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Days Objective: The Meth Epidemic. Question of the day? 1- What are methamphetamines. 2-Explain how methamphetamine affects the brain. 3-identify the physical, and emotional effects of methamphetamine. 4-List the effects meth abuse may have on a user’s appearance.
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Days Objective: The Meth Epidemic Question of the day? 1- What are methamphetamines. 2-Explain how methamphetamine affects the brain. 3-identify the physical, and emotional effects of methamphetamine. 4-List the effects meth abuse may have on a user’s appearance. 5-Explain the devastating effect meth abuse can have on relationships with family and friends. 6-Explain what recovery is like for meth addicts.
What is methamphetamine? • Is a powerful stimulant drug. • It can be an odorless powder • Capsule (pill) • Chunky crystals (“crystal meth” or “ICE”)
Methamphetamines or street names • Speed • Ice • Crystal • Crank • Glass • Chalk
How is meth Used? • It can be… • Dissolved in a drink • Snorted • Injected with a needle • Taken as a pill • Smoked
Why one might use meth…. • An intense, long-lasting high at first. • May experience increased activity • Decreased Appetite • Feelings of confidence and power.
Where does meth come from? • Meth is made up from a variety of chemicals. • Battery acid • Ammonia • Drain clearer • Antifreeze • The Main ingredient is pseudoephedrine or a chemical found in cold and allergy medication.
Meth and your brain • Its more than a high…Meth actually changes the way that neurons in the brain communicate with each other.
The Normal Brain • Brain cells, or neurons, communicate with each other by sending chemical “messages.” called Neurotransmitters. • Dopamine moves from neuron to neuron, which gives you the feeling of happiness. • EX: Eating your favorite food, laughing at a funny movie, having fun while hanging out with your friends.
The Brain on Meth. • The high of using meth is the strongest when someone first begins using the drug. • The high happens because… • The drug causes a flood of the neurotransmitters dopamine to be released. • Increasing your dopamine levels by 10,000 to 15,000% • This is one reason for the high levels of addiction
Meth affects Physical and Mental Health • Heart and Blood Vessels • Increase in heart rate and blood pressure. • Irregular heartbeat. • Heart attacks or cardiovascular collapse. • The Brain • Memory loss • Over time the drug permanently will damage brain cells. So…….It is harder and harder for a user to feel pleasure without meth. • Permanent Brain Damage
Meth affects Physical and Mental Health • Thoughts and Emotions • May feel paranoid, Anxious, confused, energetic, aggressive, violent and irritable. • Behavior • Jittery, nervous, confused or violent. • Go for several days (Meth binges) without sleep and then “crash” (physical and emotional exhaustion)
Meth and the affects on you Appearance • Mouth- “meth Mouth” extreme tooth decay from using the drug. (hydrochloric acid) • Not caring about their appearance (personal hygiene) • Skin- Open sores from obsessively picking at their skin. (Meth bugs) • Body weight- dramatic weigh loss or malnourished
Explain the devastating effect meth abuse can have on relationships with family and friends.
What is the recovery like for a person who is addicted?? • You will need to have a change in lifestyle!!!