methamphetamine

Listing of Articles...

	Methamphetamine Fast Facts
	Methamphetamine:  What ~ Where ~ How
	Methamphetamine:  Facts For Parents
	Methamphetamine
	Facts About Amphetamines
	Amphetamine Prevention Tips
	Methamphetamine Laboratory: Identification and Hazards Fast Facts
	Methamphetamine:  Chemical Hazards
	Products Used In Methamphetamine Production
	Equipment Used In Methamphetamine Production

Methamphetamine FAST FACTS ~ Questions and Answers

What is methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a synthetic (man-made) stimulant that is highly addictive. The drug is abused because it produces euphoric effects--sometimes described as a sense of well-being--that can last up to 24 hours. Methamphetamine is inexpensive and relatively easy to produce--making it affordable and readily available to teenagers.

What does it look like?

Because methamphetamine can be produced using many different methods, its appearance can vary dramatically. The drug may be sold either as a powder--sometimes crystalline--or as rock-like chunks. The color of methamphetamine likewise varies: white, yellow, brown, gray, orange, and pink all have been observed.

How is methamphetamine abused?

Methamphetamine can be injected, smoked, snorted, or ingested orally. Injecting or smoking the drug produces an immediate and intense rush. The euphoric effect that results from snorting or ingesting the drug is not as intense and requires more time to take effect--3 to 5 minutes for snorting and 15 to 20 minutes for oral ingestion.

Who uses methamphetamine?

In the past, the typical methamphetamine user was an adult male with a lower than average income. However, now individuals of all ages and economic status use methamphetamine. Data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that an estimated 9.6 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime. The survey also revealed that many teenagers and young adults use methamphetamine--338,000 individuals aged 12 to 17 and 1.5 million individuals aged 18 to 25 used the drug at least once.

Methamphetamine use among high school students is a particular concern. Nearly 7 percent of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 2 percent used the drug in the past month, according to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey.

What are the risks?

Methamphetamine use is associated with many serious physical problems. The drug can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain--which can lead to stroke. Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining. Overdoses of methamphetamine can cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsions, and death.

Individuals who abuse methamphetamine also may have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. Methamphetamine also can produce psychotic symptoms that persist for months or years after an individual has stopped using the drug.

Methamphetamine abusers who inject the drug expose themselves to additional risks, including contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne viruses. Chronic users who inject methamphetamine also risk scarred or collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver and kidney disease.

What is it called?

The most common names for methamphetamine are crank, meth, and speed. (Please see Slang Drug Terms for additional names.)

Is methamphetamine illegal?

Yes, methamphetamine is illegal. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substance Act. Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and PCP, have a high potential for abuse. Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Methamphetamine... What ~ Where ~ How

Methamphetamine: The Drug

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. A synthetic drug, meth is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but produces greater effects on the central nervous system. Meth is illegally manufactured using ephedrine or pseudoephedrine in combination with other explosive and toxic chemicals. Meth usually takes the form of an off-white or yellowish colored, bitter tasting crystalline powder, that is readily soluble in water or alcohol.

Methamphetamine sends a message to the brain to fire more dopamine, a feel good chemical that is critical to normal brain functioning. Hours after ingestion, cell receptors begin to turn off the flow of dopamine, methamphetamine does not! Instead, the brain cells respond by releasing an enzyme that diminishes the dopamine cells. With repeated meth use, the dopamine cells are killed off leading to a chemical change in the brain that lasts a long time. This lack of dopamine creates a cranky, violent person incapable of feeling happiness or having fun, even months after stopping methamphetamine usage.

The Affects Of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine can be smoked, injected intravenously, snorted, or ingested orally. The drug's euphoric effects are longer lasting than cocaine, from eight to 24 hours, a big part of the popularity. This high is followed by a severe crash causing the abuser to sleep for up to three days straight. Short term meth use causes increased alertness, paranoia, an intense high, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, violent behavior, loss of appetite, acne or sores, and convulsions. Long term effects of meth use include fatal kidney and lung disorders, brain damage, depression, hallucinations, violent and aggressive behavior, severe weight loss (meth literally eats away at body fat and muscle), tooth decay (gray or black teeth), paranoid-schizophrenia, deceased sociability, poor coping skills, putrid body order (similar to glue and mayonnaise), open sores and scarring on the skin (self-inflicted wounds from removing hallucinatory "crank bugs" from the skin), disturbed personality development, liver damage, heart attacks, stroke or death. 

Clan Labs ~ "Betty Crankers"

Methamphetamine can be made from many toxic chemicals and over the counter ingredients. The toxic combination can explode and kill you. These "home-grown" labs can be anywhere; in a house, motel room, even in the trunk of a car!

