Psychotic Symptoms as an Outcome of Methamphetamine Abuse - Essay Example

? Psychotic Symptoms as an Outcome of Methamphetamine Abuse Symptoms as an Outcome of Methamphetamine Abuse Introduction Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant, which has a dramatic effect impact on the nervous system. The drug is simply manufactured in clandestine laboratories that relatively less expensive than the counter ingredients. As a result of these, the drug has become a high potential for widespread abuse. Methamphetamine’s short term effects include increased activity, decrease in appetite, increase attention and decreased fatigue, rush and euphoria, increase in respiration rate and hypothermia. The drug is so powerful that these effects can be noticed even when used in small doses. There are various ways of using the drug. Those who smoke the drug report intense sensation or rush while those who orally ingest the drug report high, long lasting effects. Both methods of intake release unusually high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine that into specified areas of the brain and regulate feeling of pleasure. This drug has high toxic effect such as damage of nerve terminals in the brain. In adverse effects, high doses can evaluate alter body temperatures to extreme lethal levels and at times cause convulsions. Evaluating the context of the newspaper article In relation to finding from different philosophers, there is no any consensus in the definition of the term critical thinking. This is because there are different ideas revolving around the definition and the meaning of the terminology. In reference with Smith, he defines critical thinking as a rational and logical process in which we avoid someone’s preconceptions. This is by gathering and interpreting different alternatives, thus coming into a solid conclusion. This forms a basis for theories, which takes years to be out done. To expound on the understanding of the subject, it is crucial to examine guidelines for critical thinking. In the provided articles, there are different limitations. Such limitations include lack of direct evidence, and lack of reliable sources relating to issues on psychosis linking to methamphetamine abuse. The media article is on anecdote, and it delivers on a social manner rather than a psychological report. Arguments regarding good psychology Different psychologists believe that we all think in a similar manner. This is in reference with Jean Piaget, who is a leading psychologist. His argument is in line with the reading of cognitive development in young children. In relation to his writings, children start thinking mutually, at the age of 16. This is the age at that they begin thinking like adults, and they are also able to solve concrete operations at the same age. It is also at the same age that the children start complete formal, operation and think critically. In reference to Commission on Excellence in Education, there is a statement that it is at the age of 17. However, research has proved that the analysis above may be over optimistic. Mr. McKinnon examined 185 freshmen in three different locations and found that 42.7% of them operated at a formal level. On the other hand, Meyer wrote that middle aged adults have capabilities of performing concrete operations at tender ages (Smith 01). Summary finding in reference to other two articles Initially, I had many preconceptions on the resulting symptoms of methamphetamine abuse. One of the preconceptions is it has long lasting effects on the brain and the central nervous system than drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine. Another preconception I had on the methamphetamine abuse is it leads to methamphetamine binges which may last two to three days. In this period, users of this drug do not sleep or eat. They may experience psychotic behavior including paranoia and hallucinations (Smith, 2001). Methamphetamine abuse can also lead to violent behavior, chemical fires, damaged health, child neglect, increased crime, and many other uncountable consequences. Methamphetamine abuse releases extremely high levels of dopamine, which leads to feelings and thoughts of immense pleasure. Eventually, users can only achieve these feelings of pleasure through methamphetamine use. This implies that they are incapable of experiencing pleasure without methamphetamine. However, users can never achieve the level of highness they experienced with their first encounter of the drug. The damage to pleasure centers of the brain can only start to heal once the methamphetamine user withdraws from the drug. According to the Australian National Survey of Well-being and Mental Health, prevalence of psychosis among the observed sample of people was eleven times higher than the prevalence in the general population of Australia. Almost a quarter of methamphetamine users had undergone clinically significant hallucinations, unusual thought content or suspiciousness within a year (Smith 2001). High prevalence rates of psychosis among methamphetamine users observed in the sample was partly due to above normal prevalence of schizophrenia among other psychotic disorders. The findings indicated that the risk of psychosis was not directly related to methamphetamine users with a known record of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. The findings also suggested that users of methamphetamine are at an extremely high risk of psychosis. It also indicates that effective treatment of methamphetamine abuse is integral to reduction of psychosis among at-risk populations. The prevalence of psychosis was recorded to be alarmingly high among methamphetamine users in comparison to the general population. This was also true among methamphetamine users with no known record or schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. There has been an increase in use of the drug in Australia in the recent years with many users displaying symptoms associated with psychotic disorders, mood swings and anxiety. Many of these effects occur during withdrawal and rapidly resolve. Treatment options need to match with the diagnostics presented. Conclusion Many people use psycho stimulants but sometimes through non-injection means; they do not experience problems. This evidently shows that most of amphetamine users have developed a psycho stimulant use disorder. An outstanding example is the recent rise in use of methamphetamine across Australia that has seen adverse effects displayed to its users. There is considerable evidence in this due to increased availability of the drug and hiking cases of required treatment from emergency services (Smith, 2001). There now exist a number of studies where range of psycho symptoms has been documented among amphetamine users including depressed mood, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating among many more others. However, it is possible that, some of the symptom might be predated due to the previous use of the substance. A review of treatments is currently considered to be the best and further research recommendations provided (Smith, 2001). Critical Thinking Case Another context in which we can apply the same approach is HIV. There are different assumptions in relation to the pandemic. One of the dominant assumptions is that, after one contacts the virus, it gets to uncontrollable levels, and the result is death. Research has found that right medication and nutrition adds life to people with HIV. This is practically evident in reference with the HIV positive member of the community. References Smith, R. (2001). Challenging your preconceptions: Thinking critically about psychology. 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