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  • Methamphetamine: a guide for experimenters

    Let’s talk about such a well-known substance as methamphetamine, and the ways to prevent unpleasant consequences of its use.

    We do not promote psychoactive substance use, it is never completely safe. The safest choice is to never use drugs.

    Methamphetamine is a derivative of amphetamine. This is a fairly common and very potent CNS stimulant.

    The chemical name is N-methyl-alphamethylphenylethylamine.

    It was synthesized in 1893 for medical purposes. It became widely known in the 1930s as Pervitin. In the form of tablets, the drug was given to pilots and tankers during World War II. In the USSR in the 40-60’s before the creation of the first antidepressants – MAOIs pervitin was used in psychiatry for the treatment of narcolepsy and depression of various origins.

    Currently, the drug is very limited in medical practice in the West (USA) under the trade name Desoxyn. It’s used in some cases when amphetamine-containing drugs (Adderall, Dexedrine) are ineffective.

    Methamphetamine has a very high potential for dependence.

    WHAT METHAMPHETAMINE LOOKS LIKE

    Methamphetamine is distributed in the form of white powder (color may have shades), as well as crystals (like crushed glass or salt).

    The degree of the substance purity and the presence of impurities vary considerably. Impurities are different, including very dangerous. To reduce the risk of possible accidental consuming of hazardous substances, if possible, check what you are going to try.

    How to test methamphetamine, read via link.

    This substance is used in various ways, from smoking to injections.

    However, speaking about harm reduction, do not forget that injecting is the most dangerous way of consuming the substance! This makes it easier to get an overdose; there are additional risks associated with the use of non-sterile needles (transmission of dangerous diseases, blood infections, etc.).

    The duration of the effects depends on the method of consuming, the dose and the individual physiological characteristics of each person.

    The effects last the longest when taken orally, up to 8-10 hours, and post-effects last up to 24 hours, sometimes even longer. If methamphetamine is smoked, its effects are limited to a few hours, and post-effects disappear in 10-12 hours. With intranasal use the situation is like as with consuming orally, with the difference that the main effects last less and post-effects last a little longer.

    DOSAGE

    WARNING! Such factors as individual perception, body weight, metabolism and psychological state are always important to consider when using psychoactive substances! Start with a small dose, especially if you are an inexperienced user. Everyone has their own individual reaction to each psychoactive substance, so the experience of your friend and your personal can be completely different.

    Smoked

    • Light dose: 5-10 mg
    • Common dose: 10-20 mg
    • Strong dose: 20-60 mg

    Oral

    • Light dose: 5-15 mg
    • Common dose: 15-30 mg
    • Strong dose: 30-60 mg

    Insufflated

    • Light dose: 5-10 mg
    • Common dose: 10-30 mg
    • Strong dose: 30-60 mg

    EFFECTS

    Methamphetamine is a stimulant with a strong psychostimulant effect on the CNS. It’s structurally similar to adrenaline and its influence on the peripheral nervous system is the same: peripheral blood vessels narrow, blood pressure rises, heart rate increases, pupils dilate.

    The main effects of methamphetamine include the following:

    • energy, increased alertness, reduced fatigue
    • increasing of mental and physical functionalities
    • euphoria
    • reducing of the need for sleep
    • increased sociability, talkativeness, uplifting
    • increased libido
    • decreased appetite
    • weight loss
    • sweating
    • sleep disorders
    • bruxism (gnashing of teeth)
    • visual and auditory hallucinations
    • aggression

    When the effects of the psychoactive substance come down, the person feels very tired, exhausted. Unpleasant consequences in the form of sleep and appetite disorders, which can last up to two days, fatigue, irritability, lack of desire to communicate, headaches are possible even after a single use of the substance.

    The following side effects occur with long-term regular use:

    • depression
    • unmotivated aggression
    • panic attacks, mania of persecution
    • memory problems
    • problems with the cardiovascular system
    • problems with the kidney function
    • possible brain and/or liver damage
    • possible development of thrombophlebitis (blood clots in blood vessels), venous thrombosis

    One of the most noticeable external sign of overuse is dental problems,the teeth become black and brittle.

    Methamphetamine is addictive, so when a person stops taking it, the withdrawal syndrome is possible. It is characterized by such symptoms as: sleep disorders, emotional instability (with daily mood swings), asthenic symptom complex (weakness, fatigue), depression (even suicidal thoughts).

    MIXING WITH OTHER PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

    Mixing psychoactive substances is always more dangerous than using only one substance!

    You will find a calculator via this link where you can put in the names of substances and see the outcomes of combining them.

    Methamphetamine + GHB/GBL: Dangerous! Respiratory problems are possible, up to respiratory arrest.

    Methamphetamine + NBOMes: Dangerous! These substances are stimulants, in combination they can lead to tachycardia, hypertension, vasoconstriction, and in extreme cases, heart failure. NBOMes cause seizures, and stimulants increase these risks.

