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Methamphetamine is a synthetic (man-made stimulant that is highly addictive.  The drug is abused because it produces euphoric effects sometimes described as a sense of well being that can last up to 24 hours.  Methamphetamine is inexpensive and relatively easy to produce making it affordable and readily available to teenagers and others.

Because methamphetamine can be produced using many different methods, its appearance can vary dramatically.  The drug may be sold either as powder, sometimes crystalline  or as rock-like chunks.  The color of methamphetamine likewise varies; white, yellow, brown, gray, orange, and pink; all have been observed.

Methamphetamine can be injected, smoked, snorted or ingested orally.  Injecting or smoking the drug produces an immediate and intense rush.  The euphoric effect that results from snorting or ingesting the drug is not as intense and requires more time to take effect - 3 to 5 minutes for snorting and 15—20 minutes for oral ingestion.

In the past the typical methamphetamine user was an adult male with a lower that average income.  However, now individuals of all ages and economic status use methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine use is associated with many serious physical problems.  The drug again can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the to the small blood vessels in the brain—which can lead to stroke.  Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining.  Overdoses of methamphetamine can cause hyperthermia (evaluated body temperature). Convulsions and death.

Individuals who abuse Methamphetamine also may have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia.  Methamphetamine also can produce psychotic symptoms that persist for months or years after an individual has stopped using the drug.

Methamphetamine abusers who inject the drug expose themselves to additional risks, including contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne viruses.  Chronic users who inject methamphetamine also risk scarred or collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and values, abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver and kidney diseases.

The most common names for methamphetamine are crank, meth, and speed.

(Please see the street terms text box below for additional names.)

Yes, methamphetamine is illegal.  methamphetamine is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.  Schedule II drugs which include PCP and crack cocaine, have a high potential for abuse.  Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Do you know that  household products contain most of the necessary chemicals to complete the manufacturing process of methamphetamines. 

There are certain brands of drain cleaner, that has a high concentration of sulfuric acid.  When sulfuric acid is mixed with  table salt, hydrogen chloride these alone with other substance produce  the final stage of methamphetamine production.   This mixture is highly dangerous and can cause death or serious injury not only to the individuals making the methamphetamine, but to others who may be living in an adjoining house or apartment.