The Negative Effects Of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. This organic product is also known as meth, chalk, ice, and crystal, among many other terms, it takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. This drug originated in the 20th century and is classified as a schedule II drug in the United States. Though crystal meth has a reputation as an American street drug, the origins of this drug were based in the Japanese military. In 1919, a young protégé of Nagai, Japan named Akira Ogata discovered a method of synthesizing the crystalline form of the new stimulant, giving the world crystal meth. Although, it wasn't until World War II that
The manufacturing of methamphetamine involves a number of easily obtained chemicals that are hazardous, such as acetone, anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer), ether, red phosphorus, and lithium. Toxicity from these chemicals can remain in the environment around a methamphetamine production lab long after the lab has been shut down. This causes a wide range of damaging effects to health and the
There are also several other negative side effects which make it one of the more dangerous organic compounds to consume. The effects of methamphetamine can be catastrophic for the human body, seeing how it can harm nearly every vital organ. It harms the heart and lungs, increases heart rate, leads to irregular heartbeat, increases blood pressure. If used for longer than prescribed, Methamphetamine use may cause irreversible damage to small blood vessels in the brain which may lead to strokes. Methamphetamine users lose their appetite, so over time they lose weight and become very skinny. Weight loss could be the intended purpose, but can become incredibly unhealthy over time. This drug also creates hallucinogenic properties which could lead to unsettling visions. The street drug, crystal meth urges the user to scratch and pick at “imaginary bugs” caused by these hallucinations which creates sores on the skin. These factors contribute to an increase in the bodily aging process, giving the users an appearance much older than they are if the drug is used out of dosage and for a prolonged time. Methamphetamine use among pregnant women is an increasing problem in the United States. A study examined the neonatal growth effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure in the multicenter, longitudinal Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle study. The relationship of