Methedrine
Methedrine is a form of methamphetamine, it is a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it has a high potential for abuse, as well as limited medical use. There is only one legal meth product today called Desoxyn. Prescriptions are not refillable. The use of Desoxyn is very limited to conditions such as severe obesity and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Common street names:
- Batu
- Bikers Coffee
- Black Beauties
- Chalk
- Chicken Feed
- Crank
- Crystal
- Glass
- Go-Fast
- Hot ice
- Ice
- Meth
- Methlies Quick
- Poor Man’s Cocaine
- Quartz
- Shabu
- Shards
- Speed
- Stove top
- Super ice
- Tweak
- Uppers
- Yaba
- Yellow Bam
History of Meth and Trends
Most usage of meth is illicit and illegal except as outlined above. Methedrine was the proprietary name given methamphetamine hydrochloride by a pharmaceutical company and was available for purchase by prescription until 1964. Methedrine evolved into the street name of methamphetamine during the 1960s and early 1970s. High-doses of methamphetamine or speed was a major drug of choice for abuse during this time. After the manufacturer withdrew commercially made Methedrine for sale, large quantities of illicitly manufactured methamphetamine were being made and sold on the black market in meth labs.
Today, meth continues to enjoy popularity in the illicit drug culture. Methamphetamine made illegally, either as pure dextromethamphetamine or in an equal parts mixture of 50% levomethamphetamine and 50% dextromethamphetamine, are the purest forms.
Effects of Meth Use & Symptoms
Low dose symptoms:
- Euphoria
- Elevated mood
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hyperthermia
High dose symptoms:
- Psychosis
- Brain Hemorrhage
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Death
Abuse & Addiction
Meth has a high rate of addiction. It is a neurotoxin that stimulates the central nervous system. It is typically smoked or injected. Once ingested, the user feels a “rush” as the drug sends a powerful rush of stimulation throughout the body.
Meth has become a drug of choice for many as it more accessible than other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, which give the same rush of euphoria and stimulating effects. Since meth can be manufactured with other chemicals, a preponderance of “meth labs” have made the drug more accessible.
The period of acute withdrawal effects for a casual meth user lasts six to eight months after the abuser’s last usage. For addicts who were heavy users, acute withdrawal symptoms can last a few years. Long-term meth addicts have a very difficult time recovering. They suffer ongoing psychosis, paranoia schizophrenia, and hallucinations. Medical and psychiatric treatment may be needed for the long-term.
Withdrawal Process and Symptoms
Meth withdrawal has two recognized stages. First, the initial 24 hour period is a drug craving for a stimulant to avoid the “crash” that happens once meth is stopped.
Long term, the withdrawal from meth can be a lengthy and complex process. For the first several weeks symptoms may not be a strong as the initial 24 hour period, but can still be uncomfortable. Acute withdrawal can last several months and sometimes longer depending on how long and how heavily meth was abused.
Short term withdrawal symptoms:
- Sleepiness
- Drug cravings
- Carbohydrate cravings
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
Long term withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Confusion
Treatment
Since meth withdrawal and treatment are potentially dangerous to a person’s health if it is not done and monitored properly, the best choice is a treatment facility with qualified professionals. First, a medically managed detox is needed. Then, a combination of healthy eating, therapy, medical monitoring and doctor supervised medications greatly increase the success of the person maintaining a meth-free lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate to call us at 877-855-3470 to find out information on how we can help you or your loved one through this difficult time. Short and long-term, we are here to help.