Meth Information

Methamphetamine (meth) is an addictive stimulant that strongly activates certain systems in the brain and speeds up the body's central nervous system. Meth pictures note that this drug was originally marketed as a nasal decongestant and is currently used medically in the U.S. for treating obesity.

Meth pictures reveal that this drug is closely related chemically to amphetamines. However, the central nervous system effects of meth are greater. Both drugs have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited.

As seen in meth pictures, this drug is either a white or yellowish crystalline powder which can sometimes appear as a large, hard rock. It is odorless and has a bitter taste. Methamphetamine can be taken orally, snorted through the nose, injected intravenously, or smoked. Meth pictures point out that the effects from this drug differ depending on how it is used. If it is smoked or injected intravenously, the user will feel a strong sensation. This sensation will resemble a vibration or rush, which diminishes within a few minutes. Users who snort or swallow meth experience a feeling of temporary euphoria. Meth users will become talkative, confident, and other times paranoid, aggressive, and agitated.

Meth pictures reveal that the most common users of this drug in the past were adult men with a lower than average income. However, this has changed over time and now users can be from all economic status, all ages, and all genders. According to the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, an estimated 8.8 million people (4.0 percent of the population) have tried meth at some time in their lives.

It only takes a small amount of meth to produce any of the following short-term effects:

Anxiety

Confusion

Convulsions

Death

Diarrhea

Dryness of the mouth

Increased physical activity

Increased respiration

Increased wakefulness

Irritability

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Paranoia

Stroke

Tremors

Vomiting

Long-term Effects of Meth:

Amphetamine psychosis

Death

Extreme paranoia

Hallucinations

Heart attack

Irregular heartbeat

Obsessive scratching

Repetitive behavior

Seizures

Sensations of insects crawling under the skin

Strokes

Violent behavior

Meth is highly addictive drug and users are quick to develop a tolerance to the amount they are taking. Meth pictures show that the longer users take meth, the more they need. This obsession may even get to the point of depriving themselves of basic needs such as food and sleep in order to keep administering the drug to feed their addiction. Withdrawal symptoms from meth include stomach cramps, intense hunger, headaches, shortness of breath, exhaustion, and severe depression.

Meth pictures note that this drug causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of meth include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.