Methamphetamine powder itself is odorless; however, the production of meth has a very distinct smell similar to ammonia or ether. It has been reported to smell like cat urine or rotten eggs. Others have described it as a paint thinner, varnish, or strong fuel smell. Injection – The injection method has a faster onset of action and the potential for increased risk of skin and blood-borne transmission of viruses such as HIV and hepatitis.
Recognize the Signs of Meth Use So You Can Prevent the Damaging Effects
Calls are free and confidential, so pick up the phone and start the road to recovery today. Crystal meth earns its name because of its crystal-like physical properties, earning the street name “ice” due to its glass-shard and ice-like appearance. The crystals can be white, clear, blue or a combination of these colors.
- Addiction encompasses not only physical changes (such as dependence) but harmful behaviors that affect every aspect of an individual’s life.
- Crystal meth is smoked in a glass pipe and inhaled through your mouth.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- A hair test, on the other hand, could reveal meth usage up to 3 months after you last used meth.
- Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug.
Methamphetamine
Withdrawal can make you feel so bad that you can’t stop using meth. If you have serious psychological symptoms, you may hurt yourself or someone else. Medical detox can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms comfortably and in a safe place, lessening your chances of relapse. You can have serious side effects and health problems from drug use. Some can affect your physical appearance while others can be fatal. If you use meth while you’re pregnant, you may give birth early or have a baby with a low birth weight.
How to reduce your risk of relapse
The nerves located in the CNS are referred to as neurons, whereas the nerves outside the CNS are simply referred to as nerves. Addiction (clinically called a substance use disorder) refers to the compulsive, uncontrollable use of meth despite all of the harm that it causes. Addiction encompasses not only physical changes (such as dependence) but harmful behaviors that affect every aspect of an individual’s life. Addiction elicits changes in the brain which impact an individual’s drive, motivation, thought process and behaviors so much that meth use becomes prioritized over all else.
By 1971, meth abuse the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) classified all amphetamines as Schedule II controlled substances, citing the potential for abuse, dependence and addiction. The pure form of methamphetamine, Desoxyn, is rarely ever prescribed in the U.S. Tweaking is a term often used for meth withdrawal and cravings.