Home "cookers" can follow several recipes in their quest for a cheap high and a quick buck. The chemical wastes are flammable and poisonous. They can cause burns, cancer, respiratory failure, and death. The chemical process for cooking meth is volatile and extremely dangerous. "Cooks" die in chemical explosions taking bystanders, and sometimes their own children with them.

The toxic chemical wastes are often dumped in sewers and in the ground. The clean-up costs are in the thousands of dollars due to disposal methods and the special suits required by law enforcement officers for protection.

DID YOU KNOW?

	Nebraska Department of Probation indicates a 735% increase in probationers testing positive for meth (1994-2000).
	Many of the ingredients in meth are poisonous ~ lantern fuel, drain cleaner, and battery acid.
	Meth cooks buy common supplies like cold tablets, rock salt, sulfuric and muriatic acid to make their meth.
	Nebraska has a Clan Tab Team (NCLT) that is specially trained to investigate and "take-down" meth labs across that state.
	Nebraska is a vital link in the fastest growing drug trafficking route in the U.S.
	Meth dealers also sell cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and other "club" drugs.
	Meth has been sold as Ecstasy at Rave Parties ~ Ecstasy is as dangerous as meth and is promoted to young people.
	70% of Douglas County Drug Court participants are meth abusers (a juvenile drug court was established in February 2001).

Some Slang Drug Terms for Methamphetamine and the Amphetamine Family

batu, bennies, bikers-coffee, black beauties, cartwheels, chalk, chicken powder, co-pilots, crank, crink, cris, cristina, cristy, crock, crypto, crystal, dexies, fire, glass, go-fast, hanyak, hawaiian salt, hearts, hiropan, ice, kaksonja, leapers, lemon-drop, meth, methlies-quik, mexican crank, peaches, peanut butter crank, pep pills, quill, slammin, shabu-shabu, soap dope, speed, stove top, super ice, truck drivers, tweaker, tweaking, uppers, wake-ups, walking zombia, white crosses, whites, wire, X,  yellow bam, zip

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In December 1996, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Executive Office of the President of the United States, designated identified counties in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota as the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)

The Mission of the Midwest HIDTA is to measurably reduce and disrupt the importation, distribution, and manufacture of methamphetamine in the five state region and other parts of the United States thereby reducing the impact of illicit drugs and related violent criminal activity. The HIDTA initiatives support ONDCP's National Drug Control Strategy which addresses the need to increase the safety of America's citizens by substantially reducing drug related crime and violence.

One important goal of the Midwest HIDTA initiatives and ONDCP is to educated and inform the public about the dangers of meth.

~ provided by the Midwest HIDTA and the Omaha Police Department

METHAMPHETAMINE:  Facts For Parents

	Methamphetamine is not the biker drug it was in the 1960's. Today's meth is much stronger and contains more harsh chemicals.
	The number of high school students using methamphetamine continues to rise.
	Nebraska teenagers have died from methamphetamine overdoses since 1996.
	Young girls are drawn to meth for the ability to lose weight fast. Meth literally eats away at body muscle and body fat.
	40% of meth users are female.
	Methamphetamine can severely alter the way the brain functions. It decreases dopamine (the feel good chemical in the brain).
	Short-term effects include paranoia, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, aggressive behavior, and acne or body sores.
	Long-term effects include depression, lung and kidney damage, tooth decay, convulsions, putrid body order, and paranoid-schizophrenia.
	Meth can be smoked, injected, snorted, or taken orally.
	Methamphetamine comes from two sources: (1) importation from Mexico and the southwest border states; and (2) local labs producing "home-grown" meth.
	Many of the ingredients in meth are poisonous ~ gasoline, ether, lye, rat killer, red phosphorous, and iodine.
	The initial "high" from meth will last 8 to 24 hours. The "crash" will last up to three days.
	Withdrawal symptoms will last 30-90 days.
	Meth is also called crystal, ice, crank, and speed.
	A "recipe" for meth is available on the Internet. It sounds simple; however, the chemicals are volatile and explosive. People have generated explosions and have died while attempting to make meth.
	Meth labs can be found in homes, motel rooms, even in the trunk of cars.

~ From the Midwest HIDTA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

METHAMPHETAMINE

Methamphetamine is a toxic, addictive, stimulant that affects many areas of the central nervous system. The drug is often made in clandestine laboratories from relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. It is being used by diverse groups, including young adults who attend raves, in many regions of the country.

	Available in many forms, methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested.
	Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in beverages.
	Methamphetamine is not sold in the same way as many other illicit drugs; it is typically sold through networks, not on the street.
	Methamphetamine use is associated with serious health consequences, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and potential cardiac and neurological damage.
	Methamphetamine abusers typically display signs of agitation, excited speech, decreased appetite, and increased physical activity levels.
	Methamphetamine is neurotoxic. Methamphetamine abusers may have significant reductions in dopamine transporters.
	Methamphetamine use can contribute to higher rates of transmission of infectious diseases, especially hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

~ National Institute On Drug Abuse, Community Drug Alert Bulletin, December 1999

FACTS ABOUT AMPHETAMINES

Amphetamines: Three Closely Related Stimulant Drugs...

