Is meth a narcotic?
Yes and No!…Depending on the definition.However, methamphetamine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. The consequences of meth abuse and addiction can be dreadful, and include psychological, medical, and social side effects. Over the long-term, it can ruin a meth addict’s life.
But how is meth classified? In what ways do people abuse it and what are the consequences? In this article, we will cover the answers to these questions, and outline the distinction between legal and medical narcotics. Then, we invite you to post questions in the section at the end.
What Is A Narcotic? (Medical)
There are often confusions about the meaning of the word narcotic.The word has a Greek origin from the word “narcos” which means to make something numb, and it initially referred to any psychoactive substance that induces sleep. Today, narcotics are more popularly known under the term “opiates”, especially in the U.S., and include variations of natural and synthetic/man-made origin. The most well-known opiates include:
- codeine
- heroin
- hydrocodone
- morphine
- oxycodone
What Is A Narcotic? (Legal)
According to other definitions, however, METH IS a narcotic. The modern definition of the term “narcotic” includes any substance that affects mood and behavior, and is sold illegally for nonmedical purposes. Meth definitely matches this description as it can alter user’s physical and mental state, causing feelings of wakefulness and increase activity levels, and is an illegal substance.In legal terms, the word “narcotic” is used to refer to drugs that cannot be legally possessed, sold, or transported. The only way narcotic drugs can be used legally is for medical purposes, and only if it’s prescribed by a physician or a doctor as part of a treatment program.
Narcotic Medical Uses For Meth
To some people, it may come as a surprise… but there is a legal form of meth that is medically prescribed. Methamphetamine is prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under the brand name Desoxyn. Doctors should only prescribe Desoxyn to patients only when other treatments haven’t helped significantly, and at doses lower than those typically abused. Desoxyn is prescribed in the form of pills and is generally taken orally once or twice a day under supervision of a psychologist or a physiotherapist.Meth Narcotic Abuse
Usually people who abuse this drug in a lower intensity swallow or snort meth. Usually, meth abusers take meth when they want to stay awake in order to finish their daily obligations and work tasks. Getting deeper into meth’s addiction potential, users without control over the use of meth abuse it by smoking or injecting it with a needle. This makes meth users more euphoric and increases their level of rush, which causes addiction more rapidly.High-intensity meth abusers are addicts who take increasing doses of the the drug repeatedly for a long period of time. When they get to this point of abuse, meth addicts don’t think of the risks and side effects of their habit, but obsess over reaching the pleasurable feelings of rush, energy, and drive. This type of abusers are at a high risk of meth overdose and even death if they do not enter meth addiction treatment. While difficult, help for meth addicts is out there and meth addiction can be overcome!
Why Is Meth A Schedule II Drug?
Narcotics are controlled substances and their placement and regulation vary from Schedule I to Schedule V in the Controlled Substance Act. This placement depends on several factors such as:- the medical usefulness of the narcotic
- the abusive potential of the narcotic
- the safety of the narcotic
- the drug dependence profile
- 1. Loss of CONTROL of use.
- 2. COMPULSION.
- 3. CRAVING.
- 4. CONTINUED use depsite negative life consequences.
Is Meth Addictive?
Yes, meth is highly addictive..Meth has a highly addictive nature with destructive effects on users’ health. The thing that makes this drug so addictive are the intense feelings of pleasure, well being and euphoria it produces. These pleasurable meth effects can be felt over a prolonged period of time, usually for several hours.
Another effect that drives the repeated use of meth is the ‘crash’. The ‘crash’ is felt as meth effects start to wear off and severe side effects set in, including:
- aggression
- anxiety
- mood swings
- paranoid behavior
Soon, the decision whether to continue taking the drug is made in a part of the brain called the “hindbrain”. This region coordinates the fundamental basic functions for survival, such as: breathing, sleep and motor activity. In effect, meth changes the way the brain operates and the way a person thinks. The use of this drug adapts brain function to equate the need for meth to the same level as anything else a person does to survive naturally, like breathing.
Because meth addiction has the potential to change the brain in structure and in function, meth addicts need a longer time to recover than other drug addicts. It may take two years or more for addicts to recover the damages done on the brain. But hope is out there! Addiction can be treated!
