Methamphetamine are central nervous systems stimulants that cause the release of powerful neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. The dopamine stimulates brain cells and at the same time, enhancing body actions and mood. Norepinephrine contributes to that feeling of jubilation. Other body activities that can be affected with the use of this drug are appetite suppressant, heart rate, body temperature and response associated with alertness.
The street names for methamphetamine include: meth, crystal meth, ice, chalk, crystal and speed. These names are given depending on how methamphetamine is used or taken. Meth can be taken intravenously, smoking, snorting or orally. The effects of crystal meth depend on whether the drugs are taken on a long term or short term bases. Short term crystal meth side effects may include:
1. Dilated pupils
2. Decreased fatigue
3. Increased activity
4. insomnia
5. Euphoria
6. Increased attention
7. Euphoric rush or “flash”
8. Increased respiration
9. Decreased appetite
10. Diarrhea, nausea
11. Irregular heart beat
12. Increased body temperature
13. Jaw clenching
14. tremors
15. Increases libido
16. Sexual climax problems
Long term crystal meth side effects may include:
I. Psychosis and Paranoia
II. Hallucinations and Delusions
III. Obsessive compulsive behavior
IV. Damage to brain
V. Memory loss
VI. Aggressive or Violent behavior
VII. Meth mouth
VIII. Anorexia
IX. Mood instability

These side effects stem from the association the drug has on the bodies’ nervous system. ice when compared to cocaine produces a longer
feeling of euphoria, which can last for over 12 hours. That same pleasurable effect observed with heroin use may only last for a few minutes.
The sensational effect of the ice disappears before the concentration of the drug starts to diminish in the blood. Thus the other side
effects such as tachycardia, high blood pressure may remain while the euphoric feeling diminishes.
Without the required treatment for this addiction the end result is usually fatal.

Due to the effects crystal meth has on the blood vessels, there is a high potential for stroke, which in many cases lead to death. Other patients die of hyperthermia and heart attack.

Over the past decade the use of crystal meth had produced staggering results. A research conducted by NSDUH, noted that over 10.4
million people over 12 years have tried meth at some point in their lives.

The monitoring youth survey showed that 4.5% of high school students said they have used the drug at least once in their life.
With these surprising statistics, it was not a surprise when meth has been ruled a class A drug and stiffer penalties are in
place for people because using or selling the illegal form of the drug.

Filed under Insomnia by healthconcerns.
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January 29, 2008

Cures for Insomnia

A good, deep sleep every night is important for each of us. There millions of people, however, who have trouble sleeping at night once in awhile, and many who suffer from insomnia every night. What natural cures for insomnia are available?

If you are one of these individuals who experience insomnia every night, you would most certainly welcome any method that would guarantee sleep. Having first hand knowledge of how difficult it is not to be able to sleep gives a person an appreciation for how valuable resting our bodies is.

Insomnia can be a chronic condition for some people. It may begin as a symptom of an illness or during a particularly stressful time in someone’s life and it causes such a drastic disruption in the individual’s sleep pattern that they struggle to find a way to regain a normal sleep pattern. Spending years struggling to find a method to sleep is a frustrating experience.

Traditional medicine offers many alternatives for people who have suffered from serious insomnia. Sleeping pills are a commonly prescribed remedy. Although they do adequately treat the insomnia, they also often have serious side-effects.

One of the most serious side-effects is that they are often addictive. It becomes a trade-off for those who choose this approach. Although their insomnia is treated, they become dependent on medication and in some cases have to stay on that medication for the rest of their lives.

Natural Cures for Insomnia

There are natural alternatives that a person can take to treat the insomnia. Some of these are in the form of a pill or a tablet which consists of a combination of herbs. Herbal teas are another popular choice for people who suffer from sleep problems.

You simply brew a pot of the fragrant tea and sip it shortly before bed. The soothing effects of the tea lull you to sleep without the chemicals associated with traditional sleep medication. There are a variety of these types of teas available and the taste is very welcome and pleasant.

An old stand-by that many people turn to when they suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia is to warm a glass of milk. There is a chemical that is released in milk once it is heated.

This chemical is called tryptophan and it works to relax the body and help you to drift off to sleep. Besides being a natural remedy for insomnia, milk also has the added benefit of being a significant source of calcium.

In my research I found that taking a high quality melatonin capsule and an Evening Primrose capsule at bedtime helped me get a good, deep sleep each night. As we age the level of melatonin in our bodies decreases and it helps to take it in capsule form.

If you are regularly getting very little sleep, ask your doctor. He or she might be able to find the cause, or prescribe something to help.

Filed under Insomnia by admin.
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