Teenage Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant with addictive properties. Since there's only one legal methamphetamine product which is used to treat ADHD and obesity, most meth use is illegal as well as dangerous. Meth is used through snorting, oral ingestion, injection, and smoking. Meth gives its users a "flash" or "rush" that comes from the stimulant effects and a feeling of euphoria.

Meth use among teens has been declining in the last decade, according to data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance study (YRBS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2009 teen meth use was only about a third of what it was in 2001 for both 10th graders and 12th graders. Despite the reduction in prevalence in certain sectors of the teenage population, however, crystal meth has become the most dangerous drug problem of small town America. Kids between 12 and 14 that live in smaller towns are 104% more likely to use meth than those who live in larger cities.

Like other amphetamines, meth use may be signaled by alterations in mental status that include agitation, aggression, confusion, euphoria, or paranoia. Other signs include reduced appetite, weight loss, memory loss, disturbed sleep, and quickened breathing. Unintended side effects include addiction; anorexia; convulsions and hyperthermia, which can lead to death; damage to brain cells and neurons; irregular heartbeat, respiratory problems, and stroke. Meth is extremely addictive, and signs of addiction include a marked increase in secrecy, inability to maintain attention, and changes in attitudes toward money and spending habits.

A terrible, but not immediately dangerous, side effect of meth use is brain damage that could have the same effects as Alzheimer's disease. The most dangerous signs are the combined spike in body temperature (hyperthermia) and convulsions, breathing, heart, or blood pressure changes, any of which may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Because some of its warning signs are life-threatening conditions, treatment for teen meth use makes those a priority. Thus, emergency treatment would look for elevated body temperature, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, signs of a stroke or heart attack and respiratory distress. Because it is addictive, treating meth withdrawal is also a likely necessity, and may require hospitalization.