METH FACTS
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the pleasure centers of the brain. It is even considered more addictive than heroin. Meth is sometimes referred to as "Speed," "Chalk," "Ice," "Crystal," "Glass," "Crank," "Yaba," "Fire," "Tina," and "Tweak."
Meth releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhances mood and body movement, and regulates feelings of pleasure. With repeated use, Meth can "turn off" the brain's ability to produce dopamine, leaving users unable to experience any kind of pleasure from anything other than more and more Meth.
Meth is derived from amphetamine, and is commonly made using the base chemicals ephedrine or pseudoephedrine found in over-the-counter medicines. Other common household products can be added to make Meth, including: acetone (nail polish remover), iodine, anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer), hydrochloric acid (pool chemicals), lithium (batteries), red phosphorus (matches or road flares), sodium hydroxide (lye), sulfuric acid (drain cleaner), and toluene (brake fluid).
Although there are multiple ways to produce Meth, most involve the use of toxic and volatile substances that can pose a threat to the surrounding area. An odor similar to that of cat urine and other offensive fumes often signify that an illegal Meth lab is in operation. When manufactured by amateurs, the production of Meth can be extremely dangerous and create harmful, toxic gases. One production method involves heating anhydrous ammonia - an extremely reactive ingredient that is prone to explosion. In fact, many illegal Meth labs are only discovered after fires or explosions occur due to the improper handling of these toxic chemicals. Clean-up is both hazardous and expensive.
Meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected, or inserted anally. Depending on the method of intake, the high from Meth can last from 6 to 24 hours. Injection, one of the more popular methods of administration, is associated with other serious risks such as skin rashes, often referred to as, "speed bumps," and infections at the injection site. Sharing needles when injecting Meth can spread deadly diseases such as hepatitis and HIV; additionally, these diseases are further spread through unprotected sex - a common activity among Meth addicts. While it is true that Meth sometimes increases sexual desire and stamina, it ultimately decreases the user's desirability and performance. Many Meth users admit the inability to reach an orgasm at all.
Users have also reported an increased level of energy, a decrease in appetite, and may be more likely to engage in reckless or unwanted sex while under the influence. Other common side effects include a lack of hygiene and personal care, anxiety, agitation, blurred vision, hallucinations, diarrhea, sleeplessness, and even stroke or heart attack. Without the drug, many users slip into a deep depression, making the cycle of addiction hard to break.
Meth's parent drug, amphetamine, was widely distributed to army personnel during World War II. Amphetamine-laced chocolate was routinely given to German soldiers. From 1942 to 1945, Adolf Hitler reportedly received daily methamphetamine injections to treat depression and fatigue. Some attribute his Parkinson's-like symptoms to his use of this drug.
WHAT IS METH?
WHAT METH IS MADE OF
You won't believe what's in this stuff!
Meth is made from harsh and toxic chemicals. You don't even want this stuff in your house, let alone put into your body.
The key ingredient in Meth is a drug called pseudoephedrine -- the active ingredient in store-bought cold medicines, like Sudafed. When you have a cold this may work by itself, but when you combine it with other chemicals, it's a lethal mixture. Some of the other ingredients that go into Meth are also hazardous to your body:
- Iodine Flakes or Crystal found in some veterinary products: Its vapors can cause eye and skin irritation, and breathing problems.
- Hydrochloric Acid - one of the most acidic chemicals known to man: Can cause chemical burns to the eyes, nose, skin, and severe respiratory problems.
- Acetone from nail polish remover or camp stove fuel: Eating or breathing it can cause severe gastric irritation and coma.
- Lithium usually taken out of household batteries: Skin contact of any kind can cause severe burns.
- Anhydrous Ammonia typically from fertilizer: Can cause severe respiratory problems, eye and mucous membrane damage.
- Red Phosphorus - ground up matches or emergency road flares: Vapors can irritate your nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
- Sulfuric Acid drain cleaner: Skin contact of any kind can cause severe burns, breathing this in could result in severe lung damage.
The damage we're talking about here doesn't just mean missing a few weeks of school. Because the chemicals used to make Meth may affect your body chemistry differently than someone else's, it means consequences that could put you in a hospital or require doctor's visits for the rest of your life. In a nutshell, don't experiment with Meth.
WHERE METH IS MADE
Most street Meth is made in "superlabs" outside of our country, primarily in Mexico, then smuggled here illegally in its finished form.
Other Meth is made in homemade labs found all over the country. A Meth lab could be in your neighbor's apartment, in a vacant trailer, or even in a friend's garage.
Be aware -- Meth can be made in small, portable labs that can be easily moved and set up in small spaces. These labs usually make just a small amount of the drug at a time, enough for the "cooks," their friends, and their family.