Our Guest Bloger today is Kelly Miller. Kelly's specialty as a counselor is helping parents who are having to deal with teenage alcohol and drug abuse.

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Overview of methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is more commonly known as referred to as crystal, crystal meth, ice, or just meth. It is classified as a psychostimulant drug of the psychoactive amphetamine and phenethylamine class of substances. It is characterized by an increase in alertness, concentration, and energy. In higher doses, it can enhance the person’s self esteem, increase libido, and induce a euphoric state of consciousness. Meth exhibits a high potential for abuse and dependency.

Recognizing the effects of meth abuse

Long-term effects – meth displays a very high potential for addiction. Chronic abuse and dependency over a long period of time can lead to amphetamine psychosis, anxiety disorder and panic attacks, depression, heart disease, and violent behavior. A psychosis that resembles schizophrenia can develop after stopping meth use and can last up to 6 months or longer.

Physical effects – includes acne, anorexia, arrhythmias, blurred vision, dilated pupils, dizziness, dry and/or itchy skin, dry mouth, headaches, hypertension or hypotension, insomnia, numbness, tremors, and twitching. Chronic abuse and high doses can lead to convulsions, heart attack, strokes, and eventually death.

Psychological effects – there are numerous psychological effects including alertness, aggressiveness, anxiety and panic attacks, concentration, delusions of grandeur, excessive feelings of power and being invincible, hallucinations, increased energy, increased self-confidence and self esteem, increased sociability, irritability, obsessive and repetitive behavior patterns, and paranoia. Additionally, amphetamine psychosis oftentimes occurs with chronic abuse and increasingly high doses.

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