Supplements & Performance Enhancers / Question
Published: August 24, 2005
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have some friends/teammates that play water polo with me, and I believe that they may be using "speed" or "meth" or some sort of other methamphetamine. I am worried about them and was wondering about the negative side effects about using a substance such as this and playing a sport at the same time, I am read everything there is to know about these drugs. So what I am asking is, while actually playing the game, or practicing could the increased blood pressure and heart rate cause something to happen? While strenuously exerting yourself how does that affect one along with the substance? Should I be ready to jump in and save them if need be?
Signed: Teammate Maybe Using Speed
Dear Teammate Maybe Using Speed,
According to the World Health Organization, methamphetamine (meth) is second only to marijuana as the most widely abused illicit drug in the world, and it is the most prevalent synthetic drug manufactured in the United States.
Methamphetamine, commonly known by such slang names as speed, meth, chalk, ice, crystal, crank, glass, and uppers, is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. The active ingredient is either ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Both are found in over-the-counter cold medicines. People who illegally make the product (Meth "cookers") also use products such as drain cleaner, lithium batteries, and engine-starter fluid to make a powder that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or added to a beverage.
Although stimulants can boost physical performance, reduce fatigue, increase alertness and promote aggressiveness on the field, they have side effects that can impair athletic performance. Nervousness and irritability make it hard to concentrate on the game, and insomnia can prevent an athlete from getting needed sleep. Athletes may become psychologically addicted or develop a tolerance so that they need greater amounts to achieve the desired effect.
Other serious side effects include:
- Heart palpitations
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Weight loss
- Mild hypertension
- Hallucinations
- Convulsions
- Brain hemorrhage
- Heart attack and other circulatory problems
- Damages the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, leading to heatstroke
- Can damage the liver, heart, brain and other organs
- Causes uncontrolled aggression, violence and personality changes.
Methamphetamine combined with demanding physical exertion puts the user at greater risk for many of the above-mentioned side effects.
You are right to be worried about your friends’ welfare. While winning may be important it is certainly not worth dying for. Your teammates are putting their health in serious jeopardy and need help. You may be able to save them from drowning but not from the others dangers from this highly addictive stimulant.
Your coach needs to become aware of the danger that his/her players are placing themselves in. This is something you could do confidentially or enlist the aid of an adult.
Many schools have counselors who specialize in substance abuse. The goal of these professionals is to help the individual and not get them in trouble. It may seem like you are “ratting out” your friends, but you are not. You have a genuine concern and do not want to see anything bad happen to your friends. Most people would consider these characteristics of a good friend.
For more information, try checking out Drug-Free Resource Net.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.