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What is meth used for?
The first meth stimulant was developed in 1919 by a Japanese pharmacologist. It produced feelings of well-being and alertness and alleviated fatigue. But does meth have any therapeutic medical uses? How does meth use affect the body?Meth Uses
Today, meth is rarely used in medicine. While methamphetamine salts can be prescribed by a doctor to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions (sleeping disorders, for example), meth has been classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.Meth Uses And Side Effects
Generally, methamphetamine is taken orally, smoked, snorted, or dissolved in water or alcohol and injected. Because the pleasure fades quickly, users often take repeated doses, in a “binge and crash” pattern. But this drug creates havoc on the human body, affecting both body and brain. There are many negative side effects to meth use, but we’ll take a look at the most important ones.First of all, meth rapidly releases dopamine in “reward regions” of the brain, generating the euphoric “rush” or “flash” that many users experience. But every pleasure comes at a price. Long term methamphetamine use has many negative consequences for physical health, including extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), and skin sores caused by scratching. Additionally, long term meth effects on the brain can include:
- emotional and cognitive problems
- impaired verbal learning
- reduced motor skills
- decreased appetite
- increased blood pressure
- increased body temperature
- increased physical activity
- increased respiration
- irregular heart beat
- rapid heart rate
Illegal Meth Use
Meth has been used illegally since the 1950’s, when truckers, homemakers, college students and athletes used it to stay awake or keep active. This practice continued in 1960’s in subcultures such as outlaw biker gangs and students, which cooked and used the drug.The penalties for meth possession, sale, and manufacture vary, depending on where the case was prosecuted (federal charges carry the same penalties, no matter where in the country the prosecution occurs, but each state has its own sentencing provisions). A meth conviction can result in punishments ranging from a fine, a misdemeanor jail term, or a lengthy prison term for a felony conviction. The greater the amount of meth possessed (usually measured in terms of weight), the longer the potential prison sentence tends to be. Even greater penalties apply if a person is convicted not simply of possessing meth, but of possessing it with the intent to sell or traffic it.
Most of the methamphetamine abused in the U.S. comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment. The most common ingredient in meth is pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, commonly found in cold medicine. Through a cooking process the pseudoephedrine or ephedrine is chemically changed into meth. The ingredients that are used in the process of making meth can include: ether, paint thinner, Freon®, acetone, anhydrous ammonia, iodine crystals, red phosphorus, drain cleaner, battery acid, and lithium (taken from inside batteries).
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Meth effects
The Effects Of Meth Are Dangerous!
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous stimulant that affects the brain and body. Because of its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as Schedule II drug. In fact, meth is considered one of the most dangerous drugs people take, with a potential for developing severe psychological or physical dependence, and addiction.What are the specific effects of meth use and abuse on every part of the human body? We answer here! If you want to ask anything about meth effects, please post your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond personally to all legitimate questions.
Meth Effects On The Body
Meth has dangerous and harming effects on almost every organ in the body. It harms the heart and lungs, increases heart rate, leads to irregular heartbeat, increases blood pressure. Meth use can cause irreversible damage to small blood vessels in the brain which may lead to strokes.Meth users lose their appetite, so over time they lose a lot of weight and become very skinny. Meth also destroys enamel, causing dental problems.
The hallucinogenic effects of meth makes the user to see imaginary insects that they come to believe are crawling all over them. Scratching and picking at these imaginary bugs causes sores on the skin. Note also that meth addicts age very quickly, become extremely thin, have pale complexions and a generally unhealthy appearance.
Meth Effects On The Brain And Nervous System
Meth is a stimulant, so the use of meth cases a ‘high’ that can last up to 12 hours. Users get attached to this drug because of the intensive highs. However, when meth’s effects of euphoria and pleasure wear off, the brain is left deprived of dopamine, and users experience:- depression
- exhaustion
- loss of energy
- lack of focus
- sleepiness
Specifically, methamphetamine works by causing a release of two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. The brain communicates with every organ of your body signalling it to function regularly via neurotransmitters. In fact, neurotransmitters have a significant influence over your mood, sleep, body weight and focus.
