Understanding the Hazardous Chemical Composition of Crystal Meth

The makeup of crystal meth features several chemicals that can cause severe damage to the body. Ephedrine (C10H15NO) or pseudoephedrine is the main and most important ingredient in meth. Ephedrine was taken from the plant, Ephedra, and was used to make methamphetamine (Scheve). The amphetamine is used in some cold or cough medicines and in diet pills, but has been restricted by the government due to people abusing the substance (“Crystal Meth Ingredients”). Acetone (C3H6O) is a chemical used in paint thinner and nail polish remover that is also found in meth. Ammonia (NH3) is used in fertilizers, cleaners, and in crystal meth. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a chemical that is used to make plastic and meth, and it can remove rust from steel.

Meth can cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in a lack of steady blood flow to the rest of the body. Meth addiction can cause damage to the blood vessels and destroy them, resulting in damage to the surrounding tissues and preventing the body from being able to repair itself. Meth causes an increase in body temperature which results in excessive sweating and dehydration. This results in protective oils being removed from the skin which can cause a tingling sensation to be felt at the nerve endings. This creates a feeling of bugs crawling all over the body. When a meth addict picks at their skin, the sores, as a result, take longer to heal. Methamphetamine releases an excessive amount of dopamine in the brain, instantly causing a sense of euphoria and an intense feeling of pleasure. Meth also releases a surge of adrenaline which puts the body into a state called tweaking which is characterized by wakefulness, obsessive behavior, and anxiety. This high lasts between six and twelve hours, but after the high ends, the addict experiences a crash and a feeling of depression and weakness. The addict continues to take and abuse the drug so that they do not experience the crash which may appear to be worse than the effects of the drug itself. Eventually, it will be impossible for a meth addict to experience

The withdrawal symptoms an addict may face after meth can make it extremely difficult for the person to avoid the drug with the idea that the symptoms of withdrawal will end. The withdrawal symptoms an addict can experience include fatigue, increased appetite, hallucinations, agitation, paranoia, insomnia, impaired motor function, loss of motivation, red eyes, itchy eyes, and suicidal thoughts (“Meth Withdrawal and Detox”). Addicts can undergo therapy and counseling to help them deal with and understand their addiction. This can also help them manage their behavior and addiction to the drug and help prevent them from relapsing. Several organizations and rehabilitation centers exist to help meth addicts manage their addiction and help provide them with food and shelter as well. Crystal meth does not have specifically designed medicine to treat addiction, but there are a few select medications that provide hope to meth users and the future of the addiction. Ibudilast is a medication that prevents the activation of glial cells in the central nervous system which is what meth targets. This may allow for a decreased drug dependence and addiction. MH6 is another medication that exists to help prevent an increase in body temperature and hyperactivity which are common side effects of meth use. This medication prevents these side effects from reaching the