Facts about Methamphetamines

Methamphetamine, according to the U.S. National Drug Threat Assessment 2009 (issued by the National Drug Intelligence Center or NDIC), is the second leading drug threat to America. Most of the drug supply comes from so-called “superlabs” in both the U.S. and foreign countries. But small, illegal meth labs have also become a dangerous threat in neighborhoods, to the people in the labs creating the drugs, and to the environment.

The production of domestic methamphetamine, according to the 2009 assessment, is projected to exceed 2007 levels. While domestic production decreased from 2003 to 2007, the decreased flow of the drug from Mexico is prompting many U.S. users and distributors to again begin producing meth. The decline of Mexican meth production in 2007 was significant, resulting in decreased U.S. availability.

A report released by the RAND Corporation in February 2009 indicates that the economic costs of methamphetamine use in the U.S. in 2005 reached $23.4 billion. This comprehensive national assessment of the costs of meth use in America was sponsored by the Meth Project Foundation, with additional funding by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Two-thirds of the costs result from the burden of addition and the estimated 900 premature deaths among users in 2005. Crime, criminal justice, health care, production, environmental hazards and child endangerment costs were also included.

What it is

Methamphetamine (also commonly called meth and crystal meth) is a synthetic chemical that acts as a stimulant in the body. Meth can be made from drain cleaner, antifreeze, lantern fuel and battery acid.

Common street names

Meth has numerous street names, including: black beauties, biker’s coffee, chalk, chicken feed, co-fast, crystal, crystal meth, crank, glass, ice, meth, methlies quick, shabu, speed, stove top, trash, uppers, yaba and yellowbam.

How to identify it

Meth appears as a type of crystal powdered substance, often found in large chunks that look like rocks. When the powder flakes off from the rock, the shards look like glass, one of the street names for meth. The color of meth depends on its purity. It is usually white or slightly yellow.

How it’s used

Meth is injected, smoked, snorted or swallowed.

Effects of the drug

Users of meth experience a sense of energy, but the drug pushes the human body faster and beyond what is normal. Meth increases blood pressure, heart rate and stroke risk. Users who smoke or inject the drug get an intense sensation, often called an extremely pleasurable “rush” or a “flash,” but its duration is only a few minutes. Euphoria (but not a rush or a high) results from swallowing or snorting the drug. The feeling is short-lived, and is typically followed by high agitation that may lead to violent behavior.

Why meth is bad for you

Meth can kill a first-time user due to overdose leading to heart failure. It also can kill due to overheating, convulsions and coma. Meth damages the brain and can cause strokes and irreversible brain damage. Prolonged use can cause teeth to crack or deteriorate, requiring extraction. These conditions occur due to user’s poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and tooth grinding and clenching. A more complete list of short-term and long-term effects includes the following:

• Addiction

• Anxiety

• Brain structural and functional changes: emotion and memory

• Confusion

• Dental problems (severe)

• Heart attack

• HIV/AIDs risk (for users who inject drug and/or engage in risky sex)

• Hyperthermia (overheating of the body)

• Increased blood pressure

• Increased respiration

• Insomnia

• Liver, lung and kidney damage, potentially leading to death

• Mood disturbances

• Psychotic episodes (paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions)

• Severe crash after drug’s effects wear off

• Stroke

• Violent behavior

• Weight loss (severe, unhealthy)

Addicting?

A Schedule II drug under Federal classification, methamphetamine is highly addictive and illegal. Users can quickly develop a tolerance and need larger amounts to get high.

Withdrawal symptoms include severe craving, disruptions in sleep patterns, depression and confusion.

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