Pubdate: Thu, 08 Feb 2001
Source: Havre Daily News (MT)
Copyright: 2001 Havre Daily News
Contact:  119 Second Street Havre, Montana 59501
Website: http://www.havredailynews.com/
Author: Ron VandenBoom
Note: 3rd of 6 articles published on Thu, 08 Feb 2001 in the Havre Daily News
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

HOW METH HURTS A BODY

Carol Sem is one lady who has seen the ravages of the drug methamphetamine 
up close and personal. Sem is a nurse with the Nurse Assistance Program in 
Missoula and works at a detox center there.

She is also the person that, according to Kathie Newell, Northern Montana 
Health Care public relations manager, is one of the most knowledgeable 
people around regarding methamphetamine. She is also the professional that 
local professionals turn to when they have questions about methamphetamine, 
Newell said.

She has seen the effects methamphetamine has on its victims - the 
unexpected mood swings that range from fearful to angry - the chills, 
restlessness, intestinal cramps, and other physical effects of withdrawal.

"It all depends on how much and how long they've used it," she said. "I can 
usually tell how much and what kind of drugs they've been using just by 
looking at their teeth.

The small capillaries that feed blood to the teeth and certain other parts 
of the body are narrowed with heavy meth use, Sem said. This reduces the 
blood supply to the teeth causing them to fall out or quickly decay.

Other negative effects of long-term use of the drug are lung disorders, 
brain and liver damage, kidney damage, blood clots, and damage to the blood 
vessels and the brain. Long-term users may also appear aged beyond their years.

Psychological damage such as paranoia, aggressive behavior, anger, chronic 
depression, and hallucinations have also been associated with use of the drug.

Initial symptoms associated with the use of methamphetamine are quick and 
substantial weight loss, mood swings, lack of sleep, an uncommon amount of 
energy, and a sense of euphoria.

Sem, in a somewhat understated fashion, simply describes meth as an "upper" 
or "stimulant" that increases heart rate, blood pressure, activity levels, 
and produces a sense of euphoria.

"We surmise that it targets the pleasure center of the brain," she said.

Methamphetamines mimic the body's naturally produced dopamine in the brain. 
Neurons are tricked into allowing the drug in and once there, the drug 
triggers the production of greater than normal levels of dopamine in the 
brain, Sem said, adding that dopamine is also sometimes called the pleasure 
drug. "Increased dopamine levels give one a sense of well being."

Also increased in the brain are serotonin levels.

"Serotonin is a naturally produced drug in the brain that affects neural 
transmitters and gives one a sense of serenity, Sem said.

"Users have no fear," she said. "They feel that they are all powerful and 
untouchable."

The feeling is somewhat true, Sem said, in that methamphetamine can produce 
higher levels of adrenaline as well.

Adrenaline is a naturally produced drug that can give the body sudden 
bursts of strength and alertness usually in reaction to fear.

Sem said the usual method of taking the drug is by smoking, snorting, or 
injecting.

Like any drug, users can be low intensity, moderate or high intensity with 
low intensity being the least dangerous. Binge use and high intensity, or 
tweaking as it is known, are the most dangerous and can lead to strong 
physical and psychological addition.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D