Crystal Meth

The use of amphetamines is currently one of the biggest drug threats in the nation, especially the supercharged version called "crystal meth". The drug is processed primarily in makeshift "meth labs", and is the synthetic white crystalline powder form of amphetamines. Crystal meth is used as a recreational drug, as it is known to enhance the senses and cause an euphoric high. Individuals who use crystal meth often go days without sleep and engage in high risk sexual activity non-stop.

Crystal meth is "cooked" in labs that have been set up in abandoned homes, warehouses, and kitchens in middle class neighborhoods. Chemicals and solvents that can be purchased fairly cheaply for the process and these are then combined with over the counter medications such as pseudoephedrine. This toxic mixture is then cooked in ordinary pots and pans. The manufacturer then ends up with this deadly form of amphetamine, crystal meth, along with toxic by-products that contaminate the air. These byproducts can cause illness and death, and are highly volatile, often exploding without warning. When meth labs are discovered, hazardous materials units respond to properly handle and dismantle the labs in order to protect homes and people living near the lab.

In low doses crystal meth heightens the senses, produces a high and makes the uses more alert. In higher doses, crystal meth can cause exhilaration and euphoria. If used in even higher doses, crystal meth can increase heart rate, body temperature can rise to very dangerous levels, and the user can become paranoid, agitated and display very bizarre and risky behavior. Extremely high doses of crystal meth can cause overdose and death can occur.

Research has shown that 9 out of 10 people who inject crystal meth just once will become addicted. Individuals who smoke crystal meth take longer to become addicted, but most will progress to injection. Tolerance to crystal meth will also typically occur in chronic users, meaning the user must use higher doses to achieve the same effect. The doses then become so high that the most dangerous effects such as increased heart rate, severe hyperthermia (high body temperature), paranoia, and stroke can occur, often resulting in death. Once someone is addicted to crystal meth in this way, kicking the addiction is said to be almost impossible without intervention.

Individuals who use crystal meth will exhibit very at-risk behavior, including sexual binges that include unsafe sex with multiple partners. This can often lead individuals to exchange sex for the drug, further exposing them to sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Individuals who use crystal meth may experience episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. Crystal meth may also produce psychotic symptoms that may persist for months or years, even after an individual has stopped using the drug. Crystal meth users who inject the drug put themselves at risk of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne viruses through shared needled. Chronic crystal meth users who inject the drug also risk scarred or collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver or kidney disease.