Methamphetamine Use: What Is It? How Is It Used? : Methamphetamine Use: What Is It? How Is It Used? Week One Rachel Hyden RN BSN
Advanced Clinician
Outcome for this self learning module : Outcome for this self learning module Learner will be able to state three different forms that methamphetamine comes in and three different routes of use.
Methamphetamine: What Is It? : Methamphetamine: What Is It? Very powerful, highly addictive central nervous system stimulant
Produced in makeshift laboratories
Common ingredients include:
Pseudoephedrine, drain cleaner, muriatic acid, rock salt, and batteries
It is estimated that for every 1 lb of produced 6 lbs of toxic waste is generated
Half life of 12 hours
Longer duration of action compared to other drugs, such as, cocaine.
Methamphetamine: Who Is Using It? : Methamphetamine: Who Is Using It? Highest rate of use is among 26-34 yr olds
Second highest group are 18-25 yr olds
Meth, in the for of Ice, is becoming popular among 35-45 yr old “suburbanites”
Slightly more male users than female
High school graduates who hold legitimate jobs
As the user become more addicted, they generally lose their jobs and may turn to crime in order to support their addiction.
Methamphetamine: How Is It Used? : Methamphetamine: How Is It Used? Comes in pills, gel caps, chunks, powder, “ice”
Color ranging from clear to white, yellow, brown, green, and pink.
Varies in size from a rice grain to the tip of your finger
Odorless, bitter tasting
One “hit” is ¼ of a gram and will cost about $25.00
Methamphetamine: How Is It Used? : Methamphetamine: How Is It Used? Oral ingestion
Pills, gel caps
Produces euphoric effects within 15-20 mins
Nasal inhalation (Sniffing)
Meth is ground into a fine powder and snorted
Produces euphoric effects within 3-5 mins
Intravenous injection
Meth is water soluble, meth powder is mixed with water and injected intravenously
Produces an immediate, intense “flash” that lasts a few minutes and provides an intense, pleasurable rush
Smoked
Meth is ground into a powder and placed in a pipe. The pipe is heated and the user inhales the drug
Rapid absorption and instantaneous high.
Methamphetamine Paraphernalia : Methamphetamine Paraphernalia Pipes (glass)
Broken light bulbs to use as pipes
Mirror or hard surface, such as a CD case, to cut the drug
Razor blade to cut the chunks into
powder to snort
Needles for intravenous injection
Rolled paper, such as a post-it note
to use when snorting the drug
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