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Euphoria That Kills

by Thomas O'Brien, SUNY Cortland, May 1, 2008

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The dictionary definition of euphoria is a state of very intense happiness and feelings of well-being. Things that are euphoric or an elation are good things right? Not exactly. Crystal meth users report feelings of intense euphoria and elation when using the drug; feelings that may last up to hours on end. What people don’t realize is the physical and emotional destruction that Methamphetamine (crystal meth) causes the body for both long- and short-term users. Crystal Meth has exploded onto the street drug market with “meth labs” being constructed on a daily basis, including here in Central New York. New York legislators have begun efforts to combat this drug adversary, but much more needs to be done by the general public to cure the meth epidemic.

So how could something that causes such a euphoric state cause such destruction and devastation to the body? To understand this phenomenon one must look at the physiological effects methamphetamine has on the body. When a person takes methamphetamine the body responds by producing dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that causes elation and euphoria in a person (Frontline 2006). Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that cross synapses of neurons to transmit an electrical signal (the electrical wiring of the brain). This physiological reaction is the basis to why most drugs cause a sense of elation when taken. The difference is that methamphetamine causes a production of dopamine twelve times as much as other drugs or other pleasurable experiences in one’s life: food, sex…etc (Frontline 2006). This is obviously an unnatural occurrence for the brain, which can lead to some pretty significant damage. After long time use of this drug it can actually alter one’s brain chemistry (Frontline 2006). The portion of the brain that controls the body’s different pleasures is often over stimulated and eventually suffers such devastation from the drug that one hardly feels any pleasure at all, including some significant depression (Frontline 2006). Those of you thinking that a loss of pleasure and even some experiences of depression are risks you are willing to take, are naïve in thinking the symptoms end there. In fact the symptoms get much worse. Because of the changes in brain chemistry your body is tricked into thinking that it is in a state of “fight or flight.” The body releases adrenaline which over time causes users to become obsessive compulsive, intensely focused, and hyperactive (Frontline 2006). Still not convinced? Due to this obsessive compulsive “tweaking” behavior users often feel like bugs are crawling on their skin causing them to pick at their faces until raw open sores persist. Users have also been reported searching through dumpsters for garbage, tearing off their clothes, or experiencing high levels of delusion and paranoia (Frontline 2006). Because of the intense delusional state users often have a false sense of their appearance which contributes to a lack of hygiene and appetite. Many users have what is called “meth mouth.” This is a state where due to the potent chemicals found in crystal meth (anhydrous ammonia (found in fertilizers), red phosphorus (found on matchboxes) and lithium (found in batteries) and the extent of bruxism that users experience, their teeth literally rot out of their mouths (Frontline 2006). The laundry list of symptoms could go on for days when it comes to crystal meth users. Finalizing that laundry list the last symptoms include disorganized lifestyle, lowered resistance to illness, liver damage, convulsions extreme rise in body temperature, stroke, and death (Frontline 2006). And you thought euphoria was a good thing.

Not only is this drug causing devastation to those using it, but it is also contributing to the spread of HIV here in the US. Another symptom of crystal meth (not included in the laundry list) is increased sex drive, and decreased inhibition (Frontline 2006). As most know these two are never good when they appear together. This is especially dangerous when it comes to the spread of HIV infection. Not only does the sharing of intravenous drugs, associated with crystal meth cause increases in the transmission of this disease, but also the aggressive nature of those on crystal meth (Frontline 2006). Although often overlooked as a cause of transmission of HIV, but people participating in sexual acts that are overly aggressive during, are more likely to cause injury (Frontline 2006). Anyone who knows about the spread of the HIV infection knows that all it takes is an open sore someplace for the virus to spread. As growing numbers of infections of HIVfrom crystal meth users increase our nation looks for answer to solve this meth epidemic.

So what is being done in the US and here in New York to combat this drug adversary? Well, nationwide our federal government has continued the drug war all over our nation including at our borders. Here in New York our legislators and senators have taken steps in battling this epidemic. In a recent study, Senator Chuck Schumer reported that 71% of meth lab raids occurred in areas of Central New York, specifically the Southern Tier and North Country since 1999 (Schumer 2005). Although this number does not include those admitted for meth use, the findings are still staggering. Such areas may be targeted because to synthesize methamphetamine you need various toxic chemicals, chemical equipment, and adequate space to conduct this process--hardly the type of work conducted in close proximity to neighbors. Initial steps have been taken by New York’s government, and although they are still preliminary, they are an earnest start. Senator Schumer reintroduced a bill that would make the penalties for selling crystal meth parallel to that of selling crack cocaine (Schumer 2005). Although the sentences varied it would keep dealers/makers of crystal meth off the streets, and provide consequences to those thinking of making crystal meth a lucrative business venture. Also Senator Schumer’s bill would provide monetary funds to law enforcement officials for the education and enforcement of this drug (Schumer 2005). Lastly the bill would make businesses aware of ingredients used to make crystal meth, including ways to monitor the sales of these ingredients (Schumer 2005). Although this is just an example of ways in which our government is combating this drug, the idea is that we need help on the local, state, and federal level.

The use of crystal meth, the drug that causes euphoria, can cause devastations to the body which include altered brain function and even death. The rise in use among gay communities and intravenous drug users has contributed to the spread of HIV. Although preliminary steps have been taken at the state and federal levels their needs to be more done, including in communities where crystal meth usage and sales have increased. The drug that causes euphoria is causing destruction to so many families and communities.

References
Schumer, C. E. (2005, June 28). Schumer Reveals New Crystal Meth Stats In Each Upstate NY County – Senator Unveils New Bipartisan Federal Legislation To Crackdown On Ongoing Epidemic . Retrieved April 28, 2008, from Senator Charles E. Schumer New York Web site: http://www.senate.gov/~schumer/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=260809
(2006, February 14,).
The Meth Epidemic:How Meth Destroys the Body. Retrieved April 28, 2008, from Frontline Web site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/body/

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