During WWII the drug was used by both Japanese and German soldiers for its ability to increase alertness and reduce hunger. Over 200 million methamphetamine tablets were distributed. Methamphetamine-use remained a problem after the war.
Methamphetamine increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the activity of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and non-epinephrine. You can see its effects in increased movement, or tweaking, among many other stimulant reactions. It is, however, a neurotoxin to the dopamine pathways of the brain. Its use can create severe long-term withdraw symptoms as well as increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Its damage may be irreversible.
Methamphetamine was not regulated in the U.S. as a controlled substance until the 1970s. It is currently less commonly used as a schedule II second-line treatment for ADHD and severe obesity.
A batch of meth that costs around $200 to make can go for $2,000 to $5,000 on the street.
Around 40% of meth users report the feeling of formication or the sensation of bugs crawling on their skin. This can cause them to pick and scratch themselves leaving open sores.
On the Medical Confessions podcast, the hosts discuss meth during a December 14, 2018 episode titled "What Causes Meth-Mouth/Methamphetamines." Long story short, meth-mouth is caused by several factors including a lack of saliva, teeth clenching, the consumption of sugary drinks, and poor oral hygiene. In a study of 571 meth-users, 31% were missing six or more teeth and 50% had untreated tooth decay.
The Meth Project has a graphic that shows meth's effect on the brain.
This is your brain on meth….http://t.co/PUiKgUxmCB #MethAwarenessMonday
— Meth Project (@methproject) March 25, 2013
More on methamphetamine:
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA): Drug Summaries | Methamphetamine
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