Methamphetamine

Info

To learn more about methamphetamine or obtain 

referrals to programs in your community, contact:

SAMHSA’s Health Information Network 

1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727)

(English and Spanish)

TTY 1-800-487-4889

The bottom line: If you know someone who 

uses meth, urge him or her to stop or get help. 

If you use meth—stop! The longer you ignore 

the real facts, the more chances you take with 

your life. It’s never too late. Talk to your parents, 

a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or another adult 

you trust.

Do it today!

Curious about the TV ads of the National Youth

Anti-Drug Media Campaign? Check out the Web site at

www.freevibe.com or visit the Office of National Drug

Control Policy Web site at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.

 A& Q 

or heroin?

harmful than crack, cocaine, 

Isn’t methamphetamine less .Q

A. Some users get hooked the 

first time they snort, smoke, or 

inject meth. Because it can be 

made from lethal ingredients 

like battery acid, drain cleaner, 

lantern fuel, and antifreeze, there 

is a greater chance of suffering 

a heart attack, stroke, or serious 

brain damage with this drug than 

with other drugs.

Q. Isn’t using methamphetamine 

like using diet pills?

A. No. Though it is easy to 

obtain, methamphetamine is 

dangerous. People who take 

meth can become paranoid, 

confused, and aggressive; they 

can die from overheating and 

convulsions.5

 Over time, meth 

users risk brain damage and 

addiction.6
The Truth About Methamphetamine 

Slang—Speed, Meth, Crystal, Crank, Tweak, Go-fast, Ice, Glass, Uppers, Black Beauties

Get the Facts...

Methamphetamine affects your brain. In the short 

term, meth causes mind and mood changes such as 

anxiety, euphoria, and depression. Long-term effects can 

include chronic fatigue, paranoid or delusional thinking, 

and permanent psychological damage. 

Methamphetamine affects your body. Over 

“amping” on any type of speed is pretty risky. Creating a 

false sense of energy, these drugs push the body faster 

and further than it’s meant to go. It increases the heart 

rate, blood pressure, and risk of stroke.

Methamphetamine affects your self-control. Meth 

is a powerfully addictive drug that can cause aggression 

and violent or psychotic behavior.1

Methamphetamine is not what it seems. Even 

speed drugs are not always safe. Giga-jolts of the wellknown stimulants caffeine or ephedrine can cause stroke 

or cardiac arrest when overused or used by people with 

a sensitivity to them.

Methamphetamine can kill you. An overdose of 

meth can result in heart failure. Long-term physical 

effects such as liver, kidney, and lung damage may also 

kill you.

Before You Risk It...

Know the law. Methamphetamine is illegal in all States 

and is highly dangerous.

Get the facts. The ignitable, corrosive, and toxic nature 

of the chemicals used to produce meth can cause fires, 

produce toxic vapors, and damage the environment.

Stay informed. The number of past-month 

methamphetamine users who fit the definition of 

stimulant dependence or abuse more than doubled 

from 2002 to 2004.2

 The number of people admitted to 

treatment for methamphetamine use problems has been 

rising for several years.3

Know the risks. There are a lot of risks associated with 

using methamphetamine, including:

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Meth	can	cause	a	severe	“crash”	after	the	effects	

wear off.

Meth	use	can	cause	irreversible	damage	to	blood	

vessels in the brain.

Meth	users	who	inject	the	drug	and	share	needles	

are at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS.

Look around you. Not everyone is using 

methamphetamine. In 2007, only 3 percent of 12th 

graders reported having used methamphetamine.4

Know the Signs...

How can you tell if a friend is using meth? It may 

not be easy to tell. But there are signs you can look for. 

Symptoms of methamphetamine use may include:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

Inability	to	sleep

Increased	sensitivity	to	noise

Nervous	physical	activity,	like	scratching

Irritability,	dizziness,	or	confusion

Extreme	anorexia

Tremors	or	even	convulsions

Increased	heart	rate,	blood	pressure,	and	risk	of	

stroke

Presence	of	inhaling	paraphernalia,	such	as	razor	

blades, mirrors, and straws

Presence	of	injecting	paraphernalia,	such	as	

syringes, heated spoons, or surgical tubing 

What can you do to help a friend who is using 

meth? Be a real friend. You might even save a life. 

Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional 

help. For information and referrals, call SAMHSA’s 

Health Information Network at1-877-SAMHSA-7 

(1-877-726-4727).

For more information or for references to facts found in this Tips for Teens, 

go to www.samhsa.gov/SHIN.

Revised in 2008.