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Methamphetamine

Brief Description

Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant that is closely related to amphetamine. It is long lasting and toxic to dopamine nerve terminals in the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder taken orally or by snorting or injecting, or a rock "crystal" that is heated and smoked.

Street Names

Speed, meth, chalk, ice, crystal, glass

Effects

Methamphetamine increases wakefulness and physical activity, produces rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Long-term use can lead to mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and severe dental problems. All users, but particularly those who inject the drug, risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

Statistics and Trends

In 2009, 1.2 million Americans age 12 and older had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.2% of 8th graders, 1.6% of 10th graders, and 1.0% of 12th graders had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).

Related Publications

Figure 1. Percent of Students Reporting Past Year Use of Methamphetamine, by Grade8th

Methamphetamine Addiction: Progress, but Need to Remain Vigilant (Topics in Brief)

Published March 2007. Revised November 2011.
Declines in Methamphetamine Abuse by Youth

Publication Cover

Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction (Research Reports)

Published April 1998. Revised September 2006.
Provides an overview of the latest scientific findings on methamphetamine, including short- and long-term health consequences, effects on pregnancy, and potential prevention and treatment options. En Español

Methamphetamine (DrugFacts)

Published March 2010.
Provides facts about the stimulant drug methamphetamine, including how it affects the brain, other adverse health effects, possible treatment options, and trends and data on its use among youth. En Español

Publication Cover

Methamphetamine (Mind Over Matter)

Published October 2000.
Explains how methamphetamine acts in the body and the brain and what happens with long-term use of the drug. En Español

Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

This page was last updated December 2012

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