Lately, there has been a lot of talks about the drug locally known as ‘Mkpuru Mmiri’ on social media and about how it has become a menace in the country, particularly in the Southeast region of Nigeria.
This has led to people wanting to find out more about the drug, including its side effects and how to overcome the addiction. This is what we would be looking at in today’s post.
You will find out what mkpuru mmiri is, how it affects the brain, and what the side effects are.
What is mkpuru mmiri?
Mkpuru mmiri is the local name for the drug commonly known as ‘Crystal Meth’. Crystal meth or simply methamphetamine is a kind of hard drug which is classified as a stimulant and affects the nervous system of the user.
It is highly addictive, which is why many people who start using it find it very hard to quit. It is also known by other street names, including ‘ice’ or ‘glass’.
Crystal meth comes in small chunks that look like ice or crystals, hence the name. It is heated up and smoked through a glass pipe. Although it can also be taken in form of pills or snorted when crushed.
When taken, the user experiences a burst of euphoria or high. But the feeling fades as quickly as it comes. This makes the user ‘top up’ or take another hit of the glass bong, just so they can experience the euphoric feeling again.
With time, this could lead to an addiction as the person would want to constantly take the drug just to feel good always.
How does mkpuru mmiri affect the brain?
The euphoric feeling commonly associated with taking mkpuru mmiri is the release of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is normally released after doing something rewarding, like accomplishing a task or passing an exam, which makes us feel good. When a user takes mkpuru mmiri, there is dopamine is released in more quantity, which makes them feel euphoric.
The more they take the drug, the more they become hooked on that feeling and would always want to experience that rush of dopamine. This is what leads to addiction.
What is mkpuru mmiri made from?
Methamphetamine is a man-made stimulant that is made from combining a range of chemicals and substances. The chief ingredient used in making meth is pseudoephedrine, which is an ingredient used in making cold medications.
Some other substances it contains include paint thinner, battery acid, iodine crystals, red phosphorous, Freon (a kind of refrigerant), lithium (which is gotten from batteries, and so on.
These are all very dangerous and illegal substances. Due to the nature of the substances, it is not uncommon for explosions to occur at meth labs (a place where the drug is produced).
Side Effects Of Mkpuru Mmiri
According to a 2024 study “The Effects of Mkpuru Mmiri Consumption on Cognitive Performance and Brain Histology in an Animal Study” which examined the impact of methamphetamine (Mkpuru Mmiri) on Wistar rats’ cognitive-motor behavior.
Rats were divided into groups receiving varying doses of methamphetamine or diazepam. Results showed that methamphetamine exposure led to significantly lower body weights, higher relative brain weights, increased oxidative stress markers, decreased antioxidant enzyme levels, and a notable decline in cognitive abilities.
The study concluded that chronic methamphetamine consumption may impair cognitive function.
The side effects of mkpuru mmiri are numerous, with some being short term while others come with long term use. Some of the short-term effects include:
- Disturbed sleep patterns, as the person stays up a hours
- Nausea
- Decrease in appetite
- Increase in body temperature
- Increase in blood pressure.
Some of the long-term side effects include:
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Extreme weight loss
- Intense itching
- Tooth decay
- Psychosis
- The risk of infectious diseases (if the person takes it through injection)
- Respiratory problems
- Permanent damage to blood vessels and organs.
And more.
Prolonged use of crystal meth could also make one lose their job and become withdrawn from family and friends. They may then resort to selling their properties just to keep up with the drug use and may even go into robbery just to raise money.
Crystal meth overdose can lead to more serious problems, including death.
How to treat mkpuru mmiri addiction
Many videos of mkpuru mmiri flogging have circulated the internet as the treatment for the users.
However, crystal meth addiction is one of the most severe kind of drug-related addictions as it is very hard to overcome.
One 2022 study examined public perceptions of flogging as a deterrent for methamphetamine use among youth in Southeastern Nigeria. The study concluded that job creation and rehabilitation are essential for preventing methamphetamine misuse.
Many people who begin the recovery process are soon back to their old ways. But recovery from crystal meth addiction is not impossible.
Enrolling an addicted user in a rehabilitation centre where they undergo months of recovery program usually helps.
Complete recovery depends on the willingness of the user as well as the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program to address the addiction problem squarely.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
