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Drug Facts

Methamphetamine Facts
(Meth, Crystal Meth)

What is It?

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive synthetic chemical that acts as a stimulant. It is snorted, injected, smoked, or swallowed. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, their neighbors, and the environment.54

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Meth can kill you by causing overheating, convulsions, and coma.

Street Terms56,57

Speed, meth, crystal meth, chalk, ice, crystal, chalk, crank, tweak, uppers, black beauties, glass, biker's coffee, methlies

Risks52,53

Increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia (when the body overheats) / Unhealthy weight loss / Severe dental problems / Anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior / Psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects "Meth Bugs" creeping under the skin)

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