What is Crystal Meth?
 Amphetamine,
dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and
their various salts are collectively
referred to as amphetamines. In fact, their
chemical properties and actions are so
similar that even experienced users have
difficulty knowing which drug they have
taken. Methamphetamine is the most commonly
abused.
Methamphetamine is commonly known as
"speed," or "meth." In its smoked form, it
is often referred to as "ice," "crystal,"
"crank," and "glass." It is a white,
odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder
that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
The drug was developed early in this century
from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was
used originally in nasal decongestants and
bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine's
chemical structure is similar to that of
amphetamine, but it has more pronounced
effects on the central nervous system. Like
amphetamine, it causes increased activity,
decreased appetite, and a general sense of
well-being. The effects of methamphetamine
can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial
"rush," there is typically a state of high
agitation that in some individuals can lead
to violent behavior. |
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...there is typically a state of high
agitation that in some individuals can lead
to violent behavior.
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With Crystal Meth comes the meth labs
involving toxic and lethal chemicals
sometimes only uncovered after a serious
explosion occurs causing injury and
sometimes death.
Meth labs have
been uncovered where small children and
babies are exposed to these toxic chemicals
putting them at risk for long-term health
problems including Parkinson's disease. Meth
labs can be found in vans, high-end or
low-end homes, trailers even in vacant lots.
Smoking meth
actually means to vaporize the substance to
create fumes which are then inhaled, rather
than smoked. Users use glass pipes or
aluminum foil heated by a flame underneath. |
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Methamphetamine can cause a variety of
cardiovascular problems. These include rapid
heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased
blood pressure, and irreversible,
stroke-producing damage to small blood
vessels in the brain. Hyperthermia (elevated
body temperature) and convulsions occur with
methamphetamine overdoses, and if not
treated immediately, can result in death.
Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in
inflammation of the heart lining, and among
users who inject the drug, damaged blood
vessels and skin abscesses. Methamphetamine
abusers also can have episodes of violent
behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and
insomnia. Heavy users also show progressive
social and occupational deterioration.
Psychotic symptoms can sometimes persist for
months or years after use has ceased.
 Acute
lead poisoning is another potential risk for
methamphetamine abusers. A common method of
illegal methamphetamine production uses lead
acetate as a reagent. Production errors
therefore may result in methamphetamine
contaminated with lead. There have been
documented cases of acute lead poisoning in
intravenous methamphetamine abusers.
Fetal exposure to methamphetamine also is a
significant problem in the United States. At
present, research indicates that
methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy may
result in prenatal complications, increased
rates of premature delivery, and altered
neonatal behavioral patterns, such as
abnormal reflexes and extreme irritability.
Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy may
be linked also to congenital deformities. |
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Call for
immediate assistance
(866) 422-4650 |
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