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Title: | Crystal Meth: Fast Facts |
| Author: | Staff | ||
| Publisher: | Do It Now Foundation | ||
| Publication Date: | June 2007 | ||
| Catalog Number: | 523 |
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Overview: Crystal and crystal meth are common street names for methamphetamine, the most hypercharged member of the amphetamine drug family. Widely used in the 1960's and early '70s for its intense effects, crystal virtually disappeared in the 1980's, but has resurfaced on a massive scale nationwide in recent years. Appearance: White crystalline powder. Although legal amphetamine is odorless, illegal forms of the drug often have a strong ammonia smell, due to incomplete clearing of solvents or reagents during manufacture. Street Names: Crank, meth, go-fast. Smokeable forms of crystal are called "ice" or "glass." Actions/Effects: Crystal increases arousal in the central nervous system by pumping up levels of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. At low doses, it boosts alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue. At higher doses, it causes exhilaration and euphoria. At very high doses, the drug can cause agitation, paranoia, and bizarre behavior. Physical effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Medical Uses: Because of its short-term appetite-suppressant effects, Desoxyn®, a prescription form of methamphetamine, is prescribed as a temporary treatment for obesity. Risks/Side Effects: Anxiety, emotional swings, and paranoia are the most common psychological effects of chronic use. Symptoms increase with long-term use, and can involve paranoid delusions and hallucinations. Violence and self-destructive behavior are common. Overdose is also a risk with crystal. Symptoms include fever, convulsions, and coma. Death can result from burst blood vessels in the brain (triggered by spikes in blood pressure) or heart failure. Duration: Depends on dose and how the drug is administered. Trends: Crystal use has soared over the past decade, and demand shows little sign of leveling out. One main response has been a movement nationwide to restrict distribution of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, necessary ingredients in bootleg methamphetamine production. Demographics: Whenever crystal meth is around, it causes problems for people -- especially those unaware of its risk potential. During recent years, E.R. admissions involving speed have soared to the highest levels ever reported. In 2005, it landed 138,950 U.S. users in hospital emergency rooms. |
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This is one in a series of publications on drugs, behavior, and health by Do It Now Foundation. Please call or write for a complete list of available titles, or check us out online at www.doitnow.org. |
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