Speed (“Crystal Meth”)
What is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth, glass, and speed are nicknames for the powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, methamphetamine.
The terms “glass” and “crystal” are used to describe methamphetamine that has a crystalline-like appearance, rather than powder. The crystal form is seen as less likely to be cut with filler or crushed up pharmaceutical tablets such as Adderall or Ritalin.
Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1893 and was used widely by soldiers during World War II to increase stamina and reduce the need for sleep on the battlefield.
Today, methamphetamine is sometimes used medically for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and obesity.
Although similar to amphetamine, methamphetamine is more powerful, faster-acting, and longer-lasting.
How is Methamphetamine used?
Crystal meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.
Swallowing is the most common method of using methamphetamine. The effects come on gradually and last longer than with other methods.
Snorting makes the effects come on faster and can damage the nose.
Smoking methamphetamine takes effect immediately and can more easily lead to addiction.
Injecting is the riskiest method of using methamphetamine and can most easily lead to addiction and other serious medical complications.
What are the effects?
In small oral doses (5-10 mg), methamphetamine can increase alertness and the ability to focus. It also reduces appetite and lessens the desire and ability to sleep.
Higher doses can produce a speedy euphoria, including an intense, initial “rushing” effect, especially when smoked or injected.
Many users also report increased libido/sexual arousal when on the drug.
Other effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, and a rise in body temperature.
Common negative effects include headache, anxiety, paranoia, and delusions.
Be careful!
Methamphetamine has a high addiction potential. Coming down from meth can make you feel lethargic, anxious, and depressed, tempting you to take more which can lead to dependency.
Many users seeking methamphetamine’s euphoric rush will develop binging patterns, redosing multiple times a day for a number of days straight, then waiting a number of days before repeating the cycle.
Methamphetamine is very long lasting, which can make it difficult or impossible to sleep. Sleep deprivation can have serious negative impacts on physical and mental health.
Regular use of methamphetamine can change a user’s personality, sometimes in detrimental ways that are difficult for the user to notice, although friends and family often notice it.
Although rare, methamphetamine can cause seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death from overdose.
Many users become physically run down, which leaves them susceptible to a wide range of illnesses.
Extended use of methamphetamine can cause paranoid delusions and psychosis.
Injecting methamphetamine reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose.
Injecting introduces impurities directly into the bloodstream and can cause septicemia and other infections.
Repeated injections damage the veins, which can lead to thrombosis and abscesses.
Sharing syringes can spread hepatitis ad HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. Clean needles are available from needle exchange programs. (Coming soon: Directory of Needle Exchange Programs in Montana)
Mixing methamphetamine with other drugs increases the risk of adverse reactions.
Methamphetamine is illegal. Possession can result in long prison terms.
Always test your drugs! Refer to our Testing Information for more detail!
Be self aware! If you choose to use methamphetamine, knowing why is the best way to maximize benefits and reduce the risks. Understanding your intentions can help you assess whether your use is becoming problematic.
Photo and information courtesy of Dancesafe: https://dancesafe.org/product-category/drug-info-cards/