    Methamphetamine + alcohol: This combination is risky. Alcohol reduces the ability to adequately understand the situation in a state of intoxication. This often leads to excessive alcohol consumption with a high risk of liver damage and severe dehydration. Also, a person may lose the understanding of reality.

    If you decide to mix these substances, set a limit on how much you will drink each hour and strictly follow this rule. Remember: the more you drink, the less you can adequately assess the situation.

    Methamphetamine + cannabis, DMT, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms: Stimulants increase anxiety. There is a risk of obsession, which can lead to bad trip.

    Methamphetamine + cocaine: A combination of stimulants increases the stress on the cardiovascular system. Cocaine may partially block some of the effects of methamphetamine, increasing the risk of heart attack.

    Methamphetamine + ketamine: Increasing in blood pressure is possible.

    Methamphetamine + benzodiazepines: Substances may blunt each other, so overdose is possible. If you decide to experiment with this combination, take lower doses of each substance than when you consume them separately.

    Methamphetamine + MDMA: Methamphetamine enhances the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.

    Here you can read more about how psychoactive substances are combined with each other, and which combinations are especially dangerous.

    REDUCING RISKS

    1. Never mix methamphetamine with any other psychoactive substances! Avoid the simultaneous consumption of several substances. If you decide to experiment with several substances, take lower doses than you usually take them separately.

    2. Always dose the substance YOURSELF, control what you are taking and how much. Do not allow others to do it for you.

    3. Determine in advance how much substance you will take in one evening/party. Take exactly as much and no more. This is the way to avoid overdose.

    4. If you consume the substance intranasally, use your own special tube (sniffer). This will help prevent the transmission of many infectious diseases. An ordinary trimmed cocktail tube can be used as a sniffer. Do not sniff through banknotes, this is the dirtiest way to use substances intranasally (worse is only through the nose directly from a dirty surface).

    5. Make sure that the substance you are inhaling does not include crystals. Carefully grind the powder, because the prickly crystals can injure the nasal mucosa.

    6. Take care of your nose. If you can, rinse your nose with a solution of 1 teaspoon of sea salt per 1/4 liter of warm water. You can use a nasal spray with sea salt.

    7. Take care of yourself to avoid calcium deficiency (eat bananas, tomatoes, peanuts and dairy products). Provide yourself with enough water (non-alcohol drinks).

    8. After methamphetamine experiments, you need a rest, so plan your trip when you don’t have important things to do the next day.

    9. Research information about the effects of the substance and possible unpleasant consequences. Remember about all the factors that may affect the experience: dose, exposure to other substances, general health state (both physical and psychological).

    10. People who have problems with mental health, with the heart and blood circulation, liver, kidney disease or diabetes, pregnant women should avoid taking stimulants.

    11. If you have such an opportunity checks the substances before consuming.

    HELP IN CASE OF AN OVERDOSE

    If you have questions about what an overdose of various psychoactive substances looks like and how to provide first aid to a person with an overdose, you can contact the Telegram bot @OverdoseHelpBot. There you will find a lot of useful information.

    Mixing stimulants with alcohol, other stimulants (cocaine, MDMA and others), and hallucinogens increases the risk of overdose!

    Prolonged use of stimulants (marathon) is often the cause of overdose.

    Symptoms of methamphetamine overdose (one or more of the following):

    Primary symptoms of overdose:

    • fast heartbeat
    • fast shallow breathing
    • blacking out (eyes)
    • sweating
    • tremor
    • loss of movement coordination
    • stupor
    • panic, unreasonable fear, anxiety
    • nausea, vomiting
    • chest pain
    • severe headache, pulsation in the temples

    Life-threatening symptoms:

    • loss of consciousness
    • cardiac arrest
    • seizures, epilepsy attack

    Don’t be afraid to call an ambulance – somebody’s life may depend on it. If, for some reason, you are very afraid to call an ambulance, call the parents or relatives of the overdosed person.

    You can call a free ambulance via the phone numbers 103 or 112.

    There is no criminal liability for calling an ambulance in case of an overdose. Contrary to popular belief, ambulance doctors are not required to report to the police about the cases of drug use. Police is called only if the ambulance crew has witnessed a criminal offense involving drug use.

    Before the ambulance arrives:

    • Try to calm down the intoxicated person, bring him or her to consciousness.
    • Put a wet towel or a piece of cloth on his or her head. Give the intoxicated person plenty to drink.
    • Free the intoxicated person’s neck and chest from tight clothing.
    • Talk to the person: keep in touch with him or her, ask questions in a loud voice.
    • Stay with him or her. Don’t let despair or paranoia.
    • In case of breathing stop and/or pulse stop, start artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

    When the ambulance arrives, tell the doctors what the person consumed or could have consumed. This will help to more accurately provide special medical care.

    Read more about the effects of different psychoactive substances: GHB/GBL (butyrate), ketamine, alprazolam (Xanax), LSD, 2С-B, 2C-I,cannabis, bath salts, Alpha-PVP.

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    IULA PAN
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