Methamphetamine
Common Examples
Meth can have a variety of colors including: clear or yellowish crystalline appearance or be a white powder, depending on how it’s processed.
Meth can be made from household products, some of which are now controlled making ‘home labs’ more difficult.
Meth is commonly used by mixing it with other substances (MDMA, Molly, or ecstasy) and calling it by that name. Dealers call it a ‘meth bomb’. Most ecstasy today is as much as 80% meth.
Prescription Examples
Methods of Ingestion
inhaling/smoking
snorting
swallowing (pill)
injecting the powder that has been dissolved in water/alcohol
Common Signs of Use
Relationship problems
Mood swings
Trouble with the police
Changes to eating patterns leading to poor nutrition
Reduced interaction with family
Unexplained need for money
Declining school/work performance
Sleep disturbance
Explosive outbursts
Sudden change of friends
Physical Effects
Short Term Effects
increased wakefulness and physical activity
decreased appetite
faster breathing
rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
increased blood pressure and body temperature
dilated pupils
chemical odor
Long Term Effects
extreme weight loss
severe dental problems ("meth mouth")
intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
anxiety and or confusion
sleeping problems
violent behavior
paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
hallucinations—sensations and images that seem real though they aren't
Effects
Overdose Effects
Hyperactivity/sweating
Difficulty passing urine
Shaking/trembling/spasms
Rapid breathing/feeling that you can’t breathe
Chest pain/pounding heart
Raised temperature
Disorientation
Paranoid, delusional, irritable, anxious or psychotic behavior
Severe Headache
Convulsions
Overview
Meth can have a variety of colors including: clear or yellowish crystalline appearance or be a white powder, depending on how it’s processed.
Meth can be made from household products, some of which are now controlled making ‘home labs’ more difficult.
Meth is commonly used by mixing it with other substances (MDMA, Molly, or ecstasy) and calling it by that name. Dealers call it a ‘meth bomb’. Most ecstasy today is as much as 80% meth.
Although research is scarce, it appears that kids who have been prescribed stimulants, usually for ADD, are more likely to abuse stimulants like meth.
In long term users, studies have indicated deficits in attention, working memory and decision making.
Both amphetamine and methamphetamine were originally developed, like many drugs of abuse, to be medically
useful. Amphetamines were originally utilized as a decongestant, and diet aid with methamphetamine being used for focus and attention (extensively by the military in both World War I and II). It was only recognized in the 1960’s and 1970’s for the addictive potential.