Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also called “crank”, “speed” or “ice”, is a powerful stimulant with long lasting highs. It comes in a white powder form and a crystal form. It is commonly packaged in small envelopes or little plastic baggies. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or ingested. Most commonly, users place the drug into a glass pipe, heat it and inhale the vapors.
- D.E.A. Classification: Schedule I
- Drug Category: Stimulant
- Availability: Highly Available
- Cost per dose: $15 per dose
- M.T.F. Report: 2.8% of High School Seniors Used in 2008
- Geographic Predominance: West, Mid-West
- Method of Ingestion: Snorted, Smoked, Injected
- D.A.W.N. Report: 66,308 Emergency Room Visits in 2008
- Duration of High: 2 to 14 hours
- Detectable in Urine: 3 to 5 days depending on dose
Meth is a ruthlessly addictive drug, sentencing users to a life of emaciation, psychosis and markedly premature death. Some of the characteristic side effects of methamphetamine use include decreasing body fat and declining dental health. “Meth Mouth” is a condition where the user’s teeth begin to rot out of their head, due to the side-effects of chronic use. Meth users are also prone to a condition called “Crank Bugs”. It is a severe itching and twitching that feels like there are bugs crawling under the skin. In an effort to stop the torturous feeling, many methamphetamine addicts scratch large gouges out of their face and arms.
Common Paraphernalia associated with methamphetamine use includes a glass smoking pipe and cigarette lighter. It is also possible to produce meth at home, though, using recipes that are readily available on the internet, and ingredients which are readily available for purchase. The key ingredient is a large quantity of pseudoephedrine pills, which must be purchased from a pharmacy. The process is extraordinarily dangerous, and has produced a high death rate for those who make their own product. Toxic fumes can overwhelm persons nearby, and explosive fires have engulfed entire homes in a matter of minutes.
Signs of Use: Methamphetamine is a stimulant. It will cause an increase in heart rate, respiratory rate and pulse rate. Blood pressure will go up, as will body temperature. The user’s pupils will usually be abnormally dilated. While under the influence, users will stay awake for unusual periods of time -sometimes days. They eat 
less and lose weight rapidly, oftentimes dropping as much as ten pounds a week. The drug can be mentally debilitating, producing aggression, paranoia and agoraphobia. Hygiene diminishes rapidly. Burnt lips or fingertips can be caused by the use of a glass smoking pipe, and what appears to be acne is actually areas of skin that have been picked away by the user’s fingernails.
