What Is Meth?
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Meth Addiction
While the number of meth labs has dropped dramatically since federal restrictions prohibit over the counter sales of cold medicines, the number of meth addicts remains the same. Hardcore drug users are predominantly male, but meth users are equally likely to be women. Recent federal statistics show that:
- more than 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamine
- 1.5 million Americans are regular users
- 6.2% of high school seniors nationally report using meth
- More than 12.3% of Americans age 12 and older have tried meth at least once
- Meth use crosses all economic, social, racial and geographic lines
Effects & Risks
Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that increases brain activity. Short term effects, lasting up to 12 hours, include increased alertness, insomnia, hyperactivity, headache, decreased appetite, irritability, aggression, anxiety, nervousness, teeth grinding, convulsions and heart attack. Chronic abuse can lead to tooth decay, acne and skin sores (speed bumps), psychotic behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, rage, extreme violence, depression, fatal kidney and lung disorders and brain damage. Babies born to meth-using moms can be born addicted to meth and suffer birth defects, low birth weight, tremors and behavior disorders.
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