)
o Derivatives: Ritalin
o No natural source (all synthetic)
46. Short-term Effects
o Effects felt in 7-8 seconds when smoked
o Toxic doses can cause convulsions, coma,
death
o Association with violence/crime
o Effects last 4 to 14 hours
o Intense physical and psychological
exhilaration – high energy
o Rapid depletion of stored energy,
vitamins and minerals
o Long-termhealth problems: delusions,
hallucinations, paranoia, extreme
agitation
47. Medical Uses
o Anorectic – appetite
suppressant
o Narcolepsy
o Attention-deficit-hyperactivity
disorders in children
oDextroamphetamine
oRitalin (methylphenidate)
48. Current Misuse
o Decline in abuse in the late ‘80s and
early ‘90s
o In 1993, the declines were replaced by
an alarming increase
o Increase in use of methamphetamine
led to the “National
Methamphetamine Strategy” in 1996
o “Speed”
o Due to the ease of production,
methamphetamine is often made in
makeshift labs in homes orgarages
49. Acute Effects of Amphetamine
Body
• Increased/irregular
heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Decreased appetite
• Increased breathing rate
• Sleeplessness
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Muscle twitching
• Convulsions
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Death due to overdose
Mind
• Decreased fatigue
• Increased confidence
• Increased feeling of
alertness
• Restlessness,
talkativeness
• Increased irritability
• Fearfulness, apprehension
• Distrust of people
• Behavioral stereotyping
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
50. Methamphetamine
o The following slides are from a special
presentation by US Health and Human
Services Dept’s SAMHSA (Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration)
Division, in response to the growing
problems with methamphetamine abuse.
55. Dopamine Transporters in Methamphetamine AbusersDopamine Transporters in Methamphetamine Abusers
Methamphetamine abusers have significant reductions in dopamine
transporters.
Normal Control
Methamphetamine Abuser
BNL - UCLA - SUNY
NIDA - ONDCP - DOE
7 8 9 10 11 12 131.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
Time Gait
(seconds)
46810121416
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
Delayed Recall
(words remembered)
DopamineTransporter
Bmax/Kd
Motor Task
Memory Task
56. How does Methamphetamine ImpactHow does Methamphetamine Impact
the Spread and Course of HIV/AIDS?the Spread and Course of HIV/AIDS?
o Increases risky sexual behavior, especially among men who have sex
with men (MSM)
o It may reduce medication adherence to HAART
o Increases replication of FIV in brain cells (the feline equivalent of HIV)
o Meth. addiction increases the risk of HIV-related cognitive problems
57. The effects of meth
• Dramatically affectsthebrain
• Alertness/wakefulness
• Feelingsof increased strength/renewed energy
• Intensified feelingsof sexual desire
• Feelingsof invulnerability
• Feelingsof increased confidence/competence
58. What’s the downside?
Meth userssuffer severeeffectsand
consequences:
• Depression
• Bingeand crash pattern of use
• Crash phase—“tweaking”—often includesfeelingsof
anxiety and emptiness
• Addiction
• Brain damage
60. • Brain damage
• Memory problems
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetiteand anorexia
• Increased heart rateand blood pressure
• Breathing problems
• Increased risk of stroke
• Increased risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitisB and C,
and other diseasesfrom shared needles.
Long-term effects
61. Interstatetruck drivers
Restaurant, construction, and factory workers
White-collar workers
Peoplewith AIDS Students
Youth at all-night parties
Peopleseeking weight loss
Peopleproducing meth
Athletes
Gay men
Anyone can be a potential meth user
62. Who uses meth?
• Ageof first use: teens
• Easy to go from casual useto being addicted
• In 1999, 7.9 percent of high school seniorsreported
taking meth at least once
(2000 Mo nito ring the Future Survey)
• 8.8 million Americansreported using meth (2000 SAMHSAHo useho ld
Survey)
63. • Over-the-counter ingredients
• Easily madeat home
• Manufacturing = “cooking”
• Dangerouschemicalsand toxic residue
• Labscan and do explodeunexpectedly
??
