2. History of the drug
Methamphetamine was first created in Japan, in 1919.
During WWII, it was originally used to keep troops awake
and was given to Kamikaze pilots before their suicide
missions. After the war, the product was leaked to the
public. Pretty soon it spread to the rest of the world. In
1970, the U.S. declared its usage illegal, and ever since then,
secret trafficking and production of the product occurs
mostly in motorcycle gangs and laboratories in California.
3. How the drug can be taken
Methamphetamine can be taken either by
injecting, inhaling, or smoking the substance.
But sometimes, it can also be taken orally in pill
form.
4. Street names of Methamphetamine
- Meth
- Glass
- Crystal
- Speed
- Ice
-Quartz
5. Level of the drug
Meth is classified as a Schedule II drug. This
means that the drug is at high risk of being
abused and can be provided legally through a
prescription. Though, the prescription can not
be refilled.
6. Chemical break down
There are many chemicals in meth, several
being poisonous and toxic. A main ingredient is
pseudoephedrine, which is in many cold
medicines, but there’s also chemicals such as
antifreeze,ammonia hydroxide, and battery
acid. Each one of these chemicals can put a
person to death.
7. Harmful effects
Physical- decreased hunger, increased wakefulness, rapid
heart rate, increased blood pressure, and extreme weight
loss.
Mental/emotional- this drug can cause a person to become
very addicted, very quickly due to the chemicals that the
drug forces the brain to release. Delusions of power,
hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and insomnia
are all effects.
8. Harmful effects cont...
Social- Since meth can cause a person to become suddenly
violent, relationships can be threatened. People may not
want to be around a person that does meth anyway.
Legal consequences- Sentencing and fining vary state to
state when it comes to possession of meth. Basic sentencing
among all states though are five years in prison for ten
grams, and for 100 grams, ten years in prison
9. Short/Long term effects
Nervous system- Since meth forces the brain to release increased amounts of
the chemical dopamine (chemical that is normally released as a “pleasure” one),
this can trigger altering effects on the brain. After long use of Meth, the person
may suffer from memory loss, impaired learning, and reduced motor skills.
They also may be prone to insomnia, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Cardiovascular system- The person may have an increased heart rate or high
blood pressure for the rest of their lives. Blood vessels may be damaged which
can lead to stroke and even death.
10. Short/Long term effects
Digestive system- Starting from the mouth, rotten teeth is an effect associated
with the digestive system. Since often times the brain releases chemicals that
make the body ignore its own digestion system, the person can become
malnourished and emaciated. Nutrients aren’t absorbed and often times the
user experiences constipation and diarrhea.
Respiratory system- Breathing problems associated with smoking are present.
Meth can also cause increased respiration when taken recently.
11. Possible medical uses
Meth can used in medical circumstances but
only in very small doses. A doctor may
prescribe someone with Methamphetamine if
they have deficit hyperactivity disorder, but
that’s truly it. But once again, the prescription
can not be refilled due to the potential risk of it
being abused.
12. When mixed with other substances what are
the effects?
When mixed with alcohol, the person might be
prone to an increased risk of binge drinking or
alcohol poisoning, since meth can impair a
person's judgement when it comes to drinking.
13. Effects on family/society
Methamphetamine users not only destroy themselves, but
also the people around them. relationships may begin to
break, and family members may be shaken from the fact
that there is an addict in the family. On a bigger scale, meth
has affected society largely. It has become a part of pop
culture (Breaking Bad). Ever since the show had aired,
meth production has increased dramatically. Society sees it
as a “cool” thing to do, but really it’s not.
