Crystal
Methamphetamine - The New Drug of
Choice
Crystal methamphetamine, also known
as ice, crank, glass and shards,
is today’s street drug of
choice. A popular stimulant among
club-goers, it induces a long-lasting
and euphoric high, preceded by a
very intense low. Smoking crystal
meth is the most common method of
use, but it can also be ingested,
injected, or snorted.
Why is meth so popular?
Crystal meth’s prevalence
in society is due to three main
factors:
 •
Easy to make - Crystal meth is
composed of easily accessible
ingredients which can be purchased
over-the-counter at local drugstores.
Its production is inexpensive,
and the drug can be fabricated
in a home-made laboratory, as
is often the case.
• Cheap - A real ‘bang
for your buck’, crystal
meth is as inexpensive to make
as it is in relation to the length
and strength of the high. Users
can be stoned from 6 to 10 hours,
experiencing an exhilarated state
of mind. Other effects include
wakefulness, a curb in appetite,
and increased energy.
• Highly addictive - Crystal
meth is as addictive as cocaine
and heroine, and some would argue
that it is even more so. The day
after its use brings waves of
depression, anger and sadness
to the user. A common cure among
addicts is, unsurprisingly, more
meth. As per the Drug
and Alcohol Services Information
System, (DASIS), the percentage
of treatment admissions for crystal
methamphetamine abuse more than
doubled between 1995 and 2005,
from 4 percent to 9 percent –
a total of 169,500 admissions
recorded in the U.S. in 2005.
The dangers of Crystal
Methamphetamine
The chemical make-up of crystal
meth is similar to that of a common
amphetamine, but with stronger ingredients.
The dangers of meth are two-fold:
hazardous to those who purposely
ingest it and to those who come
in contact with a clandestine meth
lab.
• Physical and Mental –
Crystal meth is not only addictive,
but also a tolerance-building
drug, that is, the more you take
the more you can handle. As the
drug attacks the body’s
central nervous system, it causes
increased blood pressure and heart
rate. Long-term use can trigger
mental psychoses such as hallucinations,
delusions, paranoia and brain
damage comparable to Alzheimer’s
disease. Overdoses are common,
often causing strokes and sometimes
death. Crystal meth eventually
damages the gums and teeth, an
effect commonly referred to as
‘Meth mouth’ –
not particularly attractive to
say the least.
• Health Hazard - Crystal
meth is relatively easy to make
and can be concocted in a warehouse,
a common suburban household or
even in the trunk of a car. The
mixing and heating of the lethal
chemicals creates a potentially
explosive mixture that poses a
threat to anyone within close
proximity. For every pound of
methamphetamine created, between
5 to 7 pounds of toxic waste is
left behind. All those in contact
with this residue risk burning
their eyes and exposed skin. A
casual mistake can cause a powerful
fire.
U.S.
law enforcement officials seized
3,275 firearms in connection with
crystal meth labs in 2003, proving
another dangerous type of crime
related to the fabrication of the
drug.
Road to Recovery
Those addicted to crystal meth
and seeking help can call 1-800-662-HELP.
The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration's
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
(CSAT) will assist individuals in
locating a support group or treatment
center nearby.
Written by Ronnie Evans
Ronnie Evans
writes articles about drug rehabilitation
to help those who are addicted to
drugs. DrugRehabAdvice.org |