Meth production and its effects
64. Non-users suffertoo…
• Domestic violenceand child neglect
• Threatsto physical safety of community members:
One in six meth labs explo des o r catches fire
Every po und o f meth leaves behind 5– 6 po unds o f to xic
waste
• Property valuesdecline, crimeescalates
Three major groups of stimulants:
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Cathinones – newest stimulants to appear on the drug scene in America
All share one thing – high potential for abuse
Chemical uppers force the body to release its natural stimulants – neurotransmitters,
Potentiate the actions, especially norepinephrine
At low doses the behavioral response is like an exaggerated stress response
Other actions include increased heart rate, etc.
High dose and overstimulation may result in restlessness, irritability and insomnia
Chemical uppers force the body to release its natural stimulants – neurotransmitters,
Potentiate the actions, especially norepinephrine
At low doses the behavioral response is like an exaggerated stress response
Other actions include increased heart rate, etc.
High dose and overstimulation may result in restlessness, irritability and insomnia
Chemical uppers force the body to release its natural stimulants – neurotransmitters,
Potentiate the actions, especially norepinephrine
At low doses the behavioral response is like an exaggerated stress response
Other actions include increased heart rate, etc.
High dose and overstimulation may result in restlessness, irritability and insomnia
Force body to release natural stimulants, especially norepinephrine, resulting in rush of energy and power throughout body
F
Long term or excessive use depletes the body’s energy producing neurotransmitters, various body systems start to shut down, resulting in physical collapse and mental depression.
Localization of cocaine "binding sites"
When a person smokes or snorts cocaine, it travels quickly to the brain. Although it reaches all areas of the brain, it concentrates in some specific areas. These are highlighted with the turquoise sprinkles; the VTA, the nucleus accumbens and the caudate nucleus (lighter turquoise since the caudate is inside the hemisphere). Point out that cocaine concentrates especially in the reward areas that you have just discussed. Cocaine accumulation in other areas such as the caudate nucleus can explain other effects such as increased stereotypical behaviors (pacing, nail-biting, scratching, etc..) – the VTA is the ventral tegmental area which is where the impulse starts
Show the "big picture". As a result of cocaine's actions in the nucleus accumbens (point to the sprinkles of cocaine in the nuc. acc.), there are increased impulses leaving the nucleus accumbens to activate the reward system. Indicate that with continued use of cocaine, the body relies on this drug to maintain rewarding feelings. The person is no longer able to feel the positive reinforcement or pleasurable feelings of natural rewards (food, water, sex). They are basically “drowned out” by the stronger impulses coming from the drug effect itself.
,
One other drug known as “cat” is short for methcathinone…it is homemade and is a powerful stimulant. Destructive side effects keep it from wide use
So intense that your text says it must sometimes be mixed with alcohol or pot to offset stimulating effect.
Remains the primary target of the Drug War, until now…
Using the close-up view, explain what happens when dopamine binds to its receptor. When dopamine binds to its receptor, another protein called a G-protein (in pink) moves up close to the dopamine receptor. The G-protein signals an enzyme to produce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) molecules (in green) inside the cell. [Sometimes the signal can decrease production of cAMP, depending on the kind of dopamine receptor and G-protein present.] Point to the dopamine receptor-G-protein/adenylate cyclase complex, and show how cAMP is generated when dopamine binds to its receptor. Indicate that cAMP (point to the cyclic-looking structures) controls many important functions in the cell including the ability of the cell to generate electrical impulses.
Using the close-up view, explain what happens when dopamine binds to its receptor. When dopamine binds to its receptor, another protein called a G-protein (in pink) moves up close to the dopamine receptor. The G-protein signals an enzyme to produce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) molecules (in green) inside the cell. [Sometimes the signal can decrease production of cAMP, depending on the kind of dopamine receptor and G-protein present.] Point to the dopamine receptor-G-protein/adenylate cyclase complex, and show how cAMP is generated when dopamine binds to its receptor. Indicate that cAMP (point to the cyclic-looking structures) controls many important functions in the cell including the ability of the cell to generate electrical impulses.
