Methamphetamine: characteristics of this destructive drug
This substance sold in crystal form is one of the most addictive and devastating drugs.
Since ancient times, human beings have always consumed psychoactive substances that alter the nervous system in different ways: they excite us and make us feel more energetic, cause us to have hallucinations or relax us and lead us into a trance-like state.
Such products were already being used around 3000 BC, but drugs have evolved over time. Nowadays, not only natural drugs are consumed, but mankind has created different synthetic psychoactive substances with powerful effects for consumers. In this sense, one of the most popular drugs, especially in the United States and some European countries, is methamphetamine, is methamphetamine (deoxyphedrine), also called "crystal meth" or "ice".. Next we will see their characteristics and effects.
Methamphetamine: a stimulant and addictive drug.
This substance is a potent psychostimulant that presents a structure similar to dopamine, a neurotransmitter generated by our body. Although there are other stimulants such as cocaine or MDMA, which are widely are widely consumed, their effects are very different.
Methamphetamine belongs to the phenethylamine family and to the amphetamine group.. Its synthesis originated in Japan in 1919, but it did not appear in Europe until 20 years later. It seems that during the Second World War, the Nazi party used methamphetamine to stimulate its troops and, in this way, to make them believe they were invincible. The drug used by the German army was called "Pervin".
On the other hand, methamphetamine is one of the drugs that causes the most suffering, and it is also among the most intensely addictive. is also among the most intensely addictive.. The effects of the abuse of this substance can be dramatic, especially at the physical level, as it is considered a predatory drug.
Chemical composition.
The chemical composition of methamphetamine is related to amphetamine sulfate, as its synthesization is done through the addition of a methyl group on the nitrogen atom of amphetamine. Its chemical formula is C10H15N.
This drug usually occurs in the form of colorless transparent crystalsIt can appear in varying degrees of purity depending on the method used for its production. Although this drug is often confused with MDMA, they are two different substances and their effects are totally different.
Differences between drugs
Let's look at some of the aspects that serve to distinguish between methamphetamine and other drugs.
Differences between crystal methamphetamine and crystal MDMA
There is often some confusion with this drug, because it is possible to find both crystal methamphetamine and MDMA. Although their appearance is similar, it is necessary to distinguish their effects. While the effects of methamphetamine are stimulating and euphoric, those of MDMA are empathogenic, i.e. they induce empathy, with less marked stimulant consequences.
The doses of these substances also tend to vary: the average dose of the latter drug is 75-150 milligrams and that of methamphetamine is 12-30 milligrams. To make a mistake and take 75 grams of methamphetamine can cause very serious effects, such as hyperstimulation, hyperstimulation, hyperstimulation, hyperstimulation, hyperstimulation and hyperstimulation.such as hyperstimulation, agitation, nervousness, anxiety and paranoia.
Methamphetamine produces a very pronounced insomnia effect. which can last up to a day, while it is possible to go to bed and fall asleep a few hours after MDMA has worn off. Methamphetamine is also much more addictive than MDMA.
Differences between methamphetamine and cocaine
Methamphetamine releases large amounts of dopamine in the brain and central nervous system, just like cocaine and ecstasy. However, unlike those substances, methamphetamine has a much longer release time than cocaine, the former has a much longer release time and its effects can last from six to 12 hours in a single dose.
Compared to cocaine, methamphetamine has a number of differences. As mentioned above, methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, just like cocaine. However, the latter is also a local analgesic. Cocaine is derived from the plant and methamphetamine is a designer drug. It takes approximately 12 hours for a person's body to eliminate 50% of this synthetic substance, whereas it takes one hour to eliminate the same percentage of cocaine, the same percentage of cocaine takes about one hour to be eliminated.. Both drugs can be smoked, but the duration of the effect of methamphetamine is much longer.
Side effects of methamphetamine
The effects of methamphetamine are devastating. On a social level the person is seriously damaged, but on a physical level, the abuse of this substance can lead to serious malnutrition and health problems. Among its side effects we can find:
- Emaciated physical appearance.
- Tremors.
- Disturbed sleep patterns.
- Convulsions.
- Loss of memory.
- loss of appetite
- repetitive motor activity
- sensitivity to light
- mood swings
- Respiratory problems.
- Psychosis: paranoia and hallucinations.
- Emotional disturbances.
- Severe dental problems.
- Death.
Methamphetamine as a drug
There is also some confusion because methamphetamine can be used to create drugs for can be used to create drugs; however, the molecule found in pharmacies has nothing to do with this highly addictive drug.However, the molecule found in pharmacies has nothing to do with this highly addictive drug.
Some medications such as Vicks inhaler contain L-methamphetamine, which is a chiral molecule of the dangerous and illegal drug, i.e. D-methamphetamine. Both are asymmetrical molecules that mirror each other, but their effects are completely different. While one is treated for nasal congestion, the other causes serious health effects.
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(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)