Methamphetamine
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant of the
amphetamine family. It is a powerful "upper" that
produces alertness and elation, along with a variety of adverse
reactions. It is known as "ice", "clear", "glass", "batu", "meth", " speed", "crank",
and "crystal meth".
How do I recognize crystal methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine's appearance varies depending on how it is used. Typically, it is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water.
In its crystal meth or "Ice" form, it has the appearance of small, clear, crystal-like chunks, resembling rock candy or rock salt (Hawaiian salt).
The color varies from a translucent clear or white to a yellowish tinge.
How is Methamphetamine used?
Methamphetamine can be smoked and inhaled, or injected. The most common method in Hawaii for methamphetamine to be used is smoked or inhaled.
" Ice
Pipe"
A cylindrical glass pipe with one end shaped like a glass bulb (see photo) is used. The methamphetamine is placed in the bulb end of the glass pipe, heated by a cigarette lighter or butane lighter. The heated "ice" turns into a vapor which is inhaled by the user. After the methamphetamine is smoked by a user a milky white residue remains on the inside of the bulb. This residue is methamphetamine.
The user will often times scrape the residue and reheat it for a second time.
How does Methamphetamine effect the user?
The user experiences:- A sense of exhilaration; intense rush
- Superabundant energy and hyperactivity
- Extended wakefulness and loss of appetite
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing
- Dilated pupils
How do I recognize methamphetamine user?
Some of the symptoms of methamphetamine use are:
- Paranoid/Suspicious
- Sleeplessness and severe depression
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Extreme irritability and anxiety
- Seizures
- Teeth grinding, bad teeth, sweating, and body odor
- Skin ulceration and infections, the result of picking at the skin at imaginary bugs.
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Violent and erratic behavior
- Nervousness
- Anhedonia - loss of pleasure
- Dryness of mucous membranes
- Burnt or blistered lips and/or fingers tips from holding hot "Ice Pipes"
"Blistered
fingertips"