Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that increases brain activity. Short term effects, lasting up to 12 hours, include increased alertness, insomnia, hyperactivity, headache, decreased appetite, irritability, aggression, anxiety, nervousness, teeth grinding, convulsions and heart attack. Chronic abuse can lead to tooth decay, acne and skin sores (speed bumps), psychotic behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, rage, extreme violence, depression, fatal kidney and lung disorders and brain damage. Babies born to meth-using moms can be born addicted to meth and suffer birth defects, low birth weight, tremors and behavior disorders. Use of heroin in pregnancy also may increase the risk of a variety of birth defects. What is not entirely clear is whether these effects are directly due to the drug itself or related to the poor health behaviors that women who take heroin often have. It may also be caused by the substances that the heroin often is mixed with when it is made. Social issues of addiction focus on how heroin addicts relate to their environment, including interpersonal and family relationships, employment and legal problems. Meth was developed in 1919 and was used by both the Axis and Allies in World War II to keep troops alert and motivated. In the 1950’s meth was commonly prescribed as a diet aid, to fight depression, and give housewives a “boost”. The US government criminalized meth in 1970 and classified it as a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has very limited medical use. |
