User talk:Shadon00

Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine, (MA) is a highly addictive drug, which has grown significantly in popularity in the last decade (Barr et al.,2006). According to the World Health Organization, it is the second most commonly used illicit drug after cannabis. The use of MA is on the rise, especially among our youth. “1 in 3 teens see little to no risk in trying Meth; 77% of teens who tried it began using it at age of 15 or younger” (Thomas, 2009). MA is a psychostimulant drug that acts on the body's central nervous system. Exposure to MA over extended periods of time will most likely result in extensive neural damage. Evidence suggests that there are some levels of cognitive impairment, including deficits in attention, memory and executive function (Barr et al, 2006).

Some of the more sought after effects of MA are feelings of euphoria, well-being and alertness, as well as increased libido and decreased appetite. These are all very attractive to today’s youth. What many of them don’t realize, are the long term side effects which may include increased blood pressure, hyperthermia, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps and muscle tremor, anxiety, insomnia, aggression, paranoia and hallucinations. They also aren’t aware that when you try to suddenly stop taking MA you are most likely to experience fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depression, inability to concentrate or even have thoughts of suicide. Unlike the acute effects of a single low dose of MA, which can improve cognitive processing speed, attention, concentration and psychomotor performance, long-term exposure to MA may result in profound neuropsychological deficits (Barr et al, 2006).

There are currently no medications approved by Health Canada for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction (Dr. Cathy Peterson, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont. personal communication, 2008). The effectiveness of varenicline for tobacco cessation gives hope that there may some day be a therapeutic approach for treating other addictions also (Kish, 2008). It has also been suggested that a low dose of oral amphetamine may be helpful in the treatment of methamphetamine addictions (Kish, 2008). In conclusion, I believe that there is a need for further research into treatments, and for more public awareness especially geared towards the youth of today. If we can educate them at a young enough age on all of the negative side effects, then maybe the occurrence of use in teens would decrease significantly.