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Methamphetamine Crystal Meth Ice
It is similar to cocaine in its euphoric effects, but is longer lasting. It is popular among some users because it is readily available, of a purer quality, has longer-lasting effects, and is less expensive than cocaine or heroin on the streets.
"ICE"
The physical effects of amphetamines are similar to those of other stimulant drugs. When amphetamines are taken by mouth, snorted or smoked, the user usually experiences feelings of euphoria, heightened alertness and greater energy. Heart, breathing and blood pressure rates increase, and sensations of hunger and fatigue are reduced. Heart palpitations may be experienced. The mouth is usually dry and swallowing is difficult, which makes eating food difficult. Urination is also difficult.
The users' pupils are dilated, and reflexes are faster. Rapid speech often occurs, followed by slurred speech. Extremely high doses may cause people to flush or become pale, and cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, loss of coordination and even physical collapse. Amphetamine injections create such an increase in blood pressure that strokes, high fevers or heart failure may result. As the drug wears off, feelings of fatigue or depression are experienced.
Amphetamines
initially
Chronic and/or long term use can cause paranoia, hallucinations, violent and aggressive behavior, permanent psychological problems, behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia, poor coping abilities, disturbance of personality development, lowered resistance to illnesses, possible brain damage and repetitive behavior (such as compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects).
One of the most striking effects of Meth is the change in the physical appearance of Meth users. Because Meth causes the blood vessels to constrict, it cuts off the steady flow of blood to all parts of the body. Heavy usage can weaken and destroy these vessels, causing tissues to become prone to damage and inhibiting the body's ability to repair itself. Acne appears, sores take longer to heal, and the skin loses its luster and elasticity. Some users are covered in small sores, the result of obsessive skin-picking brought on by the hallucination of having bugs crawling beneath the skin, a disorder known as formication. Because of the users poor diet, tooth grinding and oral hygiene will also result in tooth decay and loss. This has become known as 'Meth Mouth'.
Frequent use
of large amounts of amphetamines may eventually result in mental illness,
suicide and violent death.
Amphetamine use increases self-confidence, which often ignores the reality of personal limitations. Amphetamine users may experience "Superman Syndrome," in which they attempt to perform tasks they are incapable of performing. In well-rested persons, certain physical performances can improve with small doses of stimulant drugs. In tired users, stimulants cause most performance to deteriorate. Users often take unnecessary risks; truck drivers and motorists who use amphetamines are more likely to have accidents. Postponement of sleep due to amphetamine use may result in slower reaction times and decreased watchfulness.
Meth
A common sign of Meth abuse is extreme tooth decay, a condition that has become known in the media as "Meth mouth." Users with "Meth mouth" have blackened, stained, or rotting teeth, which often can't be saved, even among young or short-term users. The exact causes of "Meth mouth" are not fully understood. Various reports have attributed the decay to the corrosive effects of the chemicals found in the drug, such as anhydrous ammonia (found in fertilizers), red phosphorus (found on matchboxes) and lithium (found in batteries), which when smoked or snorted might erode the tooth's protective enamel coating; however, it's more likely that this degree of tooth decay is brought on by a combination of side effects from a Meth high.
Sex and MethMeth heightens the libido and impairs judgment, which can lead to risky sexual behavior. Many users take the drug intravenously, increasing their chances of contracting diseases such as Hepatitis B or C and HIV/AIDS.
One of the most dangerous effects of Meth on the body is the increase in sex drive and the lowering of sexual inhibitions among some users, which puts them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Although Meth is not necessarily an aphrodisiac, it does trigger the release of powerful brain chemicals that may increase sex drive, such as dopamine, which gives the user a sense of well-being and desirability, and adrenaline, which provides the user with a boost in confidence and stamina. Meanwhile, these chemicals impair the judgment centers of the brain. Unprotected sex is particularly dangerous for Meth users, many of whom inject the drug and may share needles, which can spread deadly diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. Also, because the drug increases energy and stamina, users may have more aggressive sex for longer periods of time, increasing the chances of injury and the danger of spreading infection.
Meth Lab's Meth is easily produced from over the counter medications and Meth labs are springing up all over. Many people may be unaware that they're living near a Meth lab. Meth labs turn up in houses, barns, apartments, trailers, campers, cabins and motel rooms – even the backs of pickups. The equipment for a Meth lab can be as small as to fit in a duffel bag, a cardboard box or the trunk of a car.
Many of the contaminants present during Meth's cooking process can be harmful if someone is exposed to them. These contaminants can cause health problems including respiratory (breathing) problems, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness. Acute (short-term) exposures to high concentrations of some of these chemicals, such as those law enforcement officers face when they first enter a lab, can cause severe health problems including lung damage and burns to different parts of the body.
There is little known about the health effects from chronic (long-term) exposure to contaminants left behind after a Meth lab is dismantled. Until the contaminants have been identified, their quantities measured, and their health effects known, MDOH advises property owners to exercise caution and use the safest possible cleaning practices in dealing with a former Meth lab property and any possible remaining contamination.
Some of the ingredients used in making Meth are lethal and Methamphetamine can contain:
Here are some things to look for in identifying a Meth lab:
Also known as: Ice, Tina, Chalk, Crank, Croak, Crypto, Crystal, Fire, Glass, Meth, Speed, White Cross, Tweek Shabu (Phillippines), Yaba (Thailand)
USA Federal classification - Schedule II Great Britain - Class A |
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Source: DEA (http://www.dea.gov/), KCI : The Anti-Meth Site (http://www.kci.org/), Frontline (http://www.pbs.org/) Last updated: 22 February 2007 |
