Street names: chalk, crank, crystal, crystal meth, glass, ice, meth, speed
Who uses it? Crystal meth use among teens is relatively low -- about two per cent. A 2004 study indicates there may be increasing methamphetamine use among homeless youth. Young people are making it in basement labs; this can prove dangerous, as recent news reports of crystal meth lab fires and explosions indicate.
Cost: $60 for one-third of a gram; $10 per "hit." Although the price of crystal meth has gone up in recent months, thanks to police crackdowns in urban centres, it's still relatively cheap. And the high it provides can last much longer than the high provided by either cocaine or crack.
Physical and mental effects
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Wakefulness
• Sense of well-being thought to be caused by release of dopamine, the brain chemical associated with pleasurable feelings
• Decreased appetite, weight loss
• Same euphoria as cocaine
• Highly addictive
Health risks
• Convulsions, respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat
• Extreme anorexia
• Delusions and hallucinations that can lead to picking skin until open sores become infected
• Rotting teeth known as "meth mouth," which could be caused by chronic dry mouth and reduced blood flow to gums
• Violent behaviour, anxiety, confusion, paranoia and psychosis
• Overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol or ecstasy
Telltale signs of use
• Sleeplessness followed by a lot of sleep
• Weight loss
• Binge-and-crash pattern
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