One of the most addictive drugs our country has to deals with today is methamphetamine (meth). Not only does it present risks to the user and those close to them, but also the community. As a result of the highly unstable properties of the chemicals used to make meth (paint thinner, lithium batteries, chlorine, and bleach just to name a few), especially once they are combined and heated, many people each year are injured or killed and property damaged by fires and explosions of methamphetamine drug houses. However, research shows that the number of drug houses has decreased with the increase in education about the dangers of meth use and as well as the increased regulations on the purchase the chemicals required to make it. Unfortunately, foreign drug markets have filled in where the local markets left off. The amounts of meth coming in from Mexico and even Canada have made of up for the lack of American supply.
The risk, however, is not only restricted to fires from cooking this highly addictive drug. There are just as many, if not more dangers to those who use. Once the user has injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested the meth they receive a “rush” that is increasing the amount of dopamine their brain receives. The result is extreme wakefulness, physical activity, and a decrease in appetite. It can also cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and hyperthermia. After prolonged use, symptoms of paranoia and hallucinations begin to appear. Even after the user has stopped, there are health problems that will remain for the rest of their lives. These include loss of memory, impaired verbal learning, and change in emotional function.
The only treatment currently available is attendance at an addiction treatment center. There are no medications currently approved to help with methamphetamine addiction treatment. The journey to recovery is long, with high chance of relapse, but through rehab, and sometimes dual diagnosis treatment, users have gone on to live happy, successful lives.
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