Chemical uppers force the body to release its natural stimulants – neurotransmitters,
Potentiate the actions, especially norepinephrine
At low doses the behavioral response is like an exaggerated stress response
Other actions include increased heart rate, etc.
High dose and overstimulation may result in restlessness, irritability and insomnia
Long term or excessive use depletes the body’s energy producing neurotransmitters, various body systems start to shut down, resulting in physical collapse and mental depression.
Because cocaine constricts coronary arteries at the same time it raises blood pressure, it increases the likelihood that a cardiac event will occur. At the same time, it disturbs the electrical signals which stimulate heart beat.
Needle use
TB = this and other respiratory infections occur more frequently in cocaine users than any other drug group – effect on nasal tissues is one cause, but also a practice known as “shotgunning” – often used to increase “intimacy” or to hook new users –
Accidental overdose most often linked to lower socioeconomic status of user –
Asthma – severe constriction of airways is one of the sympathetic effects of cocaine – can be severe enough to cause epileptic seizures
Aggression, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression are most common emotional problems associated with cocaine use.
Disulfiram (long used in treatment of alcoholism) has an inhibiting effect on the cAMP reaction that takes place when dopamine reuptake is blocked
Selegeline is an MAO-B nhibitor, metabolises dopamine and phenylethylamine (the chocolate amphetamine) – is considered “neuroprotective” against oxidative damage by glutamate
Amphetamine is a general term used to describe these four closely-related drugs –
Can be smoked, ingested orally, snorted, or injected (after being mixed with water)
Similar effects – improve length of performance, reverse effects of fatigue, postpone sleep,
Not really harmful if use is occasional or infrequent…although injected it can cause death by heart failure or stroke
Tend to use in binges – days without food and possible dehydration
May induce formication: sensation of “crank bugs” walking on skin
amphetamine psychosis
Meth dramatically affects the brain, spinal cord, and spinal nerves, also known as the central nervous system. These changes have widespread effects.
Many people are lured into using this drug for the initial good feelings it brings. Immediately after smoking or injecting, the meth user experiences an intense sensation, called a “rush” or “flash.”
While that rush is described as pleasurable, it only lasts a few minutes. It is followed by a high that can last up to 6 to 8 hours.
Some people start using meth to reduce fatigue and maintain productivity since meth makes users feel more alert and gives them feelings of increased strength.
Some people hope it will increase sexual desire and activity. Others want to lose weight.
Other typical psychological effects include:
Feelings of invulnerability.
Feelings of increased confidence and competence.
Whatever the reason for using the drug, the meth high is followed by a devastating low. In fact, the depression that follows meth use can be intolerable. This depression often contributes to an individual’s decision to start using meth again.
As a result, users often follow a “binge and crash” pattern of use. That is, they continue taking the drug over several days to prolong the high and avoid that inevitable crash. The crash phase, called “tweaking,” often overwhelms the user with feelings of anxiety and emptiness.
The reality of meth use is that at some point users may lose control of the drug and become addicted. And, whether addicted or not, meth users risk permanent brain damage.
In addition to depression, after the rush individuals typically experience a state of high agitation that can lead to violent behavior. As the drug leaves their systems, users can experience:
Irritability/aggressiveness/frustration.
Anxiety.
Depression.
Fatigue.
Paranoia.
Sometimes these feelings are so extreme they lead to thoughts of homicide or suicide. In addition, people who tweak may exhibit unpredictable and dangerous behavior. When they are startled, confused, or confronted by anyone—including law enforcement, medical personal, and even their own children—they can be violent.
Hallucinations or delusions.
Insects crawling on the skin, for example.
Intense cravings for the drug.
