Methamphetamine:
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant with a high potential abuse and dependence. A synthetic drug, methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but produces greater effects on the central nervous system. The drug's euphoric effects are similar to but longer lasting than those of cocaine.
Methamphetamine takes the form of a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline powder, readily soluble in water or alcohol. Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names including "meth," "speed," "zip," "go-fast," "cristy," "chalk," and "crank." Pure methamphetamine hydrochloride, the smokable form of the drug, is called "L.A." or - because of its clear, chunky crystals- "ice" "crystal," "glass," or "quartz."
Methamphetamine can be smoked, injected intravenously, snorted, or ingested orally. The drug alters mood in different ways, depending on how it is taken. Immediately after smoking or intravenous injection, the user experiences an intense "rush" or "flash" that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Smoking or injecting produces effects fastest, within 5 to 10 seconds. Snorting or ingesting orally produces euphoria - a high but not an intense rush. Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and ingesting orally produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.
Even small amounts of methamphetamine can produce euphoria, enhanced wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, and increased respiration. Other central nervous system effects include athetosis (writhing, jerky, or flailing movements), irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, anxiety, aggression, hyperthermia, and convulsions. Hyperthermia and convulsions sometimes can result in death.
Cardiovascular side effects include chest pain and hypertension and sometimes can result in cardiovascular collapse and death. In addition, methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and sometimes can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy may result in prenatal complications, increased rates of premature delivery, and altered neonatal behavioral patterns.
Psychological symptoms of prolonged methamphetamine abuse can resemble those of schizophrenia and are characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive behavior patterns, and formication (delusions of parasites or insects on the skin).
Methamphetamine-induced paranoia can result in homicidal or suicidal thoughts. Although no characteristic physical signs of withdrawal are associated with methamphetamine abuse, users report drug craving, depressed mood, sleepiness, and hunger.
Identifying a meth user:
There are several ways of identifying a meth user. Listed below is a generalized list of symptoms of a meth user, keep in mind that just because a person is experiencing the symptoms listed below does not automatically mean that they are using meth.
Users may experience:
- Agitation
- excited speech
- decreased appetites
- increased physical activity levels
- dialated pupils
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- elevated body temperature
- occasional episodes of sudden and violent behavior
- intense paranoia
- visual and auditory hallucinations
- bouts of insomnia
- tendency to compulsively clean and groom and repetitively sort and disassemble objects such as cars and other mechanical devices
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- increased respiration
- flushed or tense appearance
- bloodshot eyes
- chemical odor on their breath
- excessive sweating
- rapid speech
- inability to sleep or eat
- severe weight loss
- rotting teeth
- scars and open sores
- memory loss
- depression
- psychosis
- teeth grinding
- restlessness
- tremors
Criminal Sanctions:
Controlled Substance Crime – 1st Degree
Includes manufacturing any amount of meth
Max: 30 years / $1 million
Also illegal to possess precursors with intent (3 years / $5,000.00)
Mandatory 86 month commit w/o criminal history
Controlled Substance Crime – 5th Degree
Max: 5 years / $10,000.00
Anhydrous Ammonia Containment / Theft / Transport
Max: 5 years / $50,000.00
Failure to Affix Tax Stamps
Max: 7 years / $14,000.00
Revealing meth in MN
Faces of Meth Users
More faces of Meth Users
Montana Meth Video
Life or Meth
Drug Free World
