Methamphetamine: Characteristics Of This Very Destructive Drug
Since ancient times, Human beings have always consumed psychoactive substances that alter the nervous system in different ways: they excite us and make us feel more energetic, they make us have hallucinations or they relax us and take us to a trance state.
Products of this type were already used around 3000 BC, but drugs have evolved over time. Nowadays, not only are natural drugs consumed, but humans have created different synthetic psychoactive substances with powerful effects for consumers. In this sense, one of the most popular drugs, especially in the United States and some European countries, It is methamphetamine (deoxyephedrine), also called “crystal meth” or “ice” Below we will see its characteristics and effects.
This substance is a powerful psychostimulant that has a structure similar to dopamine, a neurotransmitter generated by our body. Although There are other stimulants such as cocaine or MDMA which are consumed very frequently, their effects are very different.
Methamphetamine belongs to the phenethylamine family and the amphetamine group The origin of its synthesis is in Japan, in 1919, but it did not appear in Europe until 20 years later. It seems that during World War II, the Nazi party used methamphetamine to stimulate its troops and, in this way, make them believe they were invincible. The drug used by the German army was called “Pervin”.
On the other hand, methamphetamine is one of the drugs that causes the most suffering, and also It is among those that generate the most intense addiction The effects of abuse of this substance can be dramatic, especially on a physical level, since it is considered a predatory drug.
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of methamphetamine is related to amphetamine sulfate, since its synthesis is carried out through the addition of a methyl group to the nitrogen atom of amphetamine. Its chemical formula is C10H15N
This drug It usually occurs in the form of colorless transparent crystals, and can appear with different degrees of purity depending on the method used for its production. Although this drug is often confused with MDMA, they are two different substances and their effects are totally different.
Differences between drugs
Let’s look at some of the aspects that serve to distinguish between methamphetamine and other drugs.
Differences between crystal methamphetamine and MDMA
There is usually some confusion with this drug, because it is possible to find MDMA and crystal methamphetamine. Although their appearance is similar, it is necessary to distinguish their effects. While the effects of methamphetamine are stimulating and euphoric, those of MDMA are empathogenic, that is, they induce empathy, with less marked stimulant consequences.
The doses of these substances also tend to vary: the average dose of the latter drug is 75-150 milligrams and that of methamphetamine is 12-30 milligrams. Making a mistake and taking 75 grams of methamphetamine can cause very serious effects such as hyperstimulation, agitation, nervousness, anxiety and paranoia.
methamphetamine produces a very pronounced insomnia effect which can last up to a day, while it is possible to go to bed and fall asleep a few hours after the effect of MDMA has worn off. Methamphetamine is also much more addictive than the latter drug.
Differences between methamphetamine and cocaine
Methamphetamine releases large amounts of dopamine in the brain and central nervous system, just like cocaine and ecstasy. However, unlike those substances, the first has a much longer release time and its effects can last six to 12 hours in a single dose.
Compared to cocaine, methamphetamine presents a series of differences. As mentioned, methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, just like cocaine. However, the latter is also a local analgesic. Cocaine is derived from the plant and methamphetamine is a designer drug. Approximately, it takes a person’s body 12 hours to eliminate 50% of this synthetic substance; instead, to eliminate the same percentage of cocaine it takes one hour Both drugs can be smoked, but the duration of the effect of methamphetamine is much longer.
Side effects of this substance
The effects of methamphetamine are devastating. On a social level, the person is seriously damaged, but on a physical level, the abuse of this substance can lead to serious malnutrition and health problems. Among its side effects we can find:
Methamphetamine as a medicine
There is also some confusion because methamphetamine can be used to create medicines ; However, the molecule found in pharmacies has nothing to do with this highly addictive drug.
Some medications like Vicks inhaler contain L-methamphetamine, which is a chiral molecule of the dangerous and illegal drug, i.e., D-methamphetamine. Both are asymmetric molecules that mirror each other, but their effects are completely different. While one is treated for nasal congestion, the other causes serious health effects.
If you think that your child is a drug user, you will surely be interested in this article: “How to know if my son or daughter takes drugs: 10 keys to detect it.”
