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Revision as of 10:44, 20 April 2004
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Methamphetamine or "crystal meth" is a synthetic stimulant drug which creates a sense of euphoria and is highly addictive. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline solid, illicitly distributed as very pure crystals termed glass, ice or crystal, or as a very impure powder termed crank or speed In many instances, these substances when found on the street are diluted or cut with inert substances like baby laxatives or Vitamin B12. Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1919 in Japan.
Production
Methamphetamine is chemically similar to and can be synthesized from pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a commonly available decongestant with no strong euphoric effects. There are many different recipes for conversion which can be found on the internet, although these sources are not usually trustworthy, and most experienced cookers learned from either chemistry classes or other cookers in person. The synthesis process involves dangerous chemicals which are generally used by people without laboratory training. This results in highly dangerous situations which can be environmental hazards, as the byproducts of production are highly toxic and are often dumped in unsafe places.
Yaba
Yaba are methamphetamine tablets, often colored and candy flavored. Yaba means "crazy drug" in the Thai language and is popular in East Asia and Southeast Asia, where the drug is produced.
Military use
Methamphetamine is often given to fighting troops and pilots during wartime by their government. During the second world war, it was widely used by Germany and its allies under the name Pervitin.
Legality
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II substance by the DEA in the United States Possession, consumption, and distribution is a felony in all fifty states.
Medical uses
Methamphetamine is usually prescribed as a treatment for narcolepsy, obesity attention defciet hyperactive disorder, and attention deficit disorder and supplied as 5mg methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets under the brand name Desoxyn.
Effects
In the short term, methamphetamine can cause insomnia, high body temperature, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes, euphoria, restlessness, and dilated pupils. The long term effects of methamphetamine can include liver and kidney damage, depression, altered brain chemistry, weight loss, and in some cases, methamphetamine psychosis, which is nearly identical to paranoid schizophrenia.
See also: amphetamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, dexamphetamine, phenethylamines