What is methamphetamine, and how is it used?

Methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic stimulant drug known in various forms as “speed,” “crystal meth,” or “crank”.  “Ice” is a form of methamphetamine.  Methcathinone (also known as “CAT” or Khat) is another powerful synthetic stimulant with effects and problems similar to methamphetamine.  CAT is often also referred to as “speed”, “Crystal meth,” or “crank.”

Methamphetamine may be taken orally, snorted or injected.  Ice is most often heated and the vapors are inhaled.  It is especially dangerous because the inhaled chemical enters the blood stream very quickly through the lungs.  CAT may be smoked, snorted, taken orally or injected.

Methamphetamine is usually taken in “runs” or binges of continuous use.  The days following the run are generally spent sleeping.

Who uses Methamphetamine?

Studies suggest that the drug is used by a wide range of people including both men and women.  Most are in their late teens through early thirties.  Roughly, one in six users are female.  Use occurs in all socioeconomic levels, but use is higher among blue collar workers.  Many users sell the drug.

A 1997 national study found that among US twelfth graders, 4.4% had used crystal methamphetamine in their lifetime, 2.3% had used in the past year, and 0.8% had used the drug in the past month.  The level of lifetime and annual use has more than doubled since 1992.

What are the Physical Effects?

Methamphetamine use typically causes increased blood pressure and a “pounding heart” feeling.  Irregular heartbeat may also occur after heavy doses.  Very high doses may cause permanent damage to blood vessels in the brain and result in death.

Other physical effects can include dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth, increased breathing rate, severe headache, tremors of the hands and fingers, nausea, heavy sweating and dizziness.  A decrease in appetite may cause rapid weight loss of malnutrition

What are the Effects of Methamphetamine on a Users Behavior?

Users report an increase in physical activity, restlessness, and anxiety.  They can become very talkative and repeat simple acts.  Some users have impaired judgment, impulsiveness, and chronic insomnia.  Hallucinations and paranoia may occur.  Users can be hard to understand because their thought pattern and speech shift abruptly.

Very high doses of the drug may cause “amphetamine psychosis.”  This may include hallucinations and delusions, and is much like paranoid schizophrenia.  This effect may occur as soon as 36 to 48 hours after a single large dose of methamphetamine.

Another problem occurs if a user takes alcohol and other depressants to counter the effects of the methamphetamine stimulant.  This poly-drug use increases the risk of health damage and overdose.

How Addictive is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is very addictive.  Tolerance to the drug builds rapidly, requiring higher doses to achieve effects.  Some users become addicted after only a few times of use.  Extreme exhaustion often follows a binge of stimulant use.  This “crash” is accompanied by a strong craving for more of the drug.

Symptoms of withdrawal include severe depression, decreased energy, agitation and anxiety.  Users may also have trouble feeling pleasure.

What are the risks of using Methamphetamine during Pregnancy?

Babies born to mothers who use methamphetamine during pregnancy appear to be at greater risk for slowed growth, poor feeding habits, and disturbed sleep patterns.  They seem to have poor muscle tone, elevated heart rate and rapid breathing.  The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is greater.  They tend to be asocial and have trouble bonding.  Some babies have tremors.