Methamphetamine
How is it used?
Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in beverages. It can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally.
What are the street names/slang terms for methamphetamine?
Speed, Ice, Meth, Crystal, Crank
What are the effects of methamphetamine use?
- Signs of use include dilated pupils, agitation, excited speech, decreased appetite, and increased physical activity levels.
- Methamphetamine increases heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing rate.
- It produces temporary hyperactivity, euphoria, a sense of increased energy, and tremors.
- It frequently results in aggressive, violent, and erratic behavior in users.
- High doses or chronic abuse have been associated with increased nervousness, irritability, and paranoia.
- Chronic abuse produces a psychosis similar to schizophrenia and is characterized by paranoia, picking at the skin, self absorption, and hallucinations.
- Methamphetamine use is associated with serious health consequences, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and potential heart and neurological damage.
- Withdrawal from high doses produces severe depression.
- Methamphetamine abuse can contribute to higher rates of infectious diseases, especially hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, "Drugs of Concern"; NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin: "Club Drugs."
