Most methaphetamine is homemade in illegal laboratories and appears as powder, crystalized form, or can also come in pills. The drug is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally, intranasally (snorting the powder), by needle injection, or by smoking. Street names for methamphetamine are "meth", "ice" or "crystal meth".
What has become quite noticable in Columbia SC is the interaction and purchasing of what has always been over-the-counter products in local area drug stores. Long time pharmacist in Columbia, Vera Tumbling of a national chain drug store, tells the Examiner that recent federal law now requires a drivers license to purchase common house hold products like Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine). Prior to 2005 Sudafed (a decongestant) and many other common products could be purchased in any drug store over the counter like buying aspirin. Around 2005 the drug, methaphetamine, became quite popular with the public realization of its easy production. Crystal meth labs began rapidly popping up and operating with just a few items from any drug store.
Ms Tumbling goes on to report that current federal law only allows any one person to purchase 9 grams of Sudafed in any given month. Checks are done by scanning drivers licenses against a national database which allows verification across state lines. The 2006 Patriot act has also come into play in the prosecution of methaphetamine court cases as much of this drug comes into the USA crossing our borders.
Methamphetamine’s ability to release dopamine rapidly in reward regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,” that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug. In other words, crystal meth is highly addictive.
Chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions. Recent studies in chronic methamphetamine abusers have also revealed severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory, which may account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in chronic methamphetamine abusers.
Crystalmeth is highly addictive and very destructive to its victims. Users of methamphetamine are often seen within a year displaying appearances once thought of only in more elderly alcoholic types; items such as rotted teeth, chronic weight loss, deteriorated physical appearances (clothing, etc). Columbia parents will do well to recognize and intervene in a child’s use of this deadly drug.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
ColumbiaSC 29205
(803) 254-5301
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