Health

Health effects

Methamphetamine affects the central nervous system and causes the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine as well as serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time, meth appears to alter brain chemistry.

Meth use can cause a number of physiological problems and long-term physiological symptoms.

Users may also display outward behavioral symptoms.

Drug-endangered children

Children are sometimes found in homes and other environments (hotels, automobiles, apartments, etc.) where methamphetamine and other illegal substances are produced.

Children who live at or visit drug-production sites or are present during drug production face a variety of health and safety risks, including:

• inhalation
• absorption or ingestion of toxic chemicals
• drugs or contaminated foods that may result in nausea
• chest pain, eye and tissue irritation
• chemical burns
• death
• fires and explosions
• abuse and neglect
• hazardous lifestyle, including the presence of booby traps, firearms, code violations or poor ventilation

Under Montana law, operation of a clandestine meth lab is considered child abuse.