Can lead to the binge and crash pattern we discussed, as well as addiction.
Meth users face a variety of long-term consequences. Meth’s effect on the brain and the brain’s ability to recover are not entirely clear. However, brain damage can be seen months after a person quits using meth.
Research is continuing, but studies have connected prolonged use of meth with symptoms similar to those of people with Parkinson’s disease. Another outcome may be brain damage similar to that caused by Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and epilepsy.
In addition to brain damage and memory loss, users can experience:
Insomnia—can’t sleep.
Decreased appetite and anorexia.
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Tremors or convulsions.
Breathing problems.
Lung, kidney, and liver damage.
Increased risk of stroke due to irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain.
Increased risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and other diseases for users who inject meth and share needles.
Given these negative effects, you may wonder who would use meth? Well, as with most drugs, it’s used by a broad range of people—every ethnicity, every income bracket, from all areas of the country.
While anyone may use meth, some people more susceptible to use are:
Students studying long hours.
Youth partying all night.
People trying to lose weight.
Athletes, both in and out of school, seeking temporary bursts of energy and feelings of increased physical endurance.
Men in some gay populations where meth is often used to boost sexual performance or alleviate depression.
AIDS patients seeking temporary relief from fatigue and depression. They may not realize that meth damages their physical health and makes them more likely to neglect prescribed therapies.
People manufacturing meth at home to make money, support their own addiction, or both.
While young people are mentioned previously, the impression may be that meth is most widely used by adults. However, during the meth teleconference, experts emphasized that the typical age when people first use meth is in their mid- to late-teens.
It was also noted that meth use is increasing, and it is very easy to go from so-called casual use of meth to slip into addiction.
Among high school seniors surveyed, almost 8 percent reported using meth at least once.
According to the 2000 Monitoring the Future Survey, 8.8 million Americans reported using meth at least once. That’s more than double the number in 1994.
Meth use is a national problem, and the dangers faced by those using meth are significant and must be addressed.
Let’s take a closer look at meth production. What is a “meth house” or a “meth lab” exactly? And what are some of the very real and literally volatile problems associated with having one in your neighborhood?
First, it’s important to understand that meth, unlike many drugs, is made with relatively inexpensive, over-the-counter ingredients. Also, someone doesn’t need much space or special equipment. This makes it fairly simple to manufacture the drug at home and explains why labs can spring up almost anywhere.
Manufacturing meth is referred to as “cooking,” a process that is extremely dangerous due to the unstable chemicals used and the toxic byproducts produced. Some of the chemicals used in cooking meth include sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, iodine, ether, and lye. Whether inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, these chemicals pose serious health hazards.
These poisons are usually dumped on the ground or pollute our rivers. In addition, meth labs can and do explode unexpectedly and forcefully.
All of these hazards mean that anyone in or near a meth lab is at risk, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians who are called to these labs.
Meth poses tremendous risks for those around meth users as well. More and more, meth is a contributing factor in cases of domestic violence and child neglect. Meth also threatens the physical safety of children who live in meth labs as well as community members nearby.
For instance:
One in six meth labs explodes or catches fire each year.
Every pound of meth produced generates 5–6 pounds of toxic waste.
Property values decline and criminal activities escalate when a meth house comes into a neighborhood.
Although meth effects many non-users, children are especially vulnerable.
When women use meth during pregnancy, it can lead to problems for the infant:
Premature delivery—babies are born too early.
Low birth weights.
Abnormal reflexes and extreme irritability.
Learning deficits related to verbal skills.
In addition, child protection services are reporting dramatically increased caseloads related to the manufacture and use of methamphetamine.
Parents using or producing meth often:
Fail to adequately supervise their children’s activities.
Fail to obtain appropriate medical attention when necessary.
Fail to either feed their children or provide them with proper nutrition.
In addition, users and people who tweak can be physically abusive to their children—just as they can be to anyone who bothers them while in withdrawal.
