5 Things You Need to Know About Methamphetamine

1. Know That It's Addictive

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that can be taken orally, smoked, snorted or injected. It's a very powerful stimulant that's long lasting in your system. Meth is easy to make and is often manufactured in small, illegal labs in people's homes. It comes in a powder or crystal form and is usually white in color. Some street names for methamphetamine include "meth,""speed," ice," "crystal,""glass" and "crank." It's very difficult to quit using meth, and its effects are extremely damaging to your body.

2. Prepare for Uncomfortable Side Effects

When a person first takes methamphetamine, the user typically experiences a high that can be described as a rush. This rush is followed by a period of extreme agitation in which some people become very violent. Decreased appetite and insomnia are frequent symptoms of methamphetamine use, and it causes a rapid decline in the user's general health. Irritability, nervousness and anxiety are some other uncomfortable side effects one might experience when using meth.

3. Understand That It's Dangerous and Deadly

Methamphetamine is not only highly addictive, but users develop a tolerance for the drug quickly. In other words, someone needs more and more of the drug over time to achieve the same effect. These larger doses of methamphetamine can be fatal. In long-term meth use, users become obsessive and compulsive about things like grooming, disassembling and reassembling objects and cleaning. They can become delusional and extremely paranoid. High dosages can bring on toxic psychosis, where the user typically becomes very aggressive and violent. Strokes and death are other dangerous possibilities of methamphetamine use over extended periods of time.

4. The Meth Mouth Epidemic

Meth mouth is a term used to describe the rapid tooth decay many methamphetamine users experience. Several factors weigh into this severe tooth decay. Methamphetamine causes dry mouth, which enables decay to occur more quickly. Teeth clenching and grinding are symptoms of meth use and erode the teeth quickly. Many meth users crave sugary drinks when under the influence of the drug. During a high, many people are awake for days on end and fail to brush their teeth. All of these things combined lead to permanent tooth loss in many cases, because the decay is so severe.

5. Meth and Sex Don't Mix

Methamphetamine users are at higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases, as they often engage in risky sexual behavior. If a person shares needles when shooting meth, there's an even higher likelihood of contracting diseases. Users sometimes also engage in sexual activities for long periods at a time, sometimes causing wounds, abrasions or open sores. These open wounds increase the risk of STD transmission. Prostitution is common among meth users as a way to obtain more drugs or money for the drugs. All of these behaviors lead to a very high-risk situation when having sex with a methamphetamine user.