Methamphetamine

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug which induces a strong feeling of euphoria and is highly addictive. It is one of the most significant recreational drugs. It is generally found as an odorless, white or off-white, bitter-tasting powder, though it is also found in pills, capsules and larger crystals. It is frequently snorted, but is also used orally, smoked, and injected. Methamphetamine is structurally similar to methcathinone, amphetamine, and other stimulants, and it may be produced from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine by chemical reduction. Most of the necessary chemicals are readily available in household products or over-the-counter medicines. This makes methamphetamine appear unusually easy to produce.

History

While Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887 by German chemist L. Edeleano and originally named phenylisopropylamine. It was then largely forgotten for the next 40 years. Methamphetamine wasn't synthesized until 1919 in Japan. Over time, the chemical's use, distribution, and place in society changed from insignificant, to controversially beneficial, to terrible infamy. During World War II both amphetamine and methamphetamine were widely distributed to soldiers to help improve performance. This led to addiction problems in Japan after the war. The 1950s saw a high rise in the legal prescription of methamphetamine to the American public.
The 1960s saw the start of the significant use of clandestine manufacture to supply methamphetamine.
The five years from 1978 to 1983 are purported to be the so-called "golden years" of illicit methamphetamine manufacture. Until then, drug laws were far behind the methods of production, with the precursors, equipment and supply of such being almost freely available and in almost all cases legal to possess. The 1980s saw a rise in recreational use of the drug.
The last few years it seems the damage done by the chemical has been so great that some choose to avoid the drug as a result of either direct observation or word-of-mouth concerning the drug's effects.

Chemistry

The chemical name most often used for meth is d-N-methylamphetamine.

Positive effects

Speed (amphetamine or methamphetamine) is a stimulant drug. It produces alertness, confidence and raises levels of energy and stamina.
It also reduces appetite and lessens the desire and ability to sleep.

Negative effects

Methamphetamine use generally increases the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing of the user. Chronic use can lead to what is called 'Amphetamine Psychosis', resulting in paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, self-absorption, irritability, aggressive and erratic behavior, and picking at the skin. This can be magnified by lack of sleep which often accompanies heavy use of meth.

Methamphetamine is an anorexant, meaning it causes most people to lose interest in food. This is considered a benefit for many light users, but in regular or heavy users can lead to malnutrition. Methamphetamine is also believed to be neurotoxic.

The 'comedown' off speed can make you feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This may tempt users to take more, and can lead to dependency. It also causes significant tolerance.This combination can be particularly bad because the user is likely to have strong cravings for more meth, while at the same time being unable to reach a satisfactory high.

Varieties

Powder methamphetamine is the hydrochloride salt form which is strongly hygroscopic (absorbs water from the air quickly). The HCL salt is smokable as is. Crystal meth "Crystal Meth" or "Ice" refer to methamphetamine grown into crystals. Though many people believe that Crystal Meth is the freebase form of methamphetamie HCL, this is not true. Methamphetamine is smokable in its normal HCL form, but taking the time to grow it into crystals makes it easier to smoke. Meth in visible crystals (rather than powder) is likely to be relatively pure as it is difficult to grow crystals from impure material. Methamphetamine freebase is an oil and is uncommon on the street.

Usage

Oral use takes about half an hour to produce effects. When smoked, effects are almost instantaneous, and nearly as quick when snorted. Duration is 4-8 hours when smoked.

Warnings

Do not take Methamphetamine if you are currently taking an MAOI. MAOIs are most commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants.
Individuals with heart disease (i.e. erteriosclerosis, hypertension) should be extremely careful as Methamphetamine use can be hard on the heart.
Research shows that amphetamines used during pregnancy may decrease the birthweight of the baby as well as increasing the likelihood of cardiac abnormalities (heart problems) and possibly other birth defects. Methamphetamine is believed to be transferred through breast milk, so use while breast feeding is a bad idea.