METHAMPHETAMINE USE IN NIGERIA
Methamphetamine use (abuse) by youths is fast becoming a trend in Nigeria with most bars and joints having "special corners" where addicts can indulge their cravings without fear of Clampdown by law enforcers.
![]() |
According to a study released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)–abusers are predominantly youths between the ages of 18–26. A 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report estimated that 89,000 Nigerians were taking meth.
Addicts can take methamphetamine by smoking, swallowing, snorting, or injecting the powder that has been dissolved in water or alcohol.
Methamphetamine among people of the South East is called 'Nkpurummiri'—which loosely translates to "drops of water" owing to its crystal-like looks hence the name.
WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE (NKPURU MMIRI, CRYSTAL METH, ICE)?
Methamphetamine is used legally as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Methamphetamine is chemically similar to amphetamines–a class of CNS stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity.
![]() |
A picture of methamphetamine |
Both Amphetamines and methamphetamine tend to cause addiction.
Methamphetamine goes into the brain faster than other stimulant drugs and causes you to feel an intense 'high' very quickly. Due to this difference, more people seek to abuse meth rather than other stimulants like Adderall.
Although, the effects of methamphetamine subside within a short time and another dose would then be needed to attain the initial high–this would result in frequent and often increased dosing, inevitably leading to addiction.
Methamphetamine–during World War II–was used to keep military personnel alert, improve endurance and mood, stay awake or carry out dangerous suicidal missions. It is also used today–by criminals–to stay fearless and agile for longer periods while on operations.
It is a recreational drug often made in illegal labs from inexpensive chemicals found in drugs, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine; it is sold in the form of powder, tablets, crystals, and rocks.
EFFECTS OF CONSUMING METHAMPHETAMINE
As a stimulant that increases activity in the brain and central nervous system, methamphetamine use can cause a person to feel more alert and energetic.
Methamphetamine consumption provides the abuser with heightened strength and agility and the lack of fear attained by its users is why its consumption is popular among criminals.
It increases the levels of naturally occurring dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and makes an abuser euphoric. Its use increases libido and interest in sex and has been associated with a surge in rape incidents–especially in areas where its demand is high.
Adverse health effects of methamphetamine abuse include;
1. Neurotoxicity and damage to dopamine and serotonin neurons in the brain.
2. Seizures
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Chest pain
5. An irregular heartbeat that is slowed or fast( arrhythmias)
6. High blood pressure
7. Stomach pain
8. Confusion
9. Paranoia and agitation e.t.c.
Run away from methamphetamine abuse!
SPEAK TO YOUR PHARMACIST if you need information on any drug!
Get help now, if you're addicted!
Share to save lives!
©️ PUBLIC HEALTH ORBITAL
Comments
Post a Comment