Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold in pill form, capsules, powder, and chunks. Methamphetamines are illegal in the United States and most other countries in the world.

Two common names for Methamphetamines are "crank" and "ice". Crank refers to any form of Methamphetamine. Ice is a crystallized smokeable form of Methamphetamine that produces an even more intense reaction than cocaine or speed. Ice has an appearance that is clear and crystal-like, and resembles frozen ice water.

 Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. Crank and ice are extremely addictive and produce a severe craving for the drug. The withdrawal or "crash" is a low feeling even more intense and longer lasting than that experienced with speed and cocaine.

The effects of Methamphetamines are long lasting and continue to cause both mental and physical damage long after use is discontinued. Abuse can also lead to legal, financial and social problems long after use is discontinued. The benefits to the person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh the continued addiction. These benefits include a longer and healthier life, greater enjoyment of life and greater financial rewards.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

•Increase alertness •Sense of well-being •Paranoia •Intense high •Hallucinations •Aggressive behavior •Increase heart rate •Convulsions •High body temperature (108 degrees or greater) •Uncontrollable twitching or jerking •Violent behavior •Insomnia •Impaired speech •Dry, itchy skin •Skin sores ("speed bumps") •Loss of appetite •Acne •Numbness

EFFECTS ON THE MIND

•Disturbed sleep •Excessive excitation •Excessive talking •Panic •Anxiousness •Nervousness •Moodiness •Irritability •False sense of confidence •False sense of power •Aggressive behavior •Uninterested in friend, sex or food •Severe depression

LONG TERM EFFECTS

•Fatal kidney disorders •Fatal lung disorders •Liver damage •Possible brain damage •Depression •Hallucination •Disorganized lifestyle •Violent, aggressive behavior •Paranoid schizophrenia •Decreased social life •Malnutrition •Poor coping abilities •Disturbance of personality development •Lowered resistance to illness •Stroke •Death

PREGNANCY

If Methamphetamines are used during pregnancy, babies tend to: •Show asocial behavior •Be incapable of bonding •Have tremors  •Have birth defects •Have unstoppable crying spells

EFFECTS ON SOCIETY

•Crimes •Accidents •Medical expenses •Higher insurance premiums •Higher social welfare expenses  •Fires & explosions from the manufacture of Methamphetamines •Hazardous waste •Child abuse & neglect •Spousal abuse

This information was obtained from the National Drug Treatment and Referral Hot Line Service (800) 662-4357