1. Drug name
The drug that I picked is called methamphetamine
2. Street Names (Other names for the drug)
Methamphetamine has a lot of street names. Some of them are meth, speed, ice, glass, crank, Tina, and chalk.
3. What is it? (Description of the drug)
Methamphetamine is an illegal and highly addictive drug. It is a stimulant, which means it speeds up the brain and body. It can make someone feel very energetic, confident, and happy for a short time. However, these feelings do not last, and the drug can cause serious harm.
4. What does the drug look like? Use words and pictures.
Methamphetamine can look like a white powder. It can also appear as clear crystals similar to ice or glass. The powder can sometimes be brown, yellow, orange, or pink.
5. How is it used?
Methamphetamine can be snorted through the nose, smoked, swallowed, or injected with a needle. These methods are all dangerous and can lead to addiction and health problems.
6. Why do some teenagers use drugs?
There are many reasons why some teenagers might try drugs.
1. Because they want to fit in with their friends.
2. They may be curious and want to experiment.
3. They may want to escape from stress, boredom, or problems in their life.
7. What are the positives and negatives?
Some people might think methamphetamine has positive effects because it can make them feel happy, confident, and full of energy. These effects are only temporary and are followed by many negative effects.
The short term effects
- Loss of appetite
- A faster heartbeat
- Higher blood pressure and body temperature
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling sick
- Irritability and panic
- Strange or violent behaviour
- Hallucination and psychosis
The effects can last for about six to eight hours, but sometimes they can last up to 24 hours.
Long terms
Long term use can cause memory loss, mood changes, aggression, and damage to the heart and brain. It can also damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Another serious effect is severe tooth decay, sometimes called meth mouth. A person can also become dependent on the drug and find it very hard to stop using it.
Methamphetamine can harm a person’s hauora. It can affect their physical health, mental health, relationships, schoolwork, and future goals.
8. What are the laws in New Zealand?
Methamphetamine is illegal in New Zealand and is a Class A controlled drug.
Three laws about methamphetamine are
- It is illegal to possess or use methamphetamine.
- It is illegal to sell, supply, or give it to another person.
- It is illegal to make, import, or export methamphetamine.
People can get in trouble for having equipment or materials used to make the drug. The penalties are serious because methamphetamine is a Class A drug.
9. How could a teenager stay safe?
The safest choice is not to use methamphetamine. Some ways teenagers could stay safe are
- Say no and leave the situation.
- Avoid people who pressure them to use drugs.
- Stay with trusted friends.
- Talk to a parent, teacher, counsellor, or another trusted adult.
- Do not get into a car with someone who has taken drugs.
- Call 111 if someone becomes very sick, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or becomes unconscious.
| Scenario | Options
*What are 3 options you could take? |
Consequences
*What are the consequences of each option? |
Feelings
*Try to cover a positive and a negative feeling |
| It is the start of interval; you receive a text. The text is from your friend. Your friend tells you to meet them at the back of the field to use (insert your drug) with them. |
|
I could feel happy and energetic for a short time, but I could also become sick, addicted, or unsafe. I could get in trouble at school and break the law.
The good consequences are that even though I use drugs it makes me get out of my problem for a short time. |
I might feel excited at first, but later I could feel scared, guilty, or worried. |
| 2. Meet my friends but say no | My friends might get annoyed or try to pressure me. I would still be near an unsafe situation, but I would not be using drugs.
The bad thing about it, is that I might lose my friends. |
I might feel nervous, but I could also feel proud that I stood up for myself. | |
| 3. Say no, stay at school, and tell a trusted adult | I would avoid the drug and stay safe. An adult could also help my friends if they were in danger.
But the people that use drug, if they found out that I snitch on them they might beat me up. |
I might feel embarrassed at first, but I would feel relieved and proud afterwards. |
| Best option and why it would be best for your hauora |
| I would say no, stay at school, and tell a trusted adult. This would be best for my hauora because it protects my physical health, mental health, relationships, and future. |