methamphetamine/ crystal meth steve hanson new york state office of alcoholism and substance abuse...
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Methamphetamine/Crystal Meth
Steve HansonNew York State Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse ServicesJ.L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center
Methamphetamine First made in 1930’s Popular in 1960’s - Hell’s Angels Crystal / Crank - snortable -
1980’s Ice - smokeable form -1990’s Started in Hawaii - California -
Midwest
Meth’s Popularity West – Midwest – Agricultural
chemicals used in synthesis – easy access
Northeast – not as prevalent (yet) – cocaine
Internet – recipes and information Mobile meth labs – RV’s THE dominant drug in many places
Making Meth Internet recipes Cold medication – pseudephedrine Iodine, ammonia (fertilizer), red
phosphorus (match heads and flares)
Rock salt, drain cleaner, solvents etc.
Toxic fumes and waste
Methamphetamine Molecule
CH2 - CH - NH2 - CH3
CH - CH - NH2
CH3
OH
Norepinephrine Molecule
Amphetamine Molecule
CH2 - CH - NH2
CH2 - CH - NH2 - CH3
CH3
Methamphetamine Molecule
CH3
Amphetamines Focus concentration/organize info Effects similar to Cocaine but last 10-
12 hours. Increase amount of NE/DA released d-amphetamine 3x powerful as l-
amphet Methamphetamine - more potent.
Snorted (crank), smoked (Ice). Easy to make - Internet
Methamphetamine Effects
Rapid absorption Increases release of DA/NE Blocks Reuptake Significant Tolerance
Neurotransmitter Action
ReuptakeRelease of NT
Receptor
The Reward PathwayandAddiction
Natural RewardsFoodWaterSexNurturing
Reward Pathways
Ever fall in love? It’s neurotransmitters….
Romance = chemical reaction releases high levels of dopamine,
norepinephrine, PPA and low levels of serotonin.
Methamphetamine works on the same neurotransmitters…but is far stronger.
Meth - Signs of Abuse
rapid weight loss
nervous energy
“Tweaking” no “need” for sleep
aggressive
mean temperment
compulsive excited talk Meth Mouth
What does this mean to me?
Diminished understanding Imbalanced emotion & depression,
poor bonding Physical capabilities & coordination
compromised Reduced memory & sequenced
thought
Serious behavior issues Methamphetamine abusers also
can have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia.
Heavy users also show progressive social and occupational deterioration. Psychotic symptoms can sometimes persist for months or years after use has ceased
Methamphetamine:Psychiatric Consequences
Paranoid reactions Permanent memory loss Depressive reactions Hallucinations Psychotic reactions Panic disorders Rapid addiction
Meth - Signs of Withdrawal
long crash apathy depression fatigue
anxiety suicidal ideation
cravings
Craving
Trigger
Memory
Stimulation of NucleusAccumbens & Amygdala
Focus on Drug Anxiety Increases
ImpairedJudgement
Relapse
Chronic Effect Inflammation of Heart Lining Violent Behavior Psychotic Symptoms Lead Poisoning - used in synthesis Neurotoxic - damages neurons DA, SE Fetal effects - complications,
premature delivery, irritability, and deformities
Neurotoxicity Damage to the Striatum –
movement disorders Cortex and hippocampus –
memory, decision making, organizing thinking
Map of areas in human brain related to areas of rat brain damaged by Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine Cocaine Synthetic Smoking High
8-24 hours No Medical
Use Neurotoxic
“Natural” Smoking High
10 - 30 minutes
Local anesthetic
Non-neurotoxic
Methamphetamines Treatment Issues
attitude nutrition and weight manufacturers long term effects incoherent thoughts impaired judgement confusion
Court Issues binge behavior crash
maintenance prolonged
depression cookers and
dealers
Methamphetamine users recover slowly
And they are aware of it.
They know if they are not doing as well as non-meth users in group.
Physical Conditions to watch for:
Weight loss
Meth literallyeats away at thebody fat andmuscles.
High-intensityabusers oftenlose 50-100 pounds
Lack of Hygiene
Loses interest in personal hygiene Chemicals are present in abusers
perspiration Body Odor: Emit a smell resembling
glue and mayonnaise “Crank sores” Bad Teeth
Amazing appearance:
Same woman:
photos taken 3 years, 8
months apart
She is 42
Treatment Works… But only if you stay in treatment
long enough (at least 1 year) Coercion through Drug Court is the
most effective model for criminally involved offenders.
Methamphetamine offenders DO respond well to treatment!
But what treatment? Cognitive behavioral treatment
works best. Brief Motivational
enhancement therapy. Short but frequent cognitive
treatment.
Designer Hallucinogens MDA – methylene-dioxy-
amphetamine MDMA – methylenedioxy –
methamphet –ecstacy – “E” MDE – methylene-dioxy-
ethylamphetamine – “eve” Others
Ecstasy – “E” Club drugs – produce feelings of
belongingness, warmth and affection Intense euphoric high Provide energy for dancing – raves Less hallucinogenic Dangers – teeth grinding (pacifiers) Hyperthermia/dehydration Hyponatremia (low salt) water
intoxication
MDMA Dose – 80-150mg – “sweet spot” Cost - $20-50 each Duration – 3-6 hrs “tripping” – up
to 10 for all effects After effects – Crash 1 day Depression can be for 5 days after
use