Meth Effects On The Mind
Meth abuse causes permanent damages to the brain, weakening the abilities to memorize, reason, and feel normal pleasures. The psychotic symptoms caused by the use of this drug can last for several years, even after the person has stopped using methamphetamine. The significant changes of meth use and abuse are also manifested in irreversible cognitive disorder such as:- damaged motor skills
- difficulty performing basic verbal tasks
- hallucinations
- harming the ability for learning
- inability for determining consequences and rational thinking
- obsessive behavior
- persecutory delusions
Meth Effects On Personality And Behavior
The nervous system functions very fast under the influence of meth and the brain starts to send danger messages to the body. As a reaction, the body responds immediately to threats and prepares to fight or to run away (fight or flight response). This is why methamphetamine causes violent and psychotic behavior in people, and can often lead to loss of self control and aggressive outbursts.Meth Effects On The Heart
Meth increases the heart rate and may cause tachycardia. It can often be the reason for heart attacks or strokes because addicts simply push their bodies to the limits without any rest, recuperation, nor renewal.Meth Effects On Heart Rate And Blood Pressure
Meth increases the blood pressure and may cause arrhythmias. A meth overdose can result in extremely high blood pressure and body temperatures which often leads to:- heart attach
- irregular heartbeat
- stopped heartbeat
- stroke
Meth Effects On The Lungs And Liver
Smoking meth can introduce many impurities in the lungs and damage the lung tissue. Materials used to cut crystal can block blood vessels in your lungs. Long term use can forever damage the function of your lungs.Additionally, methamphetamine can lead to chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis). Such inflammations cause cell death and scarring of the liver tissue, which leads to liver injury. Long-term physical effects such as liver, and lung damage may have life threatening effects on meth addicts.
Meth Effects On Eyes And Pupils
Methamphetamine users are usually recognize-able by their dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. In fact, dilated pupils are one of the most obvious signs of meth abuse and addiction.Meth Effects On Skin
Meth makes users feel a sensation as if bugs are crawling on or under their skin. It makes them scratch and pick at their skin a lot. The scratching leads to sores on the face, arms and legs.Meth Effects On Teeth
Meth users usually have broken, stained, rotten teeth, and a dry mouth. They often drink or eat a lot of sweet and sugary products, which contributes to the tooth damage and decay.Meth Effects On Sperm
According one study, meth use has a direct effect on male infertility. The effects of meth on sperm have been tested on rats. In many studies the results have shown that meth induces abnormal sperm morphology, lowers the sperm concentration and causes apoptosis (cell death) in the testicles of male rats.Meth Effects On Pregnancy
Methamphetamine use during pregnancy affects the development of the brain, spinal cord, heart and kidneys of the baby. Plus, the use of meth during pregnancy can result in prenatal complications. These complications sometimes result in premature delivery and birth deformities of the baby. Further, children of mothers who abused meth during pregnancy may experience learning disabilities, growth and developmental delays. Some babies are born without parts of their limbs.Meth Effects On Breast Milk
Mothers that are meth addicts should not breastfeed. Methamphetamine and its metabolite, amphetamine, can be detected in breastmilk and in baby’s body after breastfeeding.Several death cases in infants have been detected where the source of methamphetamine was a mother’s breastmilk. Even if an overdose never occurs, a baby’s ability to process information and communicate can be impaired, a child’s development can be delayed, and many other harmful consequences can appear later in life.
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Long term effects of meth on the brain
You cannot predict how long or severe effects of meth will last. Psychologically, you may experience cravings for years. Physiologically, prolonged meth use can cause permanent changes to the brain. So what are some of the specific effects of meth on the brain? More here, with a section for your questions at the end.Specific Long Term Effects On The Brain
On the nervous system- chronic fatigue
- impaired verbal learning
- insomnia
- reduced motor skills
- blocks the re uptake of the brain chemical dopamine
- destroys dopamine receptors
- increased tolerance for amphetamines
- increases the release of dopamine
- makes it impossible to feel pleasure
- aggressive behavior
- irritability
- paranoia
- violent behavior
- anti-social or aggressive
- compulsive repetition of meaningless acts
- compulsive tooth grinding
- disorganized lifestyle
- neglect of regular brushing and flossing
- strong desire for sugary foods and drinks
- anhedonia absence of pleasure
- antisocial personality disorder
- anxiety
- major depressive episodes
- manic episodes
- mood disturbances
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- panic disorder
- paranoia
- phobias
- psychosis
- schizophrenia
What Are Typical Doses?
