Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive central nervous system stimulant.
It has a structure similar to dopamine (the brain's pleasure transmitter) and causes neurons to release large amounts of dopamine to produce a high. This eventually leads to permanent brain damage as natural dopamine production sites are destroyed - forcing the user to become even more reliant on meth for pleasure.
Meth usage has more prolonged effects on the brain and central nervous system than even cocaine or amphetamine. Withdrawal from meth is also more intense, painful, and longer-lasting than withdrawal from these other drugs. Recovery from addiction is complicated by physical and mental illnesses, particularly severe - and often suicidal - depression.
Made from common household chemicals, methamphetamine is a synthetic (or man-made) drug. The manufacturing of meth occurs everywhere; meth labs have been found in homes, cars, hotels, and many other locations. These environments often expose children to the dangers of meth production, and they are volatile chemical atmospheres for everyone involved: neighbors, children, and even the meth producers ("cooks").
Methamphetamine addiction is a growing danger in Mesa County and across the nation. The only way to fight it is by enforcement, treatment, prevention and education.