Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a dangerous, deadly drug. Like all others, it is illegal. Also like all others, it has an endless array of street names. Tweak (or Tweek), Speed, Chalk, Ice, Crystal, Glass, and Crank are only scratching the surface. It is a stimulant. Meth has multiple sources, types, short/long-term effects, and usages.

Most methamphetamine is imported from Mexico and other foreign countries. There, gigantic laboratories combine vast amounts of ingredients to form a shocking amount of meth. The freshly created meth is smuggled into the US by, in most cases, cargo ships. The meth is then dispersed to dealers, the mafia, and anyone else who will buy it.

However, some meth is created here. Homemade laboratories combine various ingredients such as fuel, drain cleaner, battery acid (lithium), and even rat poison with amphetamine to create methamphetamine. Most meth users do not care that these chemicals are going into their bloodstream and organs.

Because of those chemicals, meth has hundreds of  short-term effects on the body.  It causes, but is not limited to, euphoria, increased energy, sense of false strength, insomnia, and irritability. In almost all cases of meth use, the user gets “Meth Bug”, a temporary condition in which the user thinks there are bugs under their skin. They usually scratch themselves until their skin bleeds excessively.

Methamphetamine use also contains a medley of long-term effects. Meth use over time can lead to serious conditions such as high blood pressure, aggressive behavior, weakened immune system, respiratory failure, “Meth Mouth”, and even permanent brain damage. Meth is one of the most dangerous drugs available.

Meth is very addictive. It usually stays in your system for 3-4 days. Once it leaves, you crave it again. There are numerous ways to put it into your system. Some meth dissolves in water and is taken internally, while other meth must be snorted or smoked. Some meth can even be injected.

Methamphetamine is odorless, white, and very bitter. It can be liquid, powder, or solid (crystal). Hence the terms ice, crystal, and glass. Crystal Meth is slightly different though, as it contains various base ingredients that regular meth lacks.

Youth education about drugs is very important. It allows students to familiarize themselves with how bad drugs really are. Failure to properly educate youth about the effects drugs can have on their life could result in disaster. If a student is well informed about the drug(s), then they will be less likely to abuse them.

Other education about drugs can be found on sites such as www.streetdrugs.org, where street names and other key factors about a certain drug can be found. Local drug rehabilitation clinics such as Avenues to Recovery or the Bethany Hall Recovery Home provide guidance to addicts, as well as information for addicts and non-addicts alike.

Although drugs are becoming more common, their usage can be slowed. Proper youth education, illegal drug abstinence, and responsibility is a recipe for success when it comes to making our community drug free.