Methamphetamine devastates body, communities
In last week's article, I shared some disturbing statistics about the devastating financial and social consequences that methamphetamine use has caused in Idaho as our state's number one1 drug problem. Here's one more fact: Idaho currently ranks fifth in the nation for Meth abuse.
So what exactly is meth? It's a highly addictive stimulant-even more addictive than heroin-that affects the pleasure centers of the brain. Meth releases high levels of a brain chemical called dopamine, which enhances mood and regulates feelings of pleasure. With repeated use, meth can "turn off" the brain's ability to produce dopamine, leaving users unable to experience any kind of pleasure from anything other than more and more meth.
Meth is made from things that you probably don't even want in your house, let alone in your body. The key ingredient in meth is a drug called pseudoephedrine — the active ingredient in store-bought cold medicines like Sudafed. When you have a cold this may work by itself, but when you combine it with other chemicals, it's a lethal mixture. Other ingredients in meth include:
? Iodine.
? Hydrochloric acid — one of the most acidic chemicals known to man.
? Acetone — from nail polish remover or camp stove fuel.
? Lithium — usually taken out of household batteries.
? Anhydrous ammonia — typically from fertilizer.
? Red phosphorus — ground up matches or emergency road flares.
? Sulfuric acid — drain cleaner.
Meth is devastating to both the body and brain, even when taken in small doses. It increases your heart rate and blood pressure, and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in your brain, which can cause strokes. Other effects of meth include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, extreme weight loss, tooth decay, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, mood disturbances, delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping on the skin) and extremely violent behavior. When a chronic user stops taking the drug, he or she may feel depressed, paranoid, aggressive, and will intensely crave more meth.
Bonner General Hospital has joined other hospitals and businesses across the state in supporting the Idaho Meth Project and its mission to educate our citizens about the devastating impact of meth use. Make a point of educating yourself about this dangerous drug and help us arm both adults and youth alike with the information they need to remain meth-free.
? Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital. The facts and statistics in this article were reprinted from the Idaho Meth Project Web site. For more information, please visit www.idahomethproject.org.