1. METHAMPHETAMINE
Nick Yotsko

2. Name of Drug Methamphetamine or Crystal Meth Street Names: Crank Speed
Tweak
Redneck Cocaine

3. Name of Drug
Methamphetamine
Brand Names:
Desoxyn
Chemical Name:

4. Action of the Drug
Meth gives the user a “rush” of pleasure or euphoria
It is addictive because after first hit, it takes more and more to achieve that “rush”
Effects the brain, robbing users of cognitive abilities, physical health, libido and good looks
Smoked in glass pipes
It may be injected, snorted, or swallowed

5. Schedule of Drug This is a schedule II stimulant
This means that this drug has a very high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence
It is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled

6. History It is synthetic, man made.
Made by mixing various forms of amphetamines or derivatives with other chemicals to boost its potency.
Was first discovered in 1919 in Japan
It is soluble in water, making it perfect of injection
Was first widely used in WWII, when both sides used it to keep the troops awake

7. Medical Use Used in WWII
In 1950s, used as diet aid and also to fight depression
Was easily obtainable and used by college students, truckers and athletes

8. Physiological Effects
Methamphetamine increases the release and blocks the reuptake of dopamine
Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, the experience of pleasure, and motor function.
Methamphetamine’s ability to release dopamine rapidly in reward regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,” that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug.

9. Psychological Effects
Reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning.
Severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory
This can account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in chronic methamphetamine abusers.

10. Visible Effects Sores Saggy skin or wrinkles
Slows body’s ability to heal its self
“Meth Mouth”
Broken, rotten or discolored teeth
Drug causes salivary glands to dry out and the acids in the mouth start to eat away enamel

11. Physical Effects

12. Physical Effects

13. Physical Effects

14. Side Effects
Even with small amount of methamphetamine users experience
wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia
Long term users:
“meth mouth”, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, violent behavior, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions

15. Honorable Mention – Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is a TV show on AMC
This show is about a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling meth.

16. Bibliography
gfacts/methamphetamine s/
eth/body/
stalmeth/history-of-methamphetamine.html