Methamphetamine(mAMP) Test Card

What is Methamphetamine?

• It’s a white solid crystalline structure commonly found as odorless, bitter-tasting powder.
• It is a Schedule II drug in the US. The production, distribution, sale and possession of speed is illegal or restricted in many jurisdictions.
• Methamphetamine has a very high potential for abuse and addiction.
• Methamphetamine is popularly known as Metamphetamine.
• Methamphetamine is a poor man’s cocaine.

How does Methamphetamine impacts the Brain?

• In the brain it alters the activity of dopamine system which leads to reduced motor skills, impaired verbal learning, increased wakefulness.
•  Increased physical activity, increased appetite, confusion, insomnia, violent behavior.
• Chronic abusers can experience confusion, mood disturbances, insomnia, violent behavior etc.
• Its intoxicating effects can encourage people to engage in unsafe behaviors, including risky sexual behavior resulting in HIV, AIDS etc.
• Chronic abusers show various psychotic features-paranoia, visual and auditory hallucination.

What is the impact of Methamphetamine on the Heart?

• Rapid heart rate, irregular heart beat, increased blood pressure.
• Hyperthermia, convulsions, cardiovascular collapse which can result in sudden death.

What are the other Impacts of Methamphetamine on our body?

• Dilated pupil, dryness of mouth, loss of teeth, flushing, hyperactivity, restlessness, bruxism, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, dry itchy skin, acne, weight loss failure of kidney….

What is the impact of methamphetamine on women and their babies?

• This drug can be passed into the fetus through placenta.
• Such babies have low birth weight, neonatal withdrawal symptom, agitation etc.
• In women chances of infertility, irregular ovulation, miscarriage, premature delivery, deficiency of important minerals and vitamins increases.

What is the impact of Methamphetamine on teenagers and young adults?

• In teenagers, methamphetamine is abused to experience weight loss and increased euphoria and libido.
• “Speed” is highly addictive, it effects the whole body and has a range of toxic short and long term effects on teenagers. From rotten teeth( meth mouth) to irreversible damage of the blood vessels in the brain.
• Parents need to put this reality in front of their teenagers and discourage them from falling prey to any type of euphoric drug.

If as parent you suspect your teenager is exposed to “meth” addiction and you notice any of these early signs of addiction- diluted pupils, dry mouth, dry or bleeding nose or lips, chronic nasal or sinus problems, bad breath, hyperactivity, irritability, drastic weight loss or anorexia please take immediate action by first taking a simple home drug strip test.

What are the street names and slangs for Methamphetamine?

• Butt rocket, booty bump, potato thumping, turkey basting, hooping, plugging, shafting, boofing, suitcasing, shafting….
• Yellow balm, Yaba, vidro, Ventana, Black beauties, blade, batu, biker’s coffee, crystal, crystal meth, go fast, crystal glass, hanyak….
• Hero, hot ice, ice, stovetop, super ice, Tina, tweak, uppers, trash, quartz, Shabu, shards, meth, Methlies quick….
• Yaa baa-crazy medicine, peanut butter crank, strawberry Quick meth.
• Speed is the most popular name.

How is Methamphetamine used in medical field?

• Rarely prescribed but it is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD AND OBESITY in both children and adults.
• It is used in non-prescription over the counter nasal decongestant.
• It is used for its psycho stimulant effect. Its consumption increases alertness, energy, and concentration.

How is Methamphetamine abused as a psychoactive drug?

• A high dose of speed can induce euphoria, increased self–esteem and enhance libido. Therefore it has very high chances of abuse and addiction.
• For this purpose, it is injected intravenously which is the fastest way of absorption of the drug, the effect of high comes within few minutes.
• Anal and vaginal insertion through injections and pills increases effect for longer duration and also heightened sexual pleasure.
• It is also smoked, sniffed and snorted.
• The popular slang for smoking speed is “chasing the dragon”.
• Swallowing the pills orally is the slowest method of consumption. The effect of the high takes 30-40 minutes to show.