Amphetamines include three closely related synthetic drugs ~ amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine. In pure form, they are yellowish crystals that are manufactured in tablet or capsule form. Abusers may also sniff the powdered crystals or make a solution and inject it. "Ice" is a common name for a newer, smokable form of methamphetamine. "Ice" resembles chunks of salt or rock candy.

Amphetamines Have Strong Physical Effects...

Amphetamines increase heart and breathing rates and blood pressure, dilate pupils, and decrease appetite. Users also experience a dry mouth, sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and physical collapse. Sudden increases in blood pressure can cause death from stroke, very high fever, or heart failure.

Amphetamines Affect Mood And Personality...

Users report feeling restless, anxious, and moody. Higher doses may make the user excited or talkative, providing a false sense of self-confidence and power. Large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time also can result in an amphetamine psychosis: experiencing hallucinations, having irrational thoughts or beliefs, and feeling suspicious and paranoid. The paranoia sometimes results in extreme mood swings and violent outbursts.

Long-Term Use Leads To Health Problems...

Long-term heavy use of amphetamines can lead to malnutrition, skin disorders, ulcers, and various diseases that come from vitamin deficiencies. Lack of sleep, weight loss, and depression also result from regular use. Frequent use of large amounts of amphetamines can produce brain damage that results in speech and thought disturbances. Use of methamphetamines during pregnancy may result in severe harm to the developing fetus.

Addiction To Amphetamines Is Possible...

Some people report a psychological dependence, a feeling that the drug is essential to normal functioning. Others may be physically dependent on the drug. They may develop a tolerance for amphetamines, needing larger doses to get the same initial effect. When regular users stop abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms: depression, irritability, hunger, and fatigue. "Ice," the smokable form of methamphetamine, creates addiction more quickly than the other forms of amphetamines.

"Ice" Is A Smokable Form Of Methamphetamine...

"Ice" is the most common name used for the smokable form of methamphetamine. Users are attracted to "ice," also known as "crystal meth," because the high lasts longer than that of other similar stimulant drugs ~ from 2 hours to 24 hours. Users feel mentally and physically "psyched," a result of overstimulation of the central nervous system. The body is deprived of needed sleep, the appetite is suppressed, and rapid weight loss is common. Users of "ice" can become addicted very quickly, and find that the addition is very difficult to break.

~ #4 in the "Facts About" Series produced by the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Nebraska

Amphetamine Prevention Tips

	Stay informed about the effects and addictiveness of amphetamines, especially the new, potent forms that may rival "crack" cocaine in attractiveness to users.
	Share your knowledge about amphetamines with others in the community to alert people - particularly young people - to its dangers.
	Comprehensive, community-based efforts are the most effective ways to address amphetamine and other drug problems.

~ #4 in the "Facts About" Series produced by the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Nebraska

Methamphetamine Laboratory:  Identification and Hazards Fast Facts

What is a methamphetamine laboratory?

A methamphetamine laboratory is an illicit operation that has the apparatus and chemicals needed to produce the powerful stimulant methamphetamine. (See list of products and equipment below.) These laboratories vary dramatically in size and output. Large laboratories, known as super labs, produce 10 pounds or more of the drug per production cycle. Much smaller laboratories -- sometimes called box labs -- produce as little as an ounce or less of the drug and are small enough to fit in a box or backpack.

How common are they?

Methamphetamine laboratories are increasingly prevalent throughout the United States. In 2002 more than 7,500 laboratories were seized in 44 states, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) El Paso Intelligence Center National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System. While methamphetamine production remains most common in the western portion of the United State - particularly California - seizures of methamphetamine laboratories in the west central part of the county have become more commonplace.

Where are methamphetamine laboratories found?

Methamphetamine laboratories may be located virtually anywhere. Laboratories have been found in secluded rural areas, as well as in residential, commercial, and industrial districts. Law enforcement officers have seized laboratories at private residences, commercial properties, hotels and motels, and outdoor locations. Mobile laboratories have been discovered in automobiles, boats, and luggage.

What are the signs that a methamphetamine laboratory may be present?

The following, often in combination, may indicate the presence of a methamphetamine laboratory:

	Unusual odors (ether, ammonia, acetone, or other chemicals)
	Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers (see list of products and equipment below), coffee filters or pieces of cloth that are stained red, and duct tape rolls
	Curtains always drawn or windows covered with aluminum foil or blackened on residences, garages, sheds, or other structures
	Evidence of chemical waste or dumping
	Frequent visitors, particularly at unusual times
	Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy (no trespassing or beware of dog signs, fences, large trees, or shrubs)
	Secretive or unfriendly occupants

What hazards are associated with them?

