The drug that makes you 'rush'

12 April 2012

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system.

It is made in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients and is commonly known as speed, meth, or chalk. In its smoked form, it is often referred to as ice, crystal, crank, or glass.

Methamphetamine is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

The drug was developed early this century from amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

Like amphetamine, Methamphetamine causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being though its effects are far more pronounced than those of amphetamine.

Immediately after smoking the drug or injecting it intravenously, the user experiences an intense rush or flash that lasts only a few minutes.

Following this there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behaviour. The effects of methamphetamine can last six to eight hours.

Snorting or oral ingestion produces euphoria - a high but not an intense rush. Snorting produces effects within three to five minutes, and oral ingestion produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

As with similar stimulants, methamphetamine most often is used in a binge and crash pattern. Because tolerance for methamphetamine occurs within minutes - meaning that the pleasurable effects disappear even before the drug concentration in the blood falls significantly - users try to maintain the high by bingeing on the drug.

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