Crystal Meth
Crystal Meth is a very pure, smokeable form of methamphetamine.
It is a powerful and extremely addictive man-made stimulant. and its use can lead to severe physiological and psychological dependence.
Normally it looks like clear crystal chunks, just like actual ice or glass. This is where it gets its street names from:
Speed, Ice, Chalk, Crank, Fire, Glass, and Crystal
This drug is odorless and colorless and is usually smoked, but is sometimes snorted or injected.
The drug is easily abused because of its euphoric effects.
It's effects are similar to those of cocaine but longer lasting.
Crystal Meth can cause erratic, violent behavior among its users.
Effects include:
suppressed appetite
interference with sleeping behavior
mood swings and unpredictability
tremors and convulsions
increased blood pressure
irregular heart rate
Users may also experience homicidal or suicidal thoughts, prolonged anxiety, paranoia and insomnia.
Crystal meth use by pregnant women can lead to premature birth or birth defects, including heart defects and cleft palate.
Long-term effects of Crystal Meth use can include:
brain damage (similar to Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s)
coma
stroke
Death.
Chronic users may also develop:
weight loss
tooth decay and cracked teeth (“Meth Mouth”)
psychosis and hallucinations
open sores on their bodies from picking and scratching at skin
and formication (an abnormal skin sensation akin to "bugs crawling on skin")
Typically, Meth is a bitter tasting powder that readily dissolves in beverages.
Methamphetamine can also be in the form of small, brightly colored tablets. The pills are often called by their Thai name, yaba.
Oral effects:
The oral effects of methamphetamine use can be devastating. Reports have described rampant caries that resembles early childhood caries and is being referred to as “meth mouth”.
Probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of high calorie, carbonated beverages and tooth grinding and clenching.
Some reports have also speculated that the acidic nature of the drug is a contributing factor.
Traffickers have aggressively targeted rural areas in an effort to escape law enforcement.
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