The drug is methamphetamine, but in an alarming new form that is twice as potent and, experts say, more likely to provoke such violence. Because it is cheaper and easier to make than in the past, today's methamphetamine is flooding California and spreading across the United States. Highly toxic and volatile, the chemicals can also be bought in larger quantities, legally, from chemical companies. And where meth goes, violence follows. The new methamphetamine produces extreme euphoria, increased alertness and a sense of boundless energy.
Users call it a phenomenal high, lasting hours, days, even weeks.
But there's a dark side. High dosage or chronic use can lead to nervousness and irritability. Dr Stalcup says.