Clint Eastwood Youth Program - CEYP Newsletter
Issue 10: “Speed by any other name…!”
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Methamphetamine has many names; “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” When smoked it may be referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” “crank,” and “glass.” It comes in many forms; usually a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that can be dissolved in water or alcohol. It can be snorted, smoked or injected. It has recently been made in tablet form, called “Yaba” a reddish or green tablet, which may be flavored and placed in the end of a drinking straw. |
Methamphetamine is a popular drug for abuse; it is seen as easier to buy than cocaine and its effects longer lasting. Its stimulant effects can last for hours and users may stay awake for days. Methamphetimine use can start as a desire to increase work or school performance, to lose weight or as a way to stay energized at social activities.
Methamphetimine users may be dangerous when s/he begins to come down from their high. As the high begins to wear off, the abuser feels empty and uncomfortable (referred to as “tweaking”). Alcohol or heroin is often used to ease the discomfort of tweaking. When coming down off their high, the user may be prone to violence, delusions, and paranoia.
Recognizing the Signs
Someone who is coming off of methamphetamine use may exhibit:
- rapid eye movement
- rapid talk
- quick and jerky movements
- scattered thinking
- paranoid delusions
If the “tweaker” is using methamphetimine and alcohol, recognizing the signs of “tweaking” is more difficult. The rapid eye movement and quick speech may slow to an “normal speed” because of the alcohol. Trying to reason with someone while they are “tweaking” is not advisable.
The tweaker may react violently and confrontation increases the possibility of a violent response. A tweaker exists in his own world, seeing and hearing things that no one else can perceive.
Signs of Methamphetime Use/Abuse
- Agitation, anxiety
- Excited speech
- Loss of appetite
- Increased physical activity levels
- Dilated pupils
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea,vomiting, diarrhea
- Inability to sleep
- Increased sensitivity to noise
- Nervous physical activity
- Irritability, dizziness, or confusion
- Anorexia
- Sudden and/or violent behavior
- Psychotic features such as: intense paranoia, mood disturbances, delusions
- Visual and auditory hallucinations; such as the sensation of insects crawling under the skin
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure
- Tremors or convulsions
- Paraphernalia such as razor blades, mirrors, straws, syringes, or surgical tubing
If you suspect your child is using methamphetamines, seek advice/help from a physician, therapist, drug counselor, or the police.