Methamphetamine can be taken orally, injected, snorted, or smoked. Once ingested, the drug acts as a stimulant, 'ramping up' (or 'amping') various systems in the brain and body. The stimulant effect of the drug can cause the following signs and symptoms in a user.
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(photo: Crystal meth, by Radspunk, Wikimedia Commons)
- Methamphetamine can be taken orally, injected, snorted, or smoked. Once ingested, the drug acts as a stimulant, 'ramping up' (or 'amping') various systems in the brain and body. The stimulant effect of the drug can cause the following signs and symptoms in a user. <p> (photo: Crystal meth, by Radspunk, Wikimedia Commons)
- Alertness, inability to sleep, nervous energy<p> Meth causes a rush or euphoria, so a teen may appear energized or extremely alert, despite a lack of sleep. Parents should look for a change in their teen's sleep patterns. Meth users often stay awake for several days straight and then collapse into sleep or extreme fatigue for a few days. <p> Nervous energy and fidgeting is also common with meth use. <p> (photo: Nara Vieira da Silva Osga, sxc.hu)
- Decreased appetite and weight loss<p> A teen using meth may become uninterested in food and begin to lose weight. The weight loss can be quick and drastic, leaving the teen looking bone-thin. <p>Some teens start using meth as a way to lose weight and become addicted in the process. <p> (photo by Jaci Berkopec, flickr, CC BY 2.0)
- Increased respiration and/or body temperature<p> Since meth is a stimulant, it is common for the heart rate to speed up. This can cause a teen to sweat more due to a higher body temperature. Teens may also become out of breath easily and need to rest after mild exertion. <p> (photo by Yarik Mishin, sxc.hu)
- Scratching at skin and open sores<p> Meth is made from toxic chemicals which polute the body. The body naturally tries to remove the toxins, which leads to itchy skin and sores. Teens may frequently scratch at their skin or develop wounds on their face or other areas of the body from picking at skin eruptions. <p> (photo by furryscalyman, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Burns, nosebleeds, or track marks<p> Parents may notice burns on the teen's lips or fingers. This is usually from smoking meth through a hot glass or metal pipe. Nosebleeds are common with snorting meth, as the drug damages the interior of the nose. Teens who inject meth will have tell-tale needle track marks on their arms. <p> (photo: Dramatization of smoking meth through a glass light bulb and straw. Photo by Ben Stephenson, flickr, CC BY 2.0)
- Changes in personal hygiene habits<p> Teens who use meth may become careless about their appearance. They may skip showers, not wash or comb their hair, or neglect to brush their teeth. <p> (photo by roomiccube, flickr, CC BY 2.0)
- Deceit or secretiveness<p> Teens using meth are often vague or lie about their plans or activities. A shut bedroom door may become the norm, whether the teen is in the room or not. A shut door may be a way to hide drug paraphernalia or other evidence of drug use. <p> (photo by osunick, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Drug paraphernalia<p> Parents who are concerned about meth use should keep an eye out for injecting or inhaling drug paraphernalia, such as razor blades, mirrors, straws, syringes, spoons or surgical tubing. <p> (photo by Charles Thompson, sxc.hu)
- Violence and aggression<p> Methamphetamine affects the nervous system, which can lead to mood swings, hostility, or abusive behavior. <p> (photo by sidewalk flying, flickr, CC BY 2.0)
- Withdrawal from family and friends<p> Teens who begin to use meth often experience a breakdown in old friendships and will isolate themselves from family. Talkative teens will not express themselves the same way they did before using the drug. Teens may show signs of depression and a lack of enthusiasm about life. <p> (photo by Sanja Gjenero, sxc.hu)
- Loss of interest in or problems at school<p> Teens on meth often display a lack of enthusiasm for school, even when grades and studying were once important to them. Their grades may begin to slip or they may skip classes. <p>(photo by Margarit Ralev, Ralev.Com)
- A loss of interest in extracurricular activities<p> Once a teen becomes addicted to meth, the drug takes up more and more of their time. Activities they once enjoyed may become of little interest to them. <p> (photo by Guilherme Storck, sxc.hu)
- Missing money or other valuables<p> Teens looking for a way to pay for their addiction may begin to steal money from their parents or take other valuable items from around the house, such as jewelry or other items that can be pawned. <p> (photo by Penny Mathews, sxc.hu)
- Mental disturbances<p> Long-term use of meth can lead to mental disturbances, such as paranoia and hallucinations. Teens may become afraid to leave the house or talk to people who are not there. <p> (photo by Viktors Kozers, sxc.hu)
- Memory Loss<p> The toxic chemicals used in meth can have a severe effect on the brain. Long-term use can lead to memory loss and cause teens to display similar symptoms to Alzheimer's. <p>(photo by Ronaldo Taveira, sxc.hu)
- Cardiovascular and liver problems<p> Many toxic chemicals can be used to make meth, such as battery acid, drain cleaner, and antifreeze. These toxins, as well as the stimulant effect of meth, put a heavy strain on the cardiovascular system. Meth users run a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or serious brain damage, as well as liver damage, than people who abuse other types of drugs. <p> (photo by Walter Groesel, sxc.hu)
- An overview of the negative effects caused by methamphetamine use.<p> (image by Mikael Häggström, Wikimedia Commons)
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