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Methamphetamine

Regular meth is a pill or powder. Crystal meth resembles glass fragments or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes. (United States, U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Drugs of Abuse 2015 Edition: A DEA Resource Guide.)

Meth is swallowed, snorted, injected or smoked.

Meth is a highly addictive drug with potent central nervous system stimulant properties. Those who smoke or inject it report a brief, intense sensation or rush. Oral ingestion or snorting produces a long-lasting high instead of a rush, which reportedly can continue for as long as a day. (United States, U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Drugs of Abuse 2015 Edition: A DEA Resource Guide.)

Chronic meth abusers can exhibit:

  • violent behavior
  • anxiety
  • confusion
  • insomnia
  • paranoia that can result in homocidal or suicidal thoughts
  • aggression
  • visual and auditory hallucinations
  • mood disturbances
  • delusions such as the sensation of insects creeping on or under the skin

Taking even small amounts of meth can result in:

  • increased wakefulness
  • increased physical activity
  • decreased appetite
  • rapid breathing and heart rate
  • irregular heartbeat
  • increased blood pressure
  • hyperthermia (overheating)

High doses can elevate body temperature to dangerous, sometimes lethal, levels and cause convulsions and even cardiovascular collapse and death. Meth abuse may also cause extreme anorexia, memory loss and severe dental problems. (United States, U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Drugs of Abuse 2015 Edition: A DEA Resource Guide.)

Signs and symptoms of meth use may include dilated pupils, rapid speech, hyperactivity, irritability, aggression, restlessness, inability to sleep, decreased attention span, sexual promiscuity, and violent behavior. Meth users may lose their teeth, experience body tremors, and have visible body sores from picking at imaginary bugs.

High doses may result in death from stroke, heart attack or multiple organ problems caused by overheating. (United States, U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Drugs of Abuse 2015 Edition: A DEA Resource Guide.)

  • cocaine
  • amphetamines
  • methylphenidate