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Methylamphetamine is one of a group of stimulant drugs called amphetamines that act on the brain and nervous system. Its stimulant properties are longer acting than cocaine and amphetamines. The crystalline form – sometimes called ‘Ice’ can be easily smoked and can rapidly lead to high blood levels.
Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug made from a concoction of household chemicals and substances and comes in four different forms:
- Tablets (usually crushed and smoked over foil)
- Powder (taken orally, smoked, snorted or injected).
- Base (oily form of the powder and taken orally or injected)
- Crystalline meth - similar in appearance to shards of glass or ice crystals. Can be injected, snorted or taken orally but usually smoked. When in crystal form it tends to be purer and consequently more harmful and addictive.
Street names: Ice, glass, Tina and Christine, yaba, Christy, shabu, base, billy, crazy medicine, tweak, quartz, ice cream, crank, go-fast, fire.
Legal status: Illegal. Class A.
Effects of Methamphetamine
It can bring on a feeling of exhilaration and produces increased arousal and activity levels. Appetite is suppressed and the user feels more awake and exhilarated. Smoking the purer crystalline form produces a very intense 'rush' similar to that produced by crack cocaine but longer-lasting - between 4 and 12 hours.
Risks of Methamphetamine use
The drug can cause a rapid heart rate and a rise in blood pressure which may lead to heart attacks or strokes. The higher the dose, the greater these effects. Other acute effects include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion and violence. Methylamphetamine-induced psychosis has been widely reported in countries where there’s epidemic use. In cases of overdose – stroke, and lung, kidney and gastrointestinal damage can develop, and coma and death can occur. Methylamphetamine use can be associated with injecting and with sharing of paraphernalia with attendant risks of HIV and hepatitis virus infections. Using the drug may also increase libido and risky sexual behaviour thereby increasing further the risk of blood borne virus transmission in some.
It is infamous for its damaging effects on appearance. Users may experience weight loss, drawn skin and look very aged after only a short time of use. Some people suffer from severe tooth decay caused by the chemicals in meth which dry your mouth. Meth also causes skin sores with the sensation of bugs crawling under their skin. Sufferers can pick and scratch at the sores making them open and infected.
Methamphetamine addiction/ dependency
Injecting or smoking it is highly addictive. Extended use can lead to psychological and physical dependence. The greater potency of the 'ice' form, particularly when smoked, makes it a more dangerous drug than other forms of methylamphetamine.
Withdrawal symptoms
The severity and length of symptoms vary with the amount of damage done to the normal reward system through methamphetamine use. The most common symptoms are: drug craving, extreme irritability, loss of energy, depression, fearfulness, excessive drowsiness or difficulty in sleeping, shaking, nausea, palpitations, sweating, hyperventilation, and increased appetite.
Treatment of methamphetamine users
Symptomatic control, ongoing physical and mental state assessments by the clinical nurse specialist and health education surrounding drug abuse will be incorporated within the home treatment.
Careful attention will be placed upon good nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress and anxiety management.
Aftercare
During the detox process, the clinical nurse specialist, the consultant psychiatrist, and the care co-cordinator will plan a bespoke home detox aftercare package in conjunction with the client and, if appropriate, the client’s family.
We have developed an extensive network of aftercare resources throughout the world, including Europe’s top exclusive therapeutic retreat - The Causeway.
1-1 detox offers 12 months post detox addiction aftercare support and advice.
Examples of post detox aftercare have been referrals to prominent drug and alcohol counsellors, structured day programmes, personal training, complimentary therapists, nutritional specialists and rehabilitation at The Causeway.
Aftercare is planned during the home detox episode with the client and will reflect your specific needs.
Although 1-1 detox does not endorse one philosophy of aftercare we recognize the importance of NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and the role it can play in relapse prevention and long term sobriety.
For confidential help or advice
 Contact 1-1 detox
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