Health Effects of Meth Addiction

Addictions: Designer Drug

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a designer drug, known alternatively by its street names as speed, crank, ice, chalk, dunk, Batu, Tina, Go-Fast, Shabu, Tweak, Glass, Crystal, and Scooby snax (DEA, 2020). Meth belongs to the group of drugs known as stimulants. Meth increases the amount of dopamine naturally produced in the brain, giving the user a high. The meth user experiences a powerful high as a result of increased levels of dopamine in the brain, and this high is then wanted again and again as it is so powerful. As Prakash et al. (2017) point out, “the euphoric effects of METH occur due to release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in the experience of pleasure, motivation and motor function” (p. 3). Meth can be sold as a powder, rock, base or pill. The drug is made using the primary ingredients of ephedrine and pseudophedrine, which can be obtained from over-the-counter cold medications. These ingredients are combined with other ingredients that can be obtained from household items, such as lithium (car batteries), acetone (paint thinner), Freon (air conditioning units), gasoline, and sulfuric acid (cleaners). The drug is consumed usually by smoking it and inhaling the vapors.

The individual using meth experiences euphoric sensations. The individual becomes more talkative, experiences increased alertness and energy as well as a heightened sexual arousal; he can also experience increased hostility or aggression, and feel superior to others. However, following the intense high is a crash that plunges the person in the opposite direction: depression, anxiety, and the need for a return to that original high are all experienced. Without a return to meth, the user experiences withdrawal symptoms, which include fatigue, dry mouth, increased appetite, jittery nerves, lethargy, sleepiness, apathy, despair, and even paranoia, hallucinations and delusions (Liang, Wang & Yuan, 2018).

Behavioral and mental health effects of meth use include insomnia, reduced concentration and memory loss, psychotic behavior, suicidal ideation, violence, and paranoia. Psychotic effects of meth use include hallucinations and the belief that someone is out to get the person or hearing things that are not actually there. This is because the brain is overly stimulated and produces this effect on the user. Physical health effects of meth use can be seen in skin changes and tooth decay but also in the central nervous system, immune system and gastrointestinal system (Prakash et al, 2017). For instance, it “induces peripheral kidney and liver damage that leads to toxic ammonia levels in the blood and subsequently, the brain” (Prakash et al., 2017, p. 3). Additionally, “the rapid and sustained release of norepinephrine following meth use results in arterial vasoconstriction, leading to tachycardia and hypertension. Similar effects can also be seen in the mesenteric vessels of the gut, leading to acute intestinal ischemia” (Prakash et al., 2017, p. 5). Behavioral effects linked to meth use include social isolation, mood disturbances, violence, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and psychotic tendencies. Prakash et al. (2017) note that “long-term use of METH causes molecular changes in the dopamine system, contributing to nerve terminal damage in the brain and leading to impaired motor skills, rapid cognitive decline, increased anxiety, psychotic disorders, violent behaviour, hallucination, delusions and depression” (p. 3).

Treatment for use of meth includes cognitive behavioral therapy (Shakiba, Effatpanah & Moradi, 2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful in the treating of meth use because it helps the individual to focus on better life choices by countering triggering thoughts and impulses that might derail the individual from achieving his life goals. It can be used with a disorder-of-choice model of treating addiction by focusing on personal accountability and the power of the individual to identify positive goals and potential threats that are knowable and that lead the person away from those goals. From that point on, it is a matter of learning to address threats in a positive manner by maintaining control of one’s thought processes and behaviors. This often means avoiding old friends who still use drugs, resisting negative thoughts and actions by countering them with positive ones whenever they appear or seem to be tempting one towards a return to a negative space.

Treatment for a meth overdoes includes using activated charcoal and laxative if the drug was taken orally; breathing support may be needed. Intravenous fluids may also be used to reduce pain, anxiety or seizures. If kidney function fails or heart problems arise, additional medications may be used to stabilize the individual’s condition or sustain life if the body’s organs are failing.

The current legal status of meth in the USA is that it is a schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act (DEA, 2020). It may be used in a medical setting and it may be prescribed once but not refilled. Desoxyn is the only currently legal meth product and is marketed in tablets of 5, 10 and 15 miligrams. This legal drug can be used in the treatment of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is used in the former because meth use curbs the appetite (which is why users are often hungry afterwards); it is used in the latter because it focuses the attention. However, Desoxyn is used in very limited circumstances and is not widely prescribed in the treatment of patients.