Crystal Methamphetamine Facts

Methamphetamine or n-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine, also known by other chemical names like

methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine, is a dangerous chemical. When in crystalline form, it
becomes a drug called crystal methamphetamine, more commonly known by its street name-crystal
meth. This highly addictive drug is either smoked in glass pipes, injected dry, dissolved in water and
swallowed, snorted-and believe it or not-inserted into the anus or urethra.
In the following sections of this Buzzle article, we will cover some crystal methamphetamine facts
that will invoicing highlight just how dangerous this drug is.
Interesting Facts About Methamphetamine
Crystal meth was commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s, after which it kind of disappeared during
the 1980s. However, the drug has made a comeback in recent times and has caused addictions in
people of all ages. Crystalline methamphetamine looks like a crystalline powder. An interesting fact
about this drug is that crystal meth that is legal, has no odor, whereas, illegal crystal meth has a
strong ammonia odor. This happens due to the incomplete manufacturing of the solvents and
reagents used to manufacture this drug. The ingredients of crystal meth include antifreeze, battery
acid, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, lye, red phosphorous, sulfuric acid, ether, lithium, muriatic
acid, lantern fuel, and other over-the-counter drugs like ephedrine.
Street Names of Crystal Meth
There are many street names of the drug, some of which include the following:Amp
Barney dope
Batu
Biker's coffee
BlackBeauties
Blade
Chalk
Chicken feed
Crank
CriCri
Cristy
Crystal
Crystal glass

Crystal meth
Crystalight
Energy
Eraser dust
Fizz wizz
Gak
Glass
Go-Fast
Gonzales
Hanyak
Hiropon
Hot ice
Hydra
Ice
Jib
Kaksonjae
L.A. glass
L.A. ice
Meth
Methlies quick
Poor man's cocaine
Quartz
Shabu
Shards
Sky rocks
Speed

Stove top
Super ice
Tina
Trash
Tweak
Uppers
Ventana
Vidrio
Waterford
White pony
Wigg
Yaba
Yellow bam
Zip
What Makes the Drug so Addictive
Methamphetamine facts show that meth induces euphoria, that is, strong feelings of confidence,
heightened concentration, joy, alertness, increased energy, etc. It also helps suppresses hunger and
fatigue and the effects last for 2 to 24 hours. For as little as $5, a user can get one tenth of a gram,
that is, a point of crystal methamphetamine. This point is enough to induce a euphoria that lasts for
12 to 24 hours. The drug is commonly referred to as 'club drug', given that it is very popular at rave
parties because it acts as a stimulant that helps increase alertness and energy, and lowers fatigue.
Many women get hooked to the drug because of the fact that it helps in weight loss. Even though
there is weight loss, it is often brought about at an extreme level. With time, the body gets
accustomed to the drug and the rate of weight loss reduces after about 6 weeks of taking the drug.
Moreover, the weight is easily regained after the user stops taking the drug. Which is why, the user
is forced to continue using the drug and develops other problems related to drug abuse. It has also
been reported that some take the drug to increase their sexual pleasure and their libido.
Effects of Meth
Crystal methamphetamine leads to innumerable health problems in a drug user. There are many
effects of the drug on the body as this drug is never available in its pure form. The different
ingredients mix together to form extreme effects. Some of these include:Loss of appetite
Insomnia

Tremors
Jaw clenching
Agitation
Irritability
Talkativeness
Panic
Obsessive compulsive behavior
Violent behavior
Confusion
Increased libido
Increased blood pressure
Increased body temperature
Increased heart rate
Increase in blood sugar levels
Bronchodilation
Constriction of the walls of crystal reports the arteries
In case of chronic users, especially in pregnant and nursing women, the drug can cross the placenta
and come in direct contact with the fetus, or get absorbed in breast milk. Chronic users tend to
develop tolerance towards the drug and therefore need to administer themselves with more
quantities of the same in order to experience the same euphoric feeling. As a result, their drug
cravings increase and they suffer from temporary weight loss. A condition called meth teeth or meth
mouth, which causes extensive teeth decay and tooth loss, is seen in chronic users of the drug. In
case a user suffers from side effects of methamphetamine, he may experience depression,
anhedonia, and psychosis that may last for months to even years.
Health Complications of Drug Abuse?
There are many health problems related to drug use. A user may develop physical signs like
irritability, nervousness, nausea, hot flashes, heart palpitations, paranoia, hypertension, etc. Other
serious health complications related to crystal meth abuse include:Stroke due to damage to small
blood vessels of the brain
Heart lining inflammation
Long term brain damage

Meth mouth that causes loss of teeth and dental diseases

Increase in risk of contracting infections due to lowered immune system, like, hepatitis B, hepatitis C
and even HIV
Sexual dysfunction
Convulsions
Cardiovascular collapse
Delusions and paranoia
Hyperthernia (elevated body temperature)
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Kidney failure
It has been found that 70% of the 'Ecstasy' drug contains crystalline methamphetamine. There are
about 20% of crystalline methamphetamine users who become dependent on the drug. Anyone found
in possession of and/or producing meth is fined $1000 to $100, 000 and sentenced to an
imprisonment term of 6 months to life.
An addiction of this drug is very dangerous because of the downward spiraling of both, mental and
physical health that it leads to. Addicts should be encouraged to check into a drug rehabilitation
center, where they can be helped to overcome their addictions.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a
replacement for the advice of a mental health expert.
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