In 1919, Japanese chemist A. Ogata created phenyl isopropyl methyline, or methamphetamine. After years of experimenting with different recipes, gang members finally perfected their toxic concoction, lending their expertise to willing wannabes. Today's meth comes in a powdered form and is typically off-white or yellow. The drug can be eaten or snorted, but the preferred methods are smoking or injecting, which prolongs the high. Most meth users snort the drug with a rolled-up bill or other tubular paraphernalia.
Smokers use bongs and pipes or sprinkle powdered meth in hand-rolled cigarettes.
Sometimes, aluminum cans dented in the middle with a tiny slit make adequate smoking devices. According to Roland Williams, director of the chemical dependency program at Good Samaritan Hospital Recovery Center in Campbell, meth's popularity can be attributed to its accessibility and its euphoric, addictive high. The potency is higher. Just ask and see what happens. If they don't have it, they know someone who does.