DePaul Addiction Services



		What is methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a powerfully-addictive stimulant; the potential for abuse is higher as compared to other drugs of abuse. Street names include: meth, crystal meth, speed, crank, ice, glass, Tina... Meth can be snorted, smoked, injected or swallowed. Methamphetamine dramatically affects the central nervous system, altering the brain almost immediately. Meth produces euphoric effects in the brain by increasing the brain’s dopamine levels. Cocaine also produces an increase in dopamine. With meth, the increase is not only more dramatic but also results in brain damage not seen in cocaine and other drugs of abuse. What does meth look like? Meth is often in the form of an odorless, bitter tasting crystalline powder. It can be white, yellow or brown in color. What are the effects of meth? Immediate physical effects include: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration Tremors Dilation of pupils Decreased fatigue and appetite Long-term physical effects include: High potential for abuse, rapid dependence (in as little as three months) Extreme weight loss Damaged blood vessels in brain à stroke Damaged brain cells similar to Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy Damaged blood vessels in circulatory system and skin abscesses Seizures, convulsions, hyperthermia, may be fatal Long-term psychological effects include: Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations Irritability, aggression, psychotic behavior Depression, anxiety Poor memory, confusion Suicide thoughts The chronic user of methamphetamine is often emaciated, appearing many decades older than their chronological age. The meth user is often poorly groomed with skin abscesses and very poor dental hygiene. Repetitive movements, extreme agitation, violence, paranoia, and depression are common among meth users. How can meth affect our community? Individual – high potential for abuse and addiction hurting the addict, their family, and the community For each pound of meth produced, five to seven pounds of hazardous waste are generated posing both short and long term environmental health risks Chemicals used in the production of meth are toxic and often disposed of in streams, fields, backyards, sewage systems Vapors produced during the cooking process permeate the walls and carpets of houses and buildings, often making them uninhabitable Materials used in meth production are highly flammable and may result in explosions which injure not only the meth cooker, but their families and neighbors as well Property owners often liable for cleanup, may cost thousands per site Where does methamphetamine come from? One third is made in illegal, makeshift home labs and sold on the street Manufactured from basic and easily accessible ingredients: ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine, acetone, paint thinner, anhydrous ammonia, lye, hydrochloric acid Two thirds produced in Mexico and run by organized crime and street gangs For further information on methamphetamine and other drugs of abuse or to schedule a presentation to your community group, please contact: DePaul Addiction Services National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Rochester Area at (585) 423-9490 NCADD-RA will provide community education/awareness presentations on methamphetamine upon request. Downloadable Flyers Democrat & Chronicle Ad - Meth Campaign 2006 Facts about Meth - English Facts about Meth - Spanish Links Locally: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area DePaul Addiction Services One Mount Hope Avenue Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 423-9490 www.nydas.org/meth State: Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) 1450 Western Avenue Albany, NY 12203 (518) 485-1768 (800) 482-9564 (OASAS Credentialing) www.oasas.state.ny.us/prevention/clearinghouse/methclearinghouse.cfm National: Join Together One Appleton Street 4th floor Boston, MA 02116-5223 (617) 437-1500 (617) 437-9394 Fax www.jointogether.org National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) National Institutes of Health 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5213 Bethesda, MD 20892-9561 www.nida.nih.gov Partnership for Drug Free America 405 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1601 New York, NY 10174 (212) 922-1560 (212) 922-1570 Fax www.drugfree.org/endmeth Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration CSAT/CSAP One Choke Cherry Road Rockville, Maryland 20857 www.samhsa.gov National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (800) 729-6686