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