Methamphetamines is a very powerful synthetically produced central nervous system stimulant The chemical make up of methamphetamine closely resembles the Neuro chemical Serotonin.
From an enforcement perspective, people under the influence of methamphetamine should be considered very dangerous people. Because of the extreme levels of paranoia associated with methamphetamine use, addicts often think that the whole world is watching them. "Speed freaks" are often armed, and are regularly involved in violent and assaultive acts.
METHODS OF USE: Methamphetamine is commonly snorted. Many users inject the drug. Ice which is the solid form of the drug is smoked.
Hyperactivity: Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. Persons under the influence may display: Hyperactivity. Over excitement. Rapid speech. Rapid breathing (over 25 breaths per minute). Increased body temperature (over 100 degrees). Paranoia. Violence. Aggression. Increased Pulse and Blood Pressure:
Elevated pulse over 100 beats per minute Elevated the blood pressure over 140/90. Pupil Dilation: Methamphetamine may dilate the pupil over 6.5 millimeters. The pupils will be reactive to light but constriction and dilation may be sluggish. A dilated pupil, due to methamphetamine intoxication may also display "Rebound Dilation".
Signs of Ingestion: Snorting Methamphetamine may cause irritation and bleeding of the nose. Residue may be seen inside of the nose, or dripping out.
Injection If a person injects Methamphetamine, puncture wounds can be noticed over the blood vessels. Although one can not tell from an injection site what kind of drug has been used, methamphetamine often causes a great deal of trauma and damage to the skin tissue.
If a person smokes "ice", it is not unusual to see burn marks on the lips, lace and hands. This is caused by the hot pipe or the flame used to heat the pipe.
Other Symptoms: Methamphetamine may also cause: Sever depression Paranoia Insomnia Loss of appetite Malnutrition Tremors/Convulsions Delusions Hallucinations Coma Death Plasma life: (blood life)
The length of time that methamphetamine will stay in the plasma is between 4 to 6 hours. It can be detected in the urine one hour after use and up to 48 hours after use.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Persons who are Biologically Addicted to Methamphetamine will start to experience withdrawal symptoms 4 to 6 hours after use. These symptoms are similar to that of cocaine withdrawals.