The chemicals used to produce methamphetamine are extremely hazardous. Some are highly volatile and may ignite or explode if mixed or stored improperly. Fire and explosion pose risks not only to the individuals producing the drug but also to anyone in the surrounding area, including children, neighbors, and passersby.

Even when fire or explosion does not occur, methamphetamine production is dangerous. Simply being exposed to the toxic chemicals used to produce the drug poses a variety of health risks, including intoxication, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, serious respiratory problems, severe chemical burns, and damage to internal organs.

	Inhalation. Inhaling chemical vapors and gases resulting from methamphetamine production causes shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. Exposure to these vapors and gases may also cause disorientation, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, chemical pneumonitis, and other serious respiratory problems when absorbed into the body through the lungs.
	Skin Contact. The chemicals used to produce methamphetamine may cause serious burns if they come in contact with the skin.
	Ingestion. Toxic chemicals can be ingested either by consuming contaminated food or beverages or by inadvertently consuming the chemicals directly. (Young children present at laboratory sites are at particular risk of ingesting chemicals.) Ingesting toxic chemicals--or methamphetamine itself--may result in potentially fatal poisoning, internal chemical burns, damage to organ function, and harm to neurological and immunologic functioning.

In addition, methamphetamine production threatens the environment. The average methamphetamine laboratory produces five to seven pounds of toxic waste for every pound of methamphetamine produced. Operators often dispose of this waste improperly, simply by dumping it near the laboratory. This can cause contamination of the soil and nearby water supplies.

What can I do?

If you suspect that someone in your neighborhood is operating a methamphetamine laboratory, report your concerns to the local police department or sheriff's office immediately. For your own safety, do not investigate the suspected laboratory or confront the occupants. In addition to the hazards discussed above, many laboratories are equipped with security devices or booby traps that could cause serious injuries or death.

~ National Drug Intelligence Center, U.S. Department of Justice

Methamphetmine:  Chemical Hazards

Pseudoephedrine ~ Ingestion of doses greater than 240 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia, anxiety, dizziness, and vomiting. Ingestion of doses greater than 600 mg can lead to renal failure and seizures.

Acetone/ethyl alcohol ~ Extremely flammable, posing a fire risk in and around the laboratory. Inhalation or ingestion of these solvents causes severe gastric irritation, narcosis, or coma.

Freon ~ Inhalation can cause sudden cardiac arrest or severe lung damage. It is corrosive if ingested.

Anhydrous ammonia ~ A colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. Inhalation causes edema of the respiratory tract and asphyxia. Contact with vapors damages eyes and mucous membranes.

Red phosphorus ~ May explode as a result of contact or friction. Ignites if heated above 260 degrees Celsius. Vapor from ignited phosphorus severely irritates the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.

Hypophosphorous acid ~ Extremely dangerous substitute for red phosphorus. If overheated, deadly phosphine gas is released. Poses a serious fire and explosion hazard.

Lithium metal ~ Extremely caustic to all body tissues. Reacts violently with water and poses a fire or explosion hazard.

Hydriodic acid ~ A corrosive acid with vapors that are irritating to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. If ingested, causes severe internal irritation and damage that may cause death.

Iodine crystals ~ Gives off vapor that is irritating to respiratory system and eyes. Solid form irritates the eyes and may burn skin. If ingested, causes severe internal damage.

Phenylpropanolamine ~ Ingestion of doses greater than 75 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia, anxiety, and dizziness. Quantities greater than 300 mg can lead to renal failure, seizures, stroke, and death.

~ DEA Office of Diversion Control

Products Used in Methamphetamine Production

Acetone

Alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing)

Anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer)

Ephedrine (cold medications)

Ether (engine starter)

Hydrochloric acid (pool supply)

Iodine (flakes or crystal)

Kitty liter

Lithium (batteries)

Methanol (gasoline additive)

MSM (nutritional supplement)

Pseudoephedrine (cold medications)

Red phosphorus (matches or road flares)

Salt (table or rock)

Sodium hydroxide (lye)

Sodium metal

Sulfuric acid (drain cleaner)

Toluene (brake cleaner)

Trichloroethane (gun cleaner)

~ National Drug Intelligence Center, U.S. Department of Justice

Equipment Used In Methamphetamine Production

Aluminum foil

Blenders

Cheesecloth

Clamps

Coffee filters

Funnels

Gas cans

Ice chests

Jugs and bottles

Laboratory beakers and glassware

Measuring cups

Pails and buckets

Paper towels

Plastic storage containers

Propane cylinders

Rubber gloves

Rubber tubing

Strainers

Tape

Tempered glassware

Thermometer

Towels and bed sheets

~ National Drug Intelligence Center, U.S. Department of Justice

© 1999 PRIDE-Omaha, Inc. All rights reserved.