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Methamphetamine

Table of Contents


Overview

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that's similar to amphetamine. It is sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD or obesity. The illegal form of this drug is usually called meth. It may also be called crystal meth, speed, ice, crystal, glass, or chalk. It's often made in home labs from cheap, sometimes toxic ingredients.

Meth is usually sold as a white powder or small, clear crystals that may look like ice or rocks. It can be smoked, snorted, or swallowed. It can also be dissolved in water or alcohol and injected.

Meth is very addictive, and it can lead to stimulant use disorder. If a person stops using meth, they may have withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia.

Effects of meth

People who use meth tend to use it again and again (binge) and then crash afterward.

People who use meth may become anxious, confused, and violent. It can affect a person's brain so that they can't tell what is real (psychosis). For example, they may:

In small doses, methamphetamine can make a person feel very awake and active and decrease their appetite. In high doses, it can raise body temperature. This can be dangerous or even deadly. It can also cause seizures. Meth increases heart rate and blood pressure, so it can cause permanent damage to blood vessels in the brain. This can lead to a stroke.

Meth can be detected in a urine drug screen up to 48 hours after use.

Signs of use

Signs that a person may be using meth include:


Credits for Methamphetamine

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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