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Methamphetamine Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that activates certain systems in the brain. It is chemically related to amphetamines but, at similar doses, the effects of methamphetamine are more potent,are longer lasting, and more damaging to the central nervous system (CNS). Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, this means it has a high potential for abuse and is made available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. It is made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production can endanger the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment. Street methamphetamine is know by many names, such as "speed," "meth," and "ice." Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is called "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina." Methamphetamine can be taken orally, intranasally (snorting the powder), by injection, or by smoking. Abusers often become addicted quickly, needing higher doses and more often. The most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction are behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral and contingency management interventions. The Health Hazards Methamphetamine increases the release of high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, this enhances mood and body movement. Chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions. Animal research going back more than 30 years shows that high doses of methamphetamine will damage neuron cell endings. Dopamine- and serotonin-containing neurons do not die after methamphetamine use, but their nerve endings ("terminals") are cut back, and regrowth appears to be limited. Noninvasive human brain imaging studies have shown alterations in the activity of the dopamine system. These alterations are associated with reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning. Recent studies in chronic methamphetamine abusers have also revealed severe structural and functional changes in parts of the brain associated with emotion and memory, which may account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems that are observed in chronic methamphetamine abusers. Taking only small amounts of methamphetamine can result in increased wakefulness, increased activity, decreased appetite, increase in respiration, a rapid heart rate, also irregular heartbeat, a increase in blood pressure, and hyperthermia. Other know effects of methamphetamine abuse may include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, and cardiovascular collapse resulting in death. Long-term side effects may include paranoia, aggressiveness, extreme anorexia, memory loss, visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and severe dental problems. Also, the transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C can be a consequence of methamphetamine abuse. Among abusers who inject the drug, infection with HIV and other infectious diseases can be spread through the re-use of contaminated syringes, needles, and related injection equipment by several persons. The intoxicating effects of methamphetamine; whether it be injected or used other ways, can alter a persons judgment and inhibition and lead people to engage in unsafe activities. Methamphetamine abuse may worsen the progression of HIV and ; studies with methamphetamine abusers who have HIV indicate that the HIV causes a greater neuronal injury and cognitive impairment compared with HIV-positive people who do not use this drug
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National Methamphetamine Awareness Day Announced
The Federal Government partners with non-profit organizations to prevent future meth users and help those who are currently addicted.

The Effects of Methamphetamine as an Addictive Substance
There are many myths and/or justification for taking all mind-altering substances and the use of methamphetamine, (meth, crank, crystal, speed, etc.) certainly has its share.