Introduction to Meth

Methamphetamine (Meth) is an illegal stimulant. It is commonly referred to as crank, speed, ice, crystal or glass. A street term for using meth is "tweaking." Technically, meth is a chemical modification of amphetamine and, less technically, it falls into a class of drugs commonly called uppers. Meth can be smoked, injected intravenously, snorted, or swallowed. Injection is a frequently used method for those who are addicted and require high doses. Within 5-10 seconds of injecting or smoking the drug the user experiences an intense "rush" or "flash." Ingesting (swallowing) meth produces the effects over about 15-20 minutes and "tweakers" are usually impatient.

Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs known. Addiction has been reported after a single use and it is destructive both physically and emotionally. It can be made in simple clandestine laboratories, which can be housed in a motor home, house, hotel room or even in the trunk of a car, and it is produced from commonly available materials. Because it is easy to produce, easy to sell and so addictive, it is the fastest-growing "recreational" drug on the street. Its addiction and use are often associated with other crimes such as burglary, robbery, shoplifting, forgery and theft including credit card and identity theft and, of course, prostitution. Addicts will literally do anything to pay for their habit.

Ingredients often used to make meth include cold and allergy medicine (pseudoephedrine, e.g. "sudafed"), rubbing alcohol, matches, salt, gasoline additives, drain cleaner (e.g. "Red Devil lye"), brake cleaner, anhydrous ammonia, iodine, camera batteries, kerosene, gasoline, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid, paint thinner,  and campfire fuel. Discarded containers of these materials are often found in the vicinity of meth labs. Equipment and supplies include coffee filters, funnels, aluminum foil, coffee makers and propane tanks.

Signs of Meth Use :

Stimulated movement and speech (hyperactive, staccato, agitated)
Dilated pupils
Feelings of intense excitement and euphoria
Lack of sleep
Increased energy
Mood swings, irritability, nervousness
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Chest pain, heart palpitations, hot flashes, dry mouth, sweating

Signs of Long Term Use:

Mental Confusion
Deteriorating school grades or work performance
Aggressiveness, violence, emotional liability
Weight loss (women & young women sometimes start the drug for this)
Diarrhea, vomiting
Hallucinations, paranoia
Tremors or shaking, convulsions
Hypertension
Palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia
Dental decay

If you discover or suspect a meth lab or methamphetamine traffic Do not attempt to investigate it yourself. Report your suspicions to an appropriate law enforcement agency .