Days Objective: The Meth Epidemic

Question of the day?1- What are methamphetamines.2-Explain how methamphetamine affects the brain.3-identify the physical, and emotional effects of methamphetamine.4-List the effects meth abuse may have on a user’s appearance.5-Explain the devastating effect meth abuse can have on relationships with family and friends.6-Explain what recovery is like for meth addicts.

What is methamphetamine?

Is a powerful stimulant drug. It can be an odorless powder Capsule (pill) Chunky crystals (“crystal meth” or “ICE”)

Methamphetamines or street names

Speed Ice Crystal Crank Glass Chalk

How is meth Used?

It can be… Dissolved in a drink Snorted Injected with a needle Taken as a pill Smoked

Why one might use meth….

An intense, long-lasting high at first. May experience increased activity Decreased Appetite Feelings of confidence and power.

Where does meth come from? Meth is made up from a variety of chemicals.

Battery acid Ammonia Drain clearer Antifreeze The Main ingredient is pseudoephedrine or a

chemical found in cold and allergy medication.

Meth and your brain

Its more than a high…Meth actually changes the way that neurons in the brain communicate with each other.

The Normal Brain

Brain cells, or neurons, communicate with each other by sending chemical “messages.” called Neurotransmitters.

Dopamine moves from neuron to neuron, which gives you the feeling of happiness.

EX: Eating your favorite food, laughing at a funny movie, having fun while hanging out with your friends.

The Brain on Meth.

The high of using meth is the strongest when someone first begins using the drug.

The high happens because… The drug causes a flood of the

neurotransmitters dopamine to be released.

Increasing your dopamine levels by 10,000 to 15,000% This is one reason for the high levels of addiction

Meth affects Physical and Mental Health

Heart and Blood Vessels Increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Irregular heartbeat. Heart attacks or cardiovascular collapse.

The Brain Memory loss Over time the drug permanently will damage brain cells.

So…….It is harder and harder for a user to feel pleasure without meth.

Permanent Brain Damage

Meth affects Physical and Mental Health

Thoughts and Emotions May feel paranoid, Anxious, confused, energetic,

aggressive, violent and irritable.

Behavior Jittery, nervous, confused or violent. Go for several days (Meth binges) without sleep and

then “crash” (physical and emotional exhaustion)

Meth and the affects on you Appearance Mouth- “meth Mouth” extreme

tooth decay from using the drug. (hydrochloric acid)

Not caring about their appearance (personal hygiene)

Skin- Open sores from obsessively picking at their skin. (Meth bugs)

Body weight- dramatic weigh loss or malnourished

Explain the devastating effect meth abuse can have on relationships with family and friends.

What is the recovery like for a person who is addicted??

You will need to have a change in lifestyle!!!