Good day to you all. This is Blondie signing in.
Today I want to explore the drug Methamphetamine, better known as Meth, crystal or ice. Meth is a powerful stimulant drug. To understand the drug you first have to know its positive affect and its negative effects. When you use this drug you will feel several pleasing effects alertness, stimulation, euphoria, mood lifts, and a sexual desire of pleasure. However, you also must be aware of the negative effects this drug will have on you. They are as follows: anxiety, aggressiveness, and increase in blood pressure, increase of temperature, loss of appetite, paranoia and insomnia. You also must be aware that this drug is highly addictive. It raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. Meth operates in a few ways to increase the total effects of dopamine, nor epinephrine and serotonin in the body. Meth can be used in several ways. It can be snorted, smoked or injected intravenously.
Let’s explore methamphetamine’s history. Meth was first introduced in Japan in 1893. The drug was later crystallized in 1919 also in Japan. The Japanese and Germans started used this drug during World War 11 to increase the abilities of their soldiers. The first major wave of Meth appeared between 1945 and 1950. The 1960”s saw a second wave in the United States. Its illicit production started in 1962. Meth’s trade was then dominated by the motorcycle gangs such as the Hell Angels. Production eventually shifted to Mexico in the 1980’s. Meth then became a major problem in the United States and Japan. From the early 2000’s other countries such as the Philippines, Australia and South Africa were heading to an epidemic crisis.
One main reason Meth is so dangerous is because it is so easy to make. You can literally make this drug in your home. The main ingredient pseudo ephedrine can be found in your local drug or grocery store. Anywhere you can purchase cold medication. The legal system put a freeze on how many cold medications you were allowed to purchase at one time to try to discourage individuals from obtaining its main ingredients.
The medical community struggled in the beginning to treat Meth addicts. However, there have been success with treatment of addicts in recent years. The first step is detoxification better known as detox. Detoxification is the process that clears your body of the drug. This process can not only be physically uncomfortable, but emotional and numbing as well, especially for regular and longtime users. It can throw a person into a state of depression that can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. Meth withdrawal varies from person to person depending on how much and how often you used the drug. Acute withdrawal from Meth can begin as soon as a few hours to twenty four hours. However, the last use can linger for several days or weeks. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, depression and intense drug cravings, mood swings, paranoia or extreme distrust of others.
If you or someone you love or know is suffering from drug addiction there is help available. The American Addiction Center has compassionate representatives standing by to help immediately. Just call 1-866-244-1070.
Remember call or text someone who may need a mental hug. This is Blondie signing off until next time. May God bless you all.