WHAT IS “METH”?

Methamphetamine or meth (also known as “crank”, “speed”, “crystal”, or “ice”) is the most prevalent synthetic drug manufactured in the United States and the fastest growing drug market.  It can be injected, ingested, snorted, or smoked.  It is typically distributed as a white, odorless, bitter tasting, easily dissolvable powder, or in large, clear, chunky crystals that are smoked. 

The initial short, intense “rush” that a meth user experiences is followed by up to 8 hours of euphoria.  Physiologically, meth increases heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.  It often produces extra stamina, energy, libido, a sense of invulnerability, and decreased appetite.  Chronic abusers may exhibit nervousness, paranoia, irritability, insomnia, confusion, disorientation and schizophrenia-like symptoms.  They may become erratic or violent near the end of a binge.

Meth is a highly addictive, central nervous system stimulant produced using chemicals that are extracted from readily accessible products.  The most common include over the counter cold remedies and diet pills, and household products like lithium camera batteries, matches, hydrogen peroxide, and tincture of iodine.  The mixture often includes flammable products such as lighter fluid, gasoline, rubbing alcohol, kerosene, paint thinner and mineral spirits.  It may also include corrosive materials such as sodium hydroxide from lye-based drain cleaners, muriatic acid used in gardening, pools and spas, and sulfuric acid from batteries.  In rural areas, farmers often find that their anhydrous ammonia fertilizer tanks have been tapped by meth manufacturers.

Normal cleaning procedures will not remove meth and some of its chemical components, so they may remain on cooking and eating utensils, countertops, and floors.  Byproducts of the manufacture are often improperly disposed of outdoors and may endanger children who live, eat, or play at the site.

                         Information from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime

For general information, send mail to mapehsu@kumc.edu.  For questions or comments about this web site, send mail to mwalker3@kumc.edu.

© 2005.  Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit. The University of Kansas Medical Center.