Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both drugs have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited.

Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence.

What is meth?

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential for widespread abuse.

Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." 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.

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. There are a few accepted medical reasons for its use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and -- for short-term use -- obesity; but these medical uses are limited.

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The Ugly Truth

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What crystal did to me!

For several years, I was a pretty confused person.

I got high for happiness and became unhappy.

I got high for joy and became miserable.

I got high to be out going and became self-centered.

I got high for sociability and became argumentative and lonely.

I got high for sophistication and became crude and obnoxious.

I got high for friendship and made enemies.

I got high to soften sorrow and wallowed in self-pity.

I got high for sleep and awoke without feeling rested.

I got high for strength and felt weak.

I got high medicinally and got sick.

I got high because I thought my job called for it.

You see I sold drugs. I lost my job and went to jail.

I got high for relaxation and got the shakes.

I got high for confidence and became uncertain.

I got high for courage and became afraid.

I got high for assurance and became doubtful.

I got high to stimulate thought and blacked out.

I got high to make conversation and couldn't remember what I said.

I got high to feel heavenly and came to know hell.

I got high for power and became powerless.

I got high because I thought I had the right and everything turned out wrong.

I got high to cope with life and almost died.

I wrote this 8 or 9 months into my recovery.

I am now in into my second year and still going strong.

Corry G. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Jan 18, 2005

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Suspected case of "Meth Mouth"

"Meth Mouth" is an informal name for the tooth decay and poor oral health seen in many cases of methamphetamine abuse.

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