Methamphetamine Use
January 21, 2009
Traditionally, methamphetamine users have suffered the same addiction cycle and withdrawal reactions as those suffered by crack cocaine users. Both drugs, after prolonged use, lead to bingeing, which is consuming the drug continuously for up to 3 days without sleep. The user then is driven into a severe depression, followed by worsening paranoia, belligerence, and aggression, which is a period known as tweaking. Finally, the user collapses from exhaustion, only to awaken days later to begin the cycle again.The new ephedrine-based methamphetamine has a usage pattern unlike that of traditional methamphetamine or crack cocaine. Several times more potent than its other forms, today’s methamphetamine produces a reaction far more severe than even crack cocaine, with sleepless binges that last up to 15 days and end with sudden crashes. Chronic, high-dose methamphetamine abusers, often called “speed freaks,” are generally undernourished and have a gaunt appearance, poor hygiene, and rotten teeth. These individuals inject methamphetamine every 2 to 3 hours and often as much as 1,000 milligrams each time. Due to the high level of methamphetamine in their systems, “speed freaks” are extremely paranoid.
“The main problem remains, and will remain, the use of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs,” said Yellowstone County Attorney Dennis Paxinos.”And the worst part is when they get hopped up on meth and commit violence.”