The Little Blue Book

HEALTH EFFECTS FROM LONG-TERM ‘METH’ USE: When ingested, methamphetamine causes constriction of blood vessels in the tissues and skin, causing severe acne and inhibiting the body’s ability to repair itself – sores take longer to heal and the skin loses ‘elasticity’, appearing to age rapidly. The blackened rotting teeth accompanying repeated meth use – called ‘meth mouth – is caused by a combination of a condition called xerostomia, or ‘dry mouth’ (methamphetamine interferes with the production of saliva), and the action of acids in the mouth combined with the chemicals in the drug itself (such as anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorus and lithium). While the effect on the brain is largely hidden, it is no less damaging. Neither is the permanent damage to the liver, heart and other vital organs. Used over and again, methamphetamine (ice) can deplete or destroy the brain’s ability to produce dopamine and serotonin, permanently damaging its delicate chemistry. U.S. research (University of California UCLA) also shows that regular users risk long-term damage to the brain with symptoms similar to that caused by stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. 1 Long term use has also been linked to Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative neurological disorder connected with dopamine- deficiency, with users at more than 75% increased risk of developing the disease. 2 (1) NIH-National Institute on Drug Abuse, Methamphetamine Abuse Linked To Long-Term Damage To Brain Cells (2) Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in individuals hospitalized with conditions related to the use of methamphetamine or other amphetamine-type drugs. Callaghan R.C., Cunningham J.K., et al. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2011; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. “Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in methamphetamine users, study finds.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 August 2011 97 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3