2. What is Methamphetamine?
S An extremely addictive stimulant that is chemically similar
to amphetamine.
S Takes form of white, odorless, crystalline powder.
4. How are Methamphetamines
Used?
S Orally
S Snorted
S Smoked
S Injected
S Smoking or injecting the drug delivers it very quickly to
the brain, where it produces an immediate, intense
euphoria.
5. Affects on the Brain
S Brain damage
S Memory loss and inability to grasp abstract thoughts.
S Damage to blood vessels
6. Short Term Effects
S Extremely pleasurable sensation called “rush” or “flash”.
S Lasts only a few minutes.
S Snorting or swallowing produces a high, not a rush.
S Weakness
S Rapid/ irregular heart beat
S Increased respiration
7. Long Term Effects
S Malnutrition/ weight loss
S Severe tooth decay
S Heart attacks, stroke and or death
S Psychosis
S depression
8. Low Intensity Abuse
S Use Methamphetamines because:
S They want the extra stimulation.
S Want to be able to stay awake to complete tasks.
S Want appetite-suppressant effect to lose weight.
9. Binge Abuse
S Use Methamphetamines because:
S They want a higher dosage.
S Allows individual to feel more of the “rush” sensation.
10. High Intensity Abuse
S These users are often “speed freaks”.
S Refuse to let themselves crash after getting high.
S Each high becomes less than the one before it.
11. Statistics
S Teen Methamphetamine Use at Lowest Levels in NIDA's
2009 Monitoring the Future Survey.
S Number of high school seniors reporting they used
methamphetamine in the past year is now at only 1.2
percent.
S The proportion of 10th graders reporting that crystal meth
was easy to obtain has dropped to 14 percent, down from
19.5 percent five years ago.
12. Discussion Questions
S Why do you think individuals start using
methamphetamines?
S Do you think that there are gateway drugs that lead to the
use of Methamphetamines?
13. References
S DrugFacts: Methamphetamine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
S Meth Abusers - Signs & Symptoms of Crystal Meth Amphetamine Abuse - Drug-Free
World. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/how-methamphetamine-affects-people-
s-lives.html
S Methamphetamine - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from
http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/methamphetamine/
S Short- & Long-Term Side Effects of Crystal Methamphetamine on the Body- Drug-Free
World. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/the-deadly-effects-of-meth.html
S Teen Methamphetamine Use, Cigarette Smoking at Lowest Levels in NIDA's 2009
Monitoring the Future Survey. (2009, December 14). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/dec2009/nida-14.htm
