Crystal Methamphetamine Fast Facts
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What is crystal methamphetamine? how many individuals in the United Crystal methamphetamine users States use crystal methamphetamine who inject the drug expose themselves Crystal methamphetamine is because most illicit drug use surveys do to additional risks, including contract- a colorless, odorless form of not distinguish between crystal meth- ing HIV (human immunodeficiency d-methamphetamine, a powerful and amphetamine and powdered metham- virus), hepatitis B and C, and other highly addictive synthetic (man-made) phetamine. Those surveys that do draw blood-borne viruses. Chronic users stimulant. Crystal methamphetamine such a distinction reveal that use of who inject methamphetamine also risk typically resembles small fragments of crystal methamphetamine is prevalent. scarred or collapsed veins, infections of glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of According to the University of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, various sizes. Like powdered metham- Michigan’s Monitoring the Future pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver or phetamine (another form of Survey, nearly 5 percent of high school kidney disease. d-methamphetamine), crystal meth- seniors in the United States used crys- amphetamine is abused because of tal methamphetamine at least once in Whatis it called? the long-lasting euphoric effects it their lifetime and 3 percent used the produces. Crystal methamphetamine, drug in the past year. The most common names for crystal however, typically has a higher purity methamphetamine are ice and glass. level and may produce even longer- Whatare therisks? (Please see the Street Terms text box lasting and more intense physiological below for additional names.) effects than the powdered form of the Crystal methamphetamine use is drug. associated with numerous serious physical problems. The drug can cause Howis it abused? rapid heart rate, increased blood pres- sure, and damage to the small blood Street Terms for Crystal methamphetamine typically vessels in the brain—which can lead to Crystal Methamphetamine is smoked using glass pipes similar to stroke. Chronic use of the drug can pipes used to smoke crack cocaine. result in inflammation of the heart Batu L.A. ice Crystal methamphetamine also may lining. Overdoses can cause Blade Quartz be injected. A user who smokes or hyperthermia (elevated body tempera- Cristy Shabu injects the drug immediately experi- ture), convulsions, and death. Crystal Shards ences an intense sensation followed by a high that may last 12 hours or Individuals who use crystal metham- Crystal glass Stove top more. phetamine also may have episodes of Hanyak Super ice violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, Hiropon Tina Who uses crystal methamphetamine? confusion, and insomnia. The drug can Hot ice Ventana produce psychotic symptoms that Kaksonjae Vidrio Crystal methamphetamine is used persist for months or years after an L.A. glass by individuals of all ages and is individual has stopped using the drug. increasingly gaining in popularity as a club drug. It is difficult to determine Other products of interest: , tment Huffing—The Abuse of Inhalants Crystal , Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth olice Depar , Drugs,Youth, and the Internet Methamphetamine Omaha (NE) P Fast Facts Is crystal methamphetamineillegal? Yes, crystal methamphetamine is For more information on illicit drugs illegal. Crystal methamphetamine check out our web site at: is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. www.usdoj.gov/ndic Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and PCP, have a high potential for abuse. Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psycho- logical or physical dependence. National Drug Intelligence Center 319 Washington Street, 5th Floor Johnstown, PA 15901-1622 Telephone: 814-532-4601 Check out Fast Facts on: , , FAX: 814-532-4690 , Crack cocaine , Methamphetamine NDIC Washington Liaison Office , Foxy OxyContin 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001 GHB and analogs , PCP McLean, VA 22102-3840 , Heroin , Powdered cocaine Telephone: 703-556-8970 , , FAX: 703-556-7807 , Inhalants , Prescription drugs , Jimsonweed , Psilocybin NDIC publications are available on the following web sites: QuestionsQuestions , Ketamine , Ritalin ADNET http://ndicosa , Khat , Rohypnol LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic LSD Salvia divinorum RISS ndic.riss.net andand , Marijuana , Steroids INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic , MDMA , Yaba , Call 814-532-4541 AnswersAnswers Methadone to requestNDIC products National Drug Intelligence Center a component of the NDIC Product No. 2003-L0559-012 U.S. Department of Justice Cover photo: DEA 062303.