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What is Crystal Meth? Facts About Crystal Meth
What is Crystal Meth? Crystal Meth is the known street drug and considered the fastest growing and most serious drug problem facing America today. One of the reasons crystal meth has become so popular, is it can be produced by combining a specific set of chemicals, all of which can be obtained legally. Another reason is its mood altering effects have a tendency to last a long period of time. The term crystal meth refers to its crystalline appearance and the word meth is short for methamphetamine. Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant, altering the user's moods in different ways as the effects of using it gradually diminish. Immediately after ingesting any form of crystal meth, the user experiences an intense, rush or feeling of extreme pleasure. Crystal meth initially generates powerful euphoric feelings often lasting 8 hours or more. Crystal meth can be smoked, snorted, taken orally or injected intravenously. Smoking crystal meth is the most popular method of use. Crystal meth is a form of amphetamine, or speed, termed methamphetamine. Methamphetamine's chemical structure is very similar to amphetamine, but has a much more pronounced effect on the user's central nervous system. Crystal meth is extremely addictive and using crystal meth causes severe, often irreversible, physical and psychological damage. Manufacturing crystal meth is dangerous because the process is toxic and potentially explosive. Some crystal meth users create, or “cook”, batches of crystal meth right in their home, basement or garage. The bulk of production is done by drug-trafficking cartels in the United States, as well as Mexico and Canada. Crystal meth has many street names including crank, ice, tweak, speed, glass and chalk.
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