Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. It can also be known as meth, chalk, ice and crystal and takes the form of a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine can be taken orally, smoked, snorted, dissolved in water or alcohol and injected. In Australia, Methamphetamines is the fastest growing concern of all illicit drugs due to the harmful effects on the brain and my third point
When Methamphetamine is taken it has serious impact on the brain and easily lead to an addiction which is why taking Methamphetamine is such a great concern. Methamphetamine causes the brain to release a chemical known as Dopamine rapidly. Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, the experience of pleasure and motor function which provides the users with a happy rush and repeated use of ice can easily result in an addiction. Long term users of meth may …show more content…
Taking even small amounts of meth can result in many of the same physical effects as other stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines. This includes increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, a smaller appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and increased body temperature. Long term use of ice may result in negative consequences for physical health including extreme weight loss, severe dental problems and skin sires caused by scratching or picking. Methamphetamine use also increases the risk of getting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. These diseases can be caught through unsafe sex and also by sharing drug injecting equipment and no matter how it is taken, meth alters judgment and can lead to people engaging in these and other types of risky