What is Meth?

QUICK LINKS

State-wide Statistics

Methamphetamine

Precursors

Equipment

Methamphetamine

• Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both drugs have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited. Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as "ice," "crystal," and "glass."

• Health Hazards: Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.

• Methamphetamine is taken orally or intranasally (snorting the powder), by intravenous injection, and by smoking. Immediately after smoking or intravenous injection, the methamphetamine user experiences an intense sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use produces euphoria - a high, but not a rush.

• Users may become addicted quickly, and use it with increasing frequency and in increasing doses. Animal research going back more than 20 years shows that high doses of methamphetamine damage neuron cell-endings. Dopamine- and serotonin-containing neurons do not die after methamphetamine use, but their nerve endings ("terminals") are cut back and re-growth appears to be limited. The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even small amounts of methamphetamine include increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death. Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes.

• Other effects of methamphetamine include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death. A study in Seattle confirmed that methamphetamine use was widespread among the city's homosexual and bisexual populations. Of these groups, members using methamphetamine reported they practice sexual and needle-use behaviors that place them at risk of contracting and transmitting HIV and AIDS.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

What are “Precursors”?

Meth is made using readily available products obtained from retail, convenience, grocery, granges, automotive, and veterinary supply stores.  Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications often contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, the most critical ingredient in the production of methamphetamine.  The manufacturing process also uses ingredients such as lithium batteries, acetone, starter fluid, drain cleaner, rock or table salt, lye, matchbooks, rubbing alcohol, muriatic acid, and gasoline additives.  As you can see, these items are available in many stores and most are probably found in your house or garage.

Anhydrous ammonia is another precursor commonly used in the meth process.  It is usually stolen from tanks located on farms and ag dealer distribution facilities.  Anhydrous ammonia is an extremely dangerous chemical, venting to a gas at -28° F.  Thieves will commonly damage the valves or hose on the tanks, which can cause a life-threatening situation.  If an unsuspecting employee or grower is unaware of the damage to the hose and opens the valve, escaping anhydrous could cause chemical and temperature burns and even result in fatal injury.   

The availability of the products needed for producing meth contributes to the growing meth problem in our state.  Because meth users become their own drug suppliers by becoming meth “cooks”, the dangers associated with the labs themselves increase the urgency of a retailer assistance program.

What are the Meth “Ingredients and Equipment”?