What is Methamphetamine

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Methamphetamine is part of the amphetamine family of drugs, which stimulate the brain and nervous system in a similar way to cocaine and ‘speed’, but with strong effects that last much longer. The crystal form of methamphetamine, sometimes called Crystal Meth or Ice, is extremely powerful and addictive. Some compare it to ‘crack cocaine’ as both give an intense, powerful ‘high’ followed by a very severe ‘comedown’, and both are very addictive.

Effects of methamphetamine include:

  • Feeling very up, exhilarated, alert and awake.
  • Feeling agitated, paranoid, confused and aggressive.

Smoking Crystal Meth, a purer form of methamphetamine, gives a very intense 'high' similar to crack cocaine but much longer lasting - between 4 and 12 hours.

There’s evidence that long-term methamphetamine use can cause brain damage, although this gradually gets better if the user stays off the drug for a long time.

 

What does methamphetamine look like?


It can come in several different forms – including tablets, powder, or crystals. The tablets are sometimes referred to as 'yaba' and the smokeable crystals are often called ‘Crystal Meth’ or ‘Ice’. On average, a gram of Crystal Meth is £40 - £45 and £15 for one hit on the street.

 

How is methamphetamine taken?


Depending on its form, methamphetamine can be swallowed, snorted or injected; and unlike amphetamine, it can also be smoked.

Injecting methamphetamine, and sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment, runs the risk of the injector catching or spreading viruses, such as HIV or hepatitis C. There is also the risk that veins may be damaged and of abscesses or clots developing.


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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"By the time I was done with my addiction to crystal meth, I had racked up 4 arrests, 9 felonies, a $750,000 bail, a year in jail."

Jeff

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