Tennis Great Andre Agassi Admits to Crystal Meth Use

In a new book due out November 9th, tennis great Andre Agassi admits that he regularly used crystal meth in 1997 and lied to tennis authorities when he failed a drug test. A result that was thrown out after he said he “unwittingly” took the substance. The book, entitled Open: An Autobiography, will have excerpts printed in Sports Illustrated and People magazines this week. Agassi told People, “I can’t speak to addiction, but a lot of people would say that if you’re using anything as an escape, you have a problem.”

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, speed, chalk, ice crystal, or glass, is a Schedule II drug (see below) similar in structure to the stimulant amphetamine. However, it is more powerful and has longer, more harmful effects on the central nervous system. It can be taken orally, intra-nasally (snorted), injected into a vein, or smoked.Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity,wakefulness,talkativeness, decreased appetite,and a improved sense of well-being. It can also cause increased respiration, rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature.

Studies have shown many adverse effects of long-term methamphetamines:

• High likelihood of addiction
• Reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning
• Severe weight loss
• Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
• Anxiety, confusion, mood disturbances, violent behavior
• Psychotic features including paranoia and hallucinations
• Increased risk of HIV and Hepatitis B & C

According to the Controlled Substances Act, a Schedule II drug is one that:

• Has a high potential for abuse.
• Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
• Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence

Treatment for meth addiction , as for other addictions, is complex and must consist of a combination of acute medical support as well as long term cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial and family counseling.

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