Meth is also known as Methamphetamine or Crystal Meth, this is a very addictive drug which acts as a stimulant, this changes how certain chemicals are able to act on the brain. Meth is very similar to amphetamines, however the central nervous system responds more severely to meth. Both of these medications are used for medical uses, they can be used to treat overweight people, however the medical uses are limited.

Meth is manufactured in laboratories and is very addictive, it is very easy to abuse and become dependent on this drug. There are many different names for Methamphetamine, including:
- Meth
- Speed
- Chalk
- Ice

Ice is clear crystals which look like ice and can be smoked, this is also known as crystal, and glass.

Meth releases dopamine which stimulates the brain cells, this gives the person a high and enhances the mood of the person. However this can also have a neurotoxic effect and damage brain cells, over a prolonged period of time methamphetamine can cause reduced levels of dopamine which can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Meth can be taken by mouth, or snorted if it is powdered, it can also be smoked and injected into veins. Smoking and injecting causes a high which doesn’t last very long, this is known as a rush and typically only lasts a few minutes. Taking it orally or snorting it produces a high. It is very easy for people to become addicted to meth, and they may start to increase the dose that they take in order to keep the same feeling. It’s very important to talk to your doctor about meth rehab options.

There has been a lot of research into the effects of meth abuse, research on animals has discovered that taking high doses of drugs such as meth damage the cell endings of neurons, this causes a decrease in dopamine and serotonin.

Taking Meth can result in an increased blood pressure and heart rate, this can cause damage to the blood vessels in the brain which can cause strokes. This damage is irreparable. Meth can also lead to breathing problems, anorexia, irregular heart beat. It can even cause death in extreme circumstances.

The use of crystal meth is on the increase, in 1990 just 2.7% of senior high school students had tried meth, however in 1997 this increased to 4.4%.

Meth rehab is not something that you can do on your own, in order to succeed you need to have help and support from your friends and family, and a reputable drug rehab center.