Medicinal typical doses (methampehtamine is not recommended more than 6 weeks)- per day …… 10 to 40 mg
- per week ……… 70 to 280 mg
- per day ………… 100 to 1000 mg
- per day ………… 5000 mg
How Long Is “Long Term”?
Daily use of meth for few weeks or more.Chronic = habitual meth abuse that substantially injures:
- economic
- health
- social
Long term effects of meth addiction
When does meth kick in?
There are a number of factors which affect the onset of meth and its effects on the body. One important factor which influences drug onset is mode of administration. Methamphetamine hydrochloride can be inhaled (smoked), snorted, injected, or ingested, with injection and inhalation producing the most rapid onset and ingestion resulting in delayed onset.In general, once methamphetamine is absorbed, the biological effects are the same regardless of the route of exposure. Peak blood methamphetamine concentrations occur shortly after injection, a few minutes after smoking, and around 3 hours after oral dosing.
Meth Active Ingredients
The main ingredient in meth is methamphetamine hydrochloride. This chemical is present as wither a yellow or white crystalline powder or as “ice,” a large, usually clear crystal of high purity. What are the components of these forms of meth?Free base (“methamphetamine base”), is the initial product of meth and is a liquid at room temperature. The hydrochloride salt is produced from the free base by bubbling hydrogen chloride gas through it. However, methamphetamine also contains one optically active carbon atom. Consequently, there are two isomeric forms of methamphetamine, called d-methamphetamine and l-methamphetamine. The d-isomer is more potent than the l- isomer; most all of the methamphetamine produced by illegal labs is the d-isomer. d-methamphetamine is a controlled substance in the United States and is only available by prescription for legitimate medical uses in the treatment of ADHD or short term treatment of obesity.
Factors That Influence Meth Onset
For a drug to work, it must enter the body, dissolve into a solution, be absorbed by the body and the distributed to sites of action. And in the process, a number of different factors can affect the rate at which drug onset begins. These include:- Drug bioavailability – Intranasal and smoked methamphetamine are well absorbed. Although intranasal or smoked routes may decrease the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases, exposure to methamphetamine and the possibility of drug-related complications remain substantial.
- Drug form – Meth comes in several forms, including powder, crystal, rocks, and tablets. When it comes in the crystal form it is called “crystal meth.” The type of meth you take will influence onset of effects.
- Mode of administration – How meth is abused affects onset of effects. Routes of methamphetamine administration are varied, with prior reports of exposure via nasal insufflation, IV administration, ingestion of liquid formulations, and a single case report of intravaginal exposure. Each of these effect onset of effect. Also, the producers of meth change the way that drugs dissolve in order to modify solubility characteristics, and therefore slow or quicken drug onset. Here is a general list of fastest to slowest drug delivery forms:
When Does Meth Start Working?
Methamphetamine is readily absorbed from the GI tract and absorption is usually complete by 4-6 hours. How long can meth last? Effects persist for 6 to 12 hours and may persist up to 24 hours after large doses. Peak plasma levels of meth occur within 1 to 3 hours, varying with the degree of physical activity and the amount of food in the stomach.When Does Meth Peak?
Peak blood methamphetamine concentrations occur shortly after injection, a few minutes after smoking, and around 3 hours after oral dosing. Following oral administration, peak methamphetamine concentrations are seen in 2.6-3.6 hours and the mean elimination half-life is 10.1 hours (range 6.4-15 hours). Following intravenous injection, the mean elimination half-life is slightly longer (12.2 hours).When Does Meth Wear Off?
