What is Crystal Meth and Methamphetamines?

Crystal Methamphetamine is a very powerful synthetic stimulant drug that's extremely addictive. Crystal meth is a colorless and odorless form of d-methamphetamine that's abused by many people throughout the United States. This is one form of methamphetamine that's abused by people of all ages for the euphoric intense effects the stimulant produces when abused.

Crystal meth can be found in the shape of small shiny various shaped rocks or small colorless shapes that look like slivers of glass. There are a few different forms of methamphetamine but many meth users prefer crystal meth because of the intense high it produces and the effects last for quite some time.

Crystal methamphetamine is very high in purity which is why the effects can be so intense. The highs experienced during the use of crystal meth last a lot longer than the highs produced from the powdered form of meth. This may be another reason this form of methamphetamine is preferred over the powder form by many people.

Chemicals Contained in Crystal Meth

Crystal meth as stated above is a man-made or synthetic stimulant that works on the central nervous system and contains many dangerous chemicals that are highly toxic and extremely addictive. Some of the ingredients crystal meth contains are used in cold medicines which are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Other ingredients include:

As you can see, the ingredients used to manufacture crystal methamphetamine are very toxic. Crystal meth smells somewhat like ammonia and is bitter in taste. This is because there's a chemical reaction that takes place during the cooking process and solvents are unable to dissolve.

How is Crystal Meth Administered and Abused?

Many people prefer to smoke crystal meth (also referred to as 'ice') using a glass pipe, these pipes are a lot like the pipes used to smoke crack cocaine. Some people prefer to inject crystal meth; they use the white crystalline powder and dissolve it in water before injecting it. The white powder form of methamphetamine also dissolves well in alcohol.

Another way meth is abused is by snorting it; the white powder form is used when administering meth this way. There is a much cheaper form of meth that is snorted also, this form is called 'crank' and is yellow in color with a distinct bad odor. Meth tablets can be found on the illegal market also, these tablets are a combination form containing caffeine and methamphetamine. These meth tablets come in bright colors and are flavored.

Why are Methamphetamines like Crystal Meth Abused?

When a person uses methamphetamine it causes your brain to release high levels of dopamine very quickly which is responsible for the intense feelings of euphoria that are experienced. When dopamine is released quickly throughout the brain, an intense 'rush' is experienced which is what all users are looking for when they use drugs.

There are several feelings that users experience when abusing methamphetamines like crystal meth. The individual experiences very intense feelings of euphoria, they feel extremely confident, their energy level is increased, they feel focused and their concentration is heightened. Crystal meth also takes away hunger and fatigue. The long lasting highs users of meth experience can last anywhere from 2 to 24 hours which is one of the reasons meth is their drug of choice.

Crystal meth is also inexpensive; an individual can get a high that can last up to 24 hours for as little as $5. This small amount is about one tenth of a gram and is known as a 'point'.

Methamphetamines are very easy to find, there are small illegal labs everywhere so local production can be found easily. Small labs can be found in vehicles, motel rooms, garages and inside a person's home. This is another reason the price is so cheap. Methamphetamines like crystal meth are quite popular among the young party people. Meth is just as popular as club drugs are among people who like to party and attend raves. Since meth takes away fatigue, people have tons of energy and can party for hours without losing energy and becoming tired.

Street Terms Associated with Crystal Methamphetamine

All drugs that are misused or abused have names given to them by those that manufacture or abuse them. There are many terms used to describe Methamphetamines and Crystal Meth on the streets, these street terms include: