Methamphetamine, a potent stimulant of the amphetamine class of drugs, is usually illicitly manufactured and sold in powder, liquid, or tablet form.  Normally mixed with various cutting agents (the purity varies), methamphetamine is commonly abused member of the amphetamine class, which includes Benzedrine and Dexedrine.  These drugs have limited but legitimate medical uses for hyperactive children, severe obesity, narcolepsy and depression; they are consumed by oral ingestion, sniffing or injection. 

Methamphetamine affects the Central Nervous System and it has a very high potential for abuse. When the user injects or smokes the drug an intense but brief high results. If the user has snorted or taken the drug orally (by capsule) a longer lasting high is the result rather than a brief rush. Two forms of methamphetamine are dominant throughout the United States:

Crystal methamphetamine has a clear or translucent crystalline appearance, while common meth can range from a yellowish powder to reddish, blue or green in color.

Common Methamphetamine
Street Names: Speed, Zip, Go-Fast, Crank
Description: a white to dark brown powder or "chunk", with many variances in color, consistincy and quality

Crystal Methamphetamine
Street Names: Ice, Crystal, Shards, Glass
Description: crystaline powder that is clear or almost transparent appearance

Chronic use produces many physical, mental and social complication, including sinusitis, bronchitis, and respiratory ailments; nasal ulcers and/or perforation of the nasal septum; paranoia; mental confusion and forgetfulness; severe depression and lack of energy between doses; addiction or dependence; loss of interest and motivation in work or school; chemical changes in the brain; a distorted sense of time (the person is frequently late or forgets appointments); violence or fights; family and interpersonal difficulties; switches to heroin or alcohol; and frequent accidents.  Alcohol and other drugs multiply the influence of methamphetamine and its relatives, and such combinations of drugs commonly cause accidents.

Methamphetamine has numerous effects on the user. It can quickly turn a person into an addict. An addiction to methamphetamines dissolves one's life and ultimately causes dysfunction in ordinary day-to-day living. Of course these are only the effects the user will face . In addition, the families, children and close friends of the methamphetamine addict are also heavily affected. Most hard hit are the children of parents with an addiction to methamphetamine, who are at high risk for abuse and neglect.

Crystal Methamphetamine is distinguishable in that it is most commonly smoked and produces an intense high that can last up to and beyond 24 hours after using. However, both forms are extremely addictive and produce severe cravings when the user has run out.

Methamphetamine in the last 10 years has become one of the most widely abused street drugs in our nation. It's use and abuse has devastating effects on the user's mind and body and more strikingly to anyone involved in the addict's life.

Short Term Effects
Heightened Senses, Sense of Well-Being, Exaggerated Confidence, Insomnia, Restlessness, Increased Heart Rate, Exacerbated Thought Patterns, Mis-Emotion

Long Term Effects
Chronic Insomnia, Weight Loss, Repetitive Behavior, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Inability to Cope, Halted or regressed personality development, Malnutrition, Anti-social Tendencies

Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe Craving, restlessness, disrupted sleeping patterns, mental confusion, depression.

For more information on meth check: www.methabuse.net

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