HARD TO SHAKE HABIT

Street Names: Speed, Meth, Chalk, Ice, Crystal, Crystal Meth, Jib

Methamphetamine belongs to a family of drugs called amphetamines -
powerful stimulants that speed up the body's central nervous system.
In the 1930s methamphetamine was marketed as a nasal decongestant.
The medical usefulness of methamphetamine is limited by the severity
of its adverse effects, and by its high addictive potential.

Methamphetamine is not legally available in Canada.

The meth that is produced for recreational use is made in illicit
labs with fairly inexpensive, and often toxic or flammable,
ingredients. The chemicals and processes used vary from lab to lab,
affecting the strength, purity and effect of the final product.

Crystal Meth is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder
that dissolves easily in water or alcohol and may be snorted,
swallowed, smoked or injected. In its smokable form, meth is called
"ice," "crystal," "crank" or "glass" because of its transparent,
sheet-like crystals. It is smoked in a pipe like crack cocaine.

The availability of meth has led to a rise in use among a variety of
people. These users include young people at raves, nightclubs and
parties, and cocaine users who substitute meth for its cocaine-like effects.

Tolerance to the effects of crystal meth builds up quickly in regular
users, meaning they need more and more of the drug to achieve the
desired effect. When dependent users stop taking meth, they have
strong cravings for the drug, and within a few days will experience
withdrawal symptoms, including stomach pain, hunger, headaches,
shortness of breath, tiredness and depression.

When meth is used regularly over a long period of time, people can
develop amphetamine psychosis. The symptoms include hallucinations,
delusions, paranoia and bizarre and violent behaviour.

Research in animals and humans suggests that meth may cause long-term
damage to cells in those areas of the brain associated with thinking,
memory and movement.