The effects of methamphetamine on humans are profound. The stimulant effects from methamphetamine can last for hours. Often the methamphetamine user remains awake for days. As the high begins to wear off, the methamphetamine user enters a stage called “tweaking,” in which he or she is prone to violence, delusions, and paranoia.Risks Of Meth Addiction
Meth use can quickly lead to addiction. For one thing, its long half life and duration of effects are attractive for their euphoric effect. However, you can quickly become physically dependent on meth and it causes tolerance. People who abuse meth start needing to take more of it to get the same initial high. People who usually eat or snort meth might start to smoke or inject it to get a stronger, quicker high. Additionally, the psychological need for meth can compel continued use, especially when underlying psych-emotional issues go unresolved.People trying to quit taking meth can experience any of these common effects:
- Be unable to feel happy
- Feel a very strong need to take meth
- Feel angry or nervous
- Get really tired but have trouble sleeping
Does meth show up on drug tests?
Meth drug testing is a technical analysis of biological specimen done to detect the presence of methamphetamine metabolites in the person’s body using the following samples:- blood
- hair follicle
- oral fluid (saliva)
- urine
Why Order A Drug Test For Meth?
Drug testing has different goals in different contexts. For example, parole and probation officers use drug testing to monitor compliance with the conditions of parole and probation; employers use them to make hiring decisions; and alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs use tests to assess whether a person is complying with the treatment plan, or not. In fact, testing is often the first step in helping a meth addict get help.Anyone can perform a quick, inexpensive test for meth residue to help in making personal decisions. However, keep in mind that home based tests that are not positive are still considered inconclusive. The same is true for professional testing. This means that the testing found no meth, but that is no guarantee that there is no meth present.
Meth Detection: What Is It?
A detection period is the time-frame during which any drug can be detected in a biological sample. Generally, a detection period depends on the drug class, amount and frequency of use, age, and overall health. For methamphetamine, the drug detection windows are- blood and oral fluid = detection period is within 12 hours of use
- urine drug test = detection period is 3 to 5 days
- hair follicle test = detection period is up to 90 days
Types Of Meth Drug Tests And Screens
A variety of specimens can be assayed for drugs, including urine, blood, sweat, saliva, and hair, among others. Each specimen is unique, and each offers different patterns of information about drug use over time illustrates the general relationship between drug effects and the detection periods. Further, each specimen has strengths and weaknesses about the level of information that can be gained about drug use. The most common types of drug screens for methamphetamine include:- Blood tests for meth – This type of testing can link drug concentrations to behavioral impairment but is usually limited to recent consumption and does not provide an accurate picture for past drug use.
- Hair tests for meth – This type of testing can show evidence of past, historical use. However, its detection window is limited to the amount of hair collected; hair only grows at a rate of about one-half inch per month, so an average specimen can only show 90 days of past meth use.
- Saliva testing for meth – Saliva drug tests is very useful for home use especially when parents suspect their kids to have abused meth. Saliva tests are accurate, easy to use, private and take only 5 minutes. Detection times for drugs in oral fluids are roughly similar to that in blood, approximately 1-24 hours. Oral fluids normally contain traces of meth itself rather than its metabolites (which are present in urine.) Collection of oral fluid is generally considered less invasive than either blood or urine and might be able to connect recent drug use with behavioral impairment.
- Urine testing for meth – The drug testing methodology for urinalysis is well established. Meth and it metabolites are detectable in urine for several days after the drug has been used. While this detection window can overlap with intoxication, impairment, and being “under the influence,” it cannot usually be used to prove intoxication in a legal sense.
Meth Cutoff Levels
- Hair meth cut off level – The drug cut-off level for methamphetamine using the hair follicle test is 300 ng/ml.
- Saliva meth cutoff level – The drug testing cut-off level for meth using saliva test is 50 ng/ml.
- Urine meth cutoff level – The cut-off level for the urine initial test is 500 ng/ml while confirmatory test, which is done through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, is 250 ng/ml.
Positive Drug Testing For Meth
Most drug testing for meth is urine based. Positive results in a urinalysis drug test generally indicate use within 1-4 days but could be up to a week following heavy chronic use. Rate of excretion into the urine is heavily influenced by urinary pH. Between 30-54% of an oral dose is excreted in urine as unchanged methamphetamine and 10-23% as unchanged amphetamine. Following an intravenous dose, 45% is excreted as unchanged parent drug and 7% amphetamine.drug.addictionblog.org/does-meth-show-up-on-drug-tests/
