Methamphetamine (meth) was first produced in Japan in 1919. Meth was used legally for decades for nasal congestion, weight control, mild depression, and to stay alert. In the 1970s Methamphetamine production became illegal, and quickly grew in popularity as an illegal drug.

Methamphetamine is a stimulant much like cocaine. Unlike cocaine, however, methamphetamine is man made, and includes many toxic products such as antifreeze, battery acid, and drain cleaner. Methamphetamine increases the heart rate and blood pressure, which can have deadly effects.

The risks  

• Meth is highly addictive; some people are hooked with as little as one or two usages.

• Chronic methamphetamine use can cause auditory and visual hallucinations as well as violent episodes. A common hallucination is that bugs are crawling under the skin, and will provoke the user to try and scratch or pick them out.

• Over time, people who use meth report as being fatigued, anxious, depressed, and paranoid or delusional, symptoms that can continue for weeks, or in some cases years, after the effects of the drug have worn off.

• Because meth increases the heart rate and blood pressure, the risk of stroke or heart attack are greatly increased.

• Death is a serious risk when using methamphetamines, the death rate from methamphetamine overdose rose 150% in the 1990s.

The signs

• Someone on meth will most likely have an increased sensitivity to noise, as well as tremors or convulsions, nervous physical activity and confusion.

• Anorexia and extreme weight loss is often associated with methamphetamine use because of its appetite suppressing characteristics.

• Irritability, dizziness, or confusion are often signs that someone is on methamphetamines.

• Methamphetamines cause a “crash” after the high. Someone experiencing the above symptoms will become depressed, anxious, and lethargic, often sleeping for long periods of time after or between usages.