Crystal Meth

• Methamphetamine – What is it?
• Is Crystal Meth Addictive?
• How is Crystal Meth used?
• What are the risks of injecting Crystal Meth?
• Meth – Other Dangers and Downsides?

Crystal Meth – The Montana Meth Project

Methamphetamine – What is it?

• Methamphetamine (crystal meth, Tina, speed, ice, glass) is a powerful stimulant drug.
• It produces alertness, confidence and raises levels of energy and stamina.  It reduces appetite and lessens the desire and ability to sleep.
• Like all stimulants, pupils are dilated (become larger) when the person is high.
• In Chicago Meth is most prevalent in the gay community and is considered a “party drug.”

Methamphetamine – Is it Addictive?

• Regular use can produce a need to increase the dose to get the same effect, and can lead to physical dependence on the drug.
• Meth can produce a powerful craving for more of the drug.
• Long-term use can result in serious mental and physical problems.

Crystal Meth – How is it Used?

• Meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.
• Swallowing is the safest method of using speed. The effects come on gradually and last longer than with other methods.
• Snorting speed takes effect faster than swallowing but it can damage the nose.
• Smoking meth takes effect immediately and can more easily lead to addiction.
• Injecting is the riskiest method of using meth.

Meth – Risks of Injecting (“Slamming”)

• The dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose.
• Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can cause septicemia and other infections.
• Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.
• Sharing syringes can cause hepatitis and HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.
• Clean needles are available from needle exchange programs.

Meth – Other Risks and Downsides?

• The ‘comedown’ off speed can make you feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This may tempt users to take more, and can lead to dependency.
• Meth users are at higher HIV and hepatitis risk through unsafe sex and needle sharing.
• Although rare, meth can cause seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death from overdose.
• Many users become physically run down, which leaves them susceptible to a wide range of illnesses. Extended use of meth can cause psychosis. The user may think that everybody is out to get them, or that they are being followed or watched.
• Mixing meth with other drugs, particularly other stimulants, can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
• Meth is illegal. Possession can result in long prison terms.