Methamphetamine
Emerging Drugs
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Commonly Abused Drugs
Brief Description
Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant that is closely related to amphetamine. It is long lasting and toxic to dopamine nerve terminals in the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder taken orally or by snorting or injecting, or a rock "crystal" that is heated and smoked.
Street Names
Speed, meth, chalk, ice, crystal, glass
Effects
Methamphetamine increases wakefulness and physical activity, produces rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Long-term use can lead to mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and severe dental problems. All users, but particularly those who inject the drug, risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Statistics and Trends
In 2009, 1.2 million Americans age 12 and older had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.2% of 8th graders, 1.6% of 10th graders, and 1.0% of 12th graders had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).
Related Publications
Related NIDA Notes Articles
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Marker for Neuronal Damage Resolves a Year after Methamphetamine (December 2011)
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Methamphetamine Abuse Undermines Dental Health (July 2011)
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Drug Abuse at Highest Level in Nearly a Decade (December 2010)
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Incentives Promote Abstinence (December 2010)
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New Tools and Strategies to Bolster Behavioral Therapy (October 2010)
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Crack Cocaine Promotes Progression of HIV Infection to AIDS (October 2010)
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Antibody Fragment Removes Methamphetamine From the Brain (November 2009)
Related News Releases
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NIDA creates easy-to-read website on drug abuse (February 2012)
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NIDA Avant-Garde-Medications Development Award winners announced (September 2011)
Other Resources
- MEDLINEplus Health Information on Drug Abuse - National Library of Medicine, NIH
- www.abovetheinfluence.com - Office of National Drug Control Policy
- healthfinder.gov - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.
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Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
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