What Methamphetamine Is Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects many areas of the central nervous system. Methamphetamine can be purchased at a low cost, is available in many forms, and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested. Who Uses Methamphetamine Traditionally associated with white male blue-collar workers, methamphetamine reportedly is being used by diverse groups in all regions of the country. New Trends and Patterns of Use Emerging evidence indicates that users increasingly are administering methamphetamine intravenously. Methamphetamine is not usually sold and bought on the street.
Users report that they obtain the drug from friends and acquaintances.
Methamphetamine, used primarily in urban areas of California, has become a substantial drug problem in other sections of the West and Southwest as well as rural and urban areas of the South and Midwest. Its use also is emerging in urban areas in the East. Guidelines for Preventing Methamphetamine Use Effective prevention of drug use begins with assessing the specific nature of the drug problem within the local community and adapting prevention programs accordingly. Prevention programs should start early, be comprehensive, and stress key points repeatedly. Family-focused prevention efforts have a greater impact than strategies that focus on parents only or children and adolescents only.