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Methamphetamine

Introduction
Methamphetamine, methamphetamine hydrochloride or in layman’s term, crystal meth is
one of the most highly addictive drugs (National Institute on Drug Abuse). It is a stimulant that is
derived from amphetamine (a drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy). It is often used in its
white, powdery or pill form and it has a bitter taste. When it is turned to crystal
methamphetamine it resembles glass fragments or bluish white rocks that are odorless. The
drug is abused by inhaling, swallowing the pill, snorting, and injecting its water/alcohol dissolved
powdered form (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
People can get addicted to the drug only after one use considering the fact that the
euphoria effect fades quickly once it starts (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Many binge in
taking it for every few hours and skip on meals and sleep. Taking methamphetamine is
considered one of the most dangerous drugs due to its numerous side effects. It increases the
chemical dopamine in the brain. Dopamine helps the body with mobility, reinforcement of
reward (a natural high when getting rewarded) as well as motivation. The drug itself increases
dopamine in reward areas of the brain and it ultimately reinforces drug addiction (National
Institute on Drug Abuse).
Structural Formula
The structural formula of methamphetamine is C10H15N. It is a synthetic drug that is
made from amphetamine and therefore it’s an amide (a polypeptide). The drug itself can be
artificially made with prescription drug ingredients such as pseudoephedrine (National Institute
on Drug Abuse).
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Synthesis
Methamphetamines are artificially created illegally on “superlabs” (National Institute on
Drug Abuse) Over-the-counter ingredients such as pseudoephedrine and other dangerous
substances such as acetone, anhydrous ammonia, ether, red phosphorus, and lithium are
involved in its process (National Institute on Drug Abuse). There are three ways for the
synthesis of methamphetamines. One can make methamphetamine through the Nagai method,
Birch’s reduction and Shake’n’Bake (Preve, 2013). The Nagai method is when hydroiodic acid
ionizes ephedrine to create iodoephedrine. Next, ​phosphorus triiodide is formed by red
phosphorus consuming the iodine. The methamphetamine produced is nearly in its purest form
(Preve, 2013).
Birch’s reduction is when pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia and any alkali metals such as
lithium or sodium are placed in a reaction until ammonia evaporates (Preve, 2013). This method
is dangerous for ammonia and the metals are volatile and extremely reactive. Shake’n’Bake is
when crushed pseudoepinephrine, water, ammonium nitrate, and a hydrophobic solvent are
contained together. Hydrogen chloride gas is then added to purify and obtain crystals. Although,
the process can give serious burns, it is a popular way in making methamphetamine (Preve,
2013).
Effects on the Body
Methamphetamines have short and long term effects on the body. Its short term effects
are rapid yet irregular heart rate and blood pressure, fast breathing, high temperature, loss of
appetite, feeling of wakefulness and hyperactivity (National Institute on Drug Abuse). On the
other hand, its long term effects can be irreversible. Sleep problems, paranoia, increased
physical aggression, hallucinations, severe loss of weight, anxiety, confusion, extreme dental
problems (“meth mouth”) and hypersensitivity are just some of the effects of prolonged use.
These signs can lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia, extreme itching on the skin which
leads to skin sores and plenty more. The highly addicting effects of methamphetamines can
lead to overdose. Its overdose symptoms include strokes, heart attacks and possible organ
failure which all can ultimately lead to death. When abstinence is taken, former users
experience withdrawal symptoms such as severe depression, fatigue, cravings and psychosis
(National Institute on Drug Abuse).
The drug itself can increase the abuser’s risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B and C due
to possible sharing of needles as well as taking part in dangerous activities and/or engaging in
unprotected sex when under the influence (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Some studies
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show that meth users who have HIV receive more nerve cell injury and cognitive (thinking,
understanding, learning and memory processes) degradation compared to others with HIV but
do not take the drug. Even after abstinence of the drug, parts of the brain that changed by it
may not recover (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
Prevention
Based on the effects of taking methamphetamines, the best prevention is not taking it
and educating others about its harmful outcomes to users. Early intervention works best to
children, adolescents and young adults. Addressing problems associated with drug use,
engaging in open communication, teaching self control and critical thinking skills can prevent
people from using or wanting to use of the drug early on (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
However, prevention does not only belong to the classroom. Communities must take a part in
order for full prevention to occur. Programs that help with family, socioeconomic and emotional
support must implement drug prevention as well. That’s because focus on family bonds,
interpersonal relationships, and financial issues can avert people from taking
methamphetamines and drugs in general as a way to cope (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
In addition to educating people about the risks of methamphetamine use, research may
serve as an effective tool of prevention. Finding more about the drug can make us understand
more about it and the data collected can then be used to improve prevention programs (National
Institute on Drug Abuse). Research based prevention programs can also help fund substance
abuse treatment (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
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References

Preve, G. (2013, October 12). Methamphetamine Synthesis and Effects. Retrieved August
27, 2018, from http://flipper.diff.org/app/items/info/6027

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). What is methamphetamine? Retrieved August 27,
2018, from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-metha
mphetamine