Methamphetamine is a synthetically created psychostimulant in the drug class of both phenethylamine and amphetamine. It is also referred to as meth, crank, ice, crystal meth and other names. It was originally given to soldiers during World War II in large quantities and it is speculated that Adolf Hitler was given it through intravenous injections. Methamphetamine can be used by injecting, snorting smoking and sometimes by use of a suppository. The price is very volatile depending on where and whom it is bought from but on average a gram costs $100 which is around 4 doses, depending on method of use.
Is Methamphetamine Legal?
Methamphetamine is strictly illegal in most areas of the world and is classed a schedule II under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971.
In the United States of America methamphetamine is considered schedule II also under the Controlled Substances Act.
In the United Kingdom it was re-classified a Class A substance on 18th January 2007. Being caught in possession can earn you up to 7 years in jail and or an unlimited fine. If charged with possession with intent to supply however you can face life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine comes in a white odorless bitter tasting crystalline powder which is easily dissolvable in water or alcohol. It is an amphetamine which acts on the brain and nervous system and can be created synthetically using a variety of different methods, usually simple but dangerous with risk of explosion at certain stages.
Methamphetamine is technically called as d-N-methylamphetamine (C10H15N)
The Effects
Methamphetamine on average has a high lasting from 6 to 24 hours depending on the person and the method or quantity taken. It produces an immediate ‘rush’ where the user can feel exhilaration, increased sexual arousal and activity levels with an extended feeling of being awake.
This drug is considered addictive both on a psychological and physical level especially when taken by intravenously or smoked.
Taken in small amounts can suppress appetite, cause both an irregular and rapid heartbeat and in some cases hyperthermia. When it is taken in doses over a long period of time it is not uncommon for there to be excessive, dangerous weight loss. Dental issues are also possible.
The brain also gets damaged creating issues such as anxiety, confusion, prone tendencies to violence and mood disturbances. Paranoia can also result from or create hallucinations and delusions. If taken by intravenous injection through a shared needle there is the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) along with other viruses such as Hepatitis C which can be passes from blood to blood.
In the case of an overdose there are potential risks of damage to lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Methamphetamine overdose can also result in stroke, coma or even death.
