About Meth

It is also known as crystal meth, peanut butter crack, and poor man's dope. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug sold in powder form or as crystal-like rocks.

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The name "peanut butter" may describe impure rocks cut with various chemicals used to synthesize the drug, as the color of the drug is a similar tannish brown.

Use of meth is similar to crack or marijuana, with the meth rocks or crystals placed atop a surface that is heated with a cigarette lighter.

When smoked or inhaled, meth attacks the brain by causing a soaring rise in seratonin and dopamine, creating a heightened sense of euphoria that the user never wants to end.

To this end, meth is very addictive, and can cause some very painful side effects during withdrawal.

Abuse of meth can lead to a number of body and mental dysfunctions, including kidney failure, permanent brain damage, increased paranoia and hallucinations, and heart failure.

Frequent use of meth also decreases saliva production, which can lead to tooth decay. People who abuse meth are known to go to great lengths to continue their habit, in some cases committing crimes to afford their next hit.

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Users of meth should be made aware of the risks of addiction and possible health damage. Parents who suspect their young children of abusing the drug should look for the signs and consult professional help as soon as possible.

Stephanie Loebs is the executive director of Williamsburg Place, one of the top drug rehab clinics in the nation. Williamsburg Place aids those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction, and specializes in caring for health care professionals.

For over twenty years Williamsburg Place and its joint rehabilitation center, the William J. Farley Center, have helped thousands of people from all walks of life take back their lives and overcome substance abuse.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Loebs

Family members often deny or minimize drug addiction problems and unwittingly contribute to the continuation of drug abuse by well-meaning behaviors such as shielding the addict from adverse consequences of abuse or taking over family or economic responsibilities... Statistics and facts on teen alcohol and drug abuse point to an incredible number of alcohol and substance abuse problems that need to be dealt with by our school administrators, social service agencies, parents, political and community leaders, and by concerned citizens.

image: female teenager needing drug counseling

Addiction always brings about changes in the addict’s brain and mind. Some of these transformations include anatomical changes, physiological changes, behavioral changes, and chemical changes.

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The substance abuse research reveals that drug abuse includes the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other "street drugs" and the abuse of legal prescription and nonprescription drugs such as Oxycontin, Darvocet, and Codeine. Research shows that whereas some individuals take drugs as a way to get a "buzz" or to get "high," others turn to drugs to relieve pain, anxiety, stress and emotional problems.

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