Methamphetamine Abuse: Difference between revisions
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== Characteristics/Clinical Presentation == | == Characteristics/Clinical Presentation == | ||
Meth abusers can present with a variety of physical characteristics which can include the following: | Meth abusers can present with a variety of physical characteristics which can include the following: | ||
<br>- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, temperature<br>- Excessive sweating<br>- Dry skin with multiple scabs or open wounds on the face or arms<br>- | <br>- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, temperature<br>- Excessive sweating<br>- Dry skin with multiple scabs or open wounds on the face or arms<br>- Scratching or “picking” skin<br>- Track marks on arms or other parts of the body<br>- Rapid speech <br>- Anxiety<br>- Irritability<br>- Insomnia<ref name="Mayo">Mayo Clinic. Drug Addiction. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms (accessed 26 March 2012)</ref> | ||
<br>More chronic meth users can also present with the following: | <br>More chronic meth users can also present with the following: | ||
<br>- Anorexic appearance (extreme weight loss)<br>- “Meth mouth” – severe tooth loss/decay<br>- Confusion<br>- Hallucinations<br>- Paranoia<br>- Delusions of feeling bugs crawling under skin<br>- Delusions of grandeur<br>- Violent behavior<ref name="Mayo" /><br> | <br>- Anorexic appearance (extreme weight loss)<br>- “Meth mouth” – severe tooth loss/decay<br>- Confusion<br>- Hallucinations<br>- Paranoia<br>- Delusions of feeling bugs crawling under skin (which leads to excessive scratching and open wounds)<br>- Delusions of grandeur<br>- Violent behavior<ref name="Mayo" /><br> | ||
== Associated Co-morbidities == | == Associated Co-morbidities == |
Revision as of 18:31, 1 April 2012
Original Editors - Seth Pinkerton & Jessica Sparks from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant similar to the drug amphetamine and is classified as a Schedule II drug due to its high potential for abuse. It affects the brain by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine which is a common mechanism of action for most drugs that are abused.[1]
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the reward, motivation, and pleasure centers of the brain. Methamphetamine causes a rapid release of dopamine in the brain resulting in an intense euphoric or grandeur feeling which is what leads many people to become addicted.[1]
Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter tasting crystalline powder which can easily be dissolved in water or other liquids. It is taken orally, intranasally (snorting), by smoking, or intravenously.[1]
Meth can be made from common household substances including:
Pseudoephedrine - decongestant
iodine crystals
battery acid
red phosphorus – match boxes and road flares
anhydrous ammonia – fertilizer or countertop cleaner
toluene – brake fluid
hydrochloric acid
acetone – nail polish remover or paint thinner
sodium hydroxide - lye
sulfuric acid – drain or toilet bowl cleaner[2]
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Meth abusers can present with a variety of physical characteristics which can include the following:
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Dry skin with multiple scabs or open wounds on the face or arms
- Scratching or “picking” skin
- Track marks on arms or other parts of the body
- Rapid speech
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia[3]
More chronic meth users can also present with the following:
- Anorexic appearance (extreme weight loss)
- “Meth mouth” – severe tooth loss/decay
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Delusions of feeling bugs crawling under skin (which leads to excessive scratching and open wounds)
- Delusions of grandeur
- Violent behavior[3]
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]
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Resources
[edit | edit source]
Visit this website to find publicly funded treatment facilities in USA by state www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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Failed to load RSS feed from http://eutils.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/erss.cgi?rss_guid=1NGmwZeh8JwVIzrKgHG1LrDm0izTr7ViJiDkSYAY2BW5hiXsx0|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10: Error parsing XML for RSS
References[edit | edit source]
see adding references tutorial.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 National Institute on Drug Abuse. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/methamphetamine. (accessed 25 March 2012)
- ↑ Meth Project. What's in Meth. http://www.methproject.org/answers/whats-meth-made-of.html?gclid=CI3C--m7j68CFYMKKgodIkCUyQ#Whats-in-Meth (accessed 25 March 2012)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mayo Clinic. Drug Addiction. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms (accessed 26 March 2012)