What It Is: An extremely addictive drug that is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. It is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Slang/street names include speed, ice, chalk, meth, crystal, crank, fire, glass, etc…
Type of Drug: Central Nervous System Stimulant
Method of Use: It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that can easily be mixed in drinks. It can also be smoked, snorted, or injected.
What It Does: Stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells. Users typically display signs of agitation, excited speech, low appetite, and high physical activity levels.
Health Risks: Can cause memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and potential heart and brain damage. (Psychotic: loss of touch with reality that causes a person to believe he or she can do things they can not really do, for example fly). The effects of this drug include irritability, insomnia (the inability to sleep) confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia (a mental disorder characterized by delusions causing a person to feel like someone is out to get them or talking about them), and aggressiveness. Hypothermia (a low body temperature) and convulsions can result in death. This drug also causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.
Legal Status: Illegal in the United States.
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