Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant drug that speeds up your body’s central nervous system. It boosts dopamine, which is a brain chemical that plays a part in movement and motivation. Dopamine also sends a signal that tells you to repeat behaviors that make you feel good.

What is crystal meth?

Crystal meth is the common name for crystal methamphetamine, a strong and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. There is no legal use for it.

Also called “ice” or “glass,” it’s a popular party drug. Usually, people who use crystal meth smoke it with a small glass pipe, but they may also swallow it, snort it, or inject it into a vein. People say they have a quick rush of euphoria shortly after using crystal meth, but it’s dangerous. It can damage your body and cause severe psychological problems.

Methamphetamine is a man-made stimulant that’s been around for a long time. During World War II, soldiers took meth to stay awake. People have also taken the drug to lose weight, ease depression, and manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Today, the only legal meth product is a prescription pill. Rarely, it’s used to treat obesity and ADHD.

Meth contains chemicals that are similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Find out the differences between Adderall and methamphetamines, as well as amphetamines vs. methamphetamines.

Crystal meth is often made with a common cold medicine ingredient called pseudoephedrine, which helps ease congestion. Because it’s used to make meth, the federal government closely regulates products with pseudoephedrine.

Illegal methamphetamine may also contain chemicals found in household products such as batteries, drain cleaner, fertilizer, nail polish remover, or paint thinner.

Most of the crystal meth and other meth products used in this country are made by transactional criminal organizations (TCOs)in Mexico. In addition to these Mexican “superlabs,” there are many small home labs in the Canada Making meth is a dangerous process because of the chemicals involved. Along with being toxic, they can cause explosions.

Almost 2.5 million people in the Canada. aged 12 or older say they use meth every year. That’s almost 1% of the population. In general, people use it a little less often than other stimulants such as cocaine. But certain groups are more likely to use meth.

Meth dosage

Unless you use an approved methamphetamine medication under the direction of a doctor, there’s no recommended dose for meth. The least risky (and slowest) way to use meth is to swallow it. Your odds of harmful effects go up if you put meth into your vein with a needle. But you can lessen the chances of harmful effects if you use smaller amounts of meth no matter what method you choose.

You may feel a high similar to other stimulants, such as cocaine. Even with small amounts of meth, you may:

In general, you may feel the effects of meth for around 2-6 hours if you smoke it or 6-8 hours if you inject it. The high may linger a little longer if you snort or swallow the drug, lasting up to 12 hours or longer. The duration may differ for you depending on how often you use meth.

Light dose

5-10 mg

Common dose

 10-30 mg

Strong dose

30-40 mg

How long does the high last?

In general, you may feel the effects of meth for around 2-6 hours if you smoke it or 6-8 hours if you inject it. The high may linger a little longer if you snort or swallow the drug, lasting up to 12 hours or longer. The duration may differ for you depending on how often you use meth.

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You may have psychological symptoms such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Sadness
  • Hopelessness

Some people who use meth see or hear things that aren’t there. You may experience something called psychosis. This can cause you to think scary things that aren’t true. The odds of this happening to you are higher if you go on a multiday meth binge without sleeping.

Meth long-term effects

It depends on how often you use meth and your method of choice, but you could develop physical and emotional symptoms, including addiction, that negatively impact your life in big and little ways.

Long-term effects of regular meth use may include:

  • Serious weight loss because you don’t eat
  • Constant drug-seeking
  • Teeth problems
  • Skin that itches so bad your scratching causes sores
  • A feeling like you have bugs crawling under your skin
  • Anxiety, depression, or other mood changes
  • Confusion or trouble focusing
  • Memory loss

If you use meth often, you may also:

  • Use poor judgment and do risky things
  • Only feel good when they take drugs
  • Become aggressive and violent
  • Have extreme paranoia
  • See or feel things that aren’t real

If you use meth on a regular basis, it can change your brain’s dopamine system. This can affect how you move and think. For example, you may have problems with coordination or learning. Your chances of getting Parkinson’s disease (a movement disorder) may go up.

Some of the negative effects of meth use, including hallucinations or movement issues, may go away in the weeks or months after you stop using the drug. But some changes may take years or longer to resolve or never get better.

Secondhand meth smoke effects

There’s ongoing research into the health effects of secondhand meth smoke. You may or may not get high around someone who uses meth. Still, you may test positive for the drug if you’re around the smoke.

Are you worried someone you care about might be misusing meth? Consider these signs:

  • Negative changes in how they look or care for themselves
  • Teeth or gum damage
  • Obsessively picking at hair or skin
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Dilated pupils and rapid eye movement
  • Strange sleeping patterns — staying up for days or even weeks at a time
  • Jerky, erratic movements; twitching; facial tics; animated or exaggerated mannerisms; and constant talking
  • Borrowing money often, selling possessions, or stealing
  • Angry outbursts or mood swings
  • Psychotic behavior, such as paranoia and hallucinations

People who use meth may also keep drug tools or paraphernalia around, including:

  • Needles or syringes
  • Burnt spoons
  • Surgical tubes