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Methamphetamine
Definition
An amphetamine with central nervous system (CNS) stimulating activity. Methamphetamine acts by both facilitating the release of catecholamines, particularly noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, from nerve terminals in the brain and by inhibiting their uptake. This leads to an increase in synaptic concentration of these neurotransmitters and results in increased stimulation of postsynaptic receptors. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Methamphetamine - meth for short - is a very addictive stimulant drug. It is a powder that can be made into a pill or a shiny rock (called a crystal). The powder can be eaten or snorted up the nose. It can also be mixed with liquid and injected into your body with a needle. Crystal meth is smoked in a small glass pipe.
Meth at first causes a rush of good feelings, but then users feel edgy, overly excited, angry, or afraid. Meth use can quickly lead to addiction. It causes medical problems including
• Making your body temperature so high that you pass out
• Severe itching
• "Meth mouth" - broken teeth and dry mouth
• Thinking and emotional problems (NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Also called: Chalk, Crystal, Glass, Ice, Meth, Speed, Tina
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