Is anybody you know using Methamphetamines?

What are Methamphetamines?
Methamphetamines are synthetic stimulants made generally from ephedrine and household chemicals. Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names, including "meth", "speed," "zip," "go-fast", "cristy," "chalk," and "crank." The smokeable form of the drug is called "L.A." or, because its clear, chunky crystals - "ice," "crystal," "glass," or "quartz."

Some Facts to know about Methamphetamines.
Meth acts as a false transmitter in the brain synapse, constantly stimulating and overexciting the brain. Psychological addiction occurs quickly, often instantly. After prolonged use the dopamine cells in the brain may never fully recover, causing anhedonia (Lack of pleasure in acts that are normally pleasurable.) Withdrawal from meth use is profound - characterized by depression, suicidal tendencies, exhaustion, weight gain, and convulsions.

Warning Signs of Methamphetamine use.
Physical Symptoms: Loss of appetite; sores on face and arms; nasal damage; dry, itchy skin; dilated pupils; sweating; increased blood pressure; palpitations; rapid heartbeat; dizziness; decreased appetite; dry mouth; headaches; blurred vision; insomnia; high fever (depending on the level of the dose); Organ damage (lungs and kidneys).
Psychological Effects: Confusion; panic; talkativeness; hallucinations; restlessness; anxiety; moodiness; false sense of confidence and power; anxious and nervous; moody and irritable; uninterested, bored; aggressive, hostile; sometimes violent, depressed, hallucinations, paranoia.
Physical Health Effects: Regular use produces strong psychological dependence and increasing tolerance to the drug. High doses may cause toxic psychosis resembling schizophrenia. The users (delusions), and feel as though people are out ot get them (paranoia). The euphoria increases impulsive and risk taking behavior, such as bizarre and violent acts. Intoxication may induce a heart attack or stroke due to spiking of blood pressure. Chronic use may cause heart and brain damage due to severe constriction of capillary blood vessels. Long-term heavy use can lead to malnutrition, skin disorders, ulcers, and various diseases that come from vitamin deficiencies. Lack of sleep, weight loss, and depression also result from regular use. Users who inject drugs intravenously can get serious and life-threatening infections (e.g., lung or heart disease, kidney damage) from non-sterile equipment or contaminated self-prepared solutions.
Effects on Mental Performance: Anxiety, restlessness; Moodiness; and false sense of poor. Large doses over long periods can result in: Hallucinations; delusions; paranoia; and brain damage.
What should I do?
Know the facts. Educate yourself and your family. Call Cornerstone Behavioral Health for educational materials, referral for treatment or assessment.