Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant. The street drug version is most often manufactured illegally in homebased and mobile labs known as clandestine labs. It is known as speed, crystal, crank, or ice on the street. Methamphetamine can be ingested through swallowing, snorting, smoking and injecting it. No matter what form it is in, methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and induces long-lasting, debilitating effects.

Many side effects arise from meth use including irritability, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, dry mouth, sweating, palpitations, brain damage, manic depressive behavior, and hypertension. Used in excess, it can cause mental confusion, severe anxiety, and paranoia. Use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence and finally death.

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Dangers of Methamphetamine

Crime

Meth users and cookers need money to support their habit and often steal to get it. Stolen property is often pawned or traded in exchange for the drug.

Domestic Abuse

Meth users are very aggressive and paranoid which often results in cases of domestic abuse. Children in homes where meth is used are often innocent victims of various forms of child abuse. Children living in these homes are exposed to toxic chemicals, used/dirty hypodermic needles and have easy access to unsecured weapons.

Highly Addictive

Meth users become both physically and psychologically dependent on the drug in a very short time.

Toxic Waste

Meth manufacturing leaves behind much hazardous waste. One pound of meth results in approximately six pounds of hazardous waste. The containers release toxic fumes from acids, solvents and other ingredients that can result in disfigurement and even death when contact is made with the skin or breathed into the lungs.

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What to Look For

Meth Labs can be anywhere. They are found at every social level and in nearly every age group. Think your neighborhood is exempt? Think again. Watch for these telltale signs of a laboratory:

Noxious Odors Odd Hours	Filthy Living Conditions
Excessive Traffic	No Visible Means of Support
Chemical Containers	Darkened Windows
Exhaust Fans Constantly Running	Windows Sealed Shut
High Electric or Water Bills	Frequent Deliveries
Purchases of Large Quantities	(Glassware, Chemicals, etc.)
(Acetone, Drano, Matches, etc.)	Coffee Grinders (white residue)
Many Packs of Cold/Sinus Tablets	Many Packs Lithium Batteries

Note: Never enter a house or building you suspect to confirm your suspicions! These labs are highly flammable and can explode without warning. Booby traps are also common. Notify law enforcement immediately and stay away from the area.

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Meth User Characteristics

What does someone using meth look like? Below are a few signs of someone using meth. Has someone you know suddenly become a different person? It could be meth use causing the change. Watch for:

Long Periods without sleep	Sores on skin
Long Periods without eating	Rapid weight loss
Cannot sit still - Hyperactive	Paranoid behavior
Picks at skin constantly	Injection sites/bruising
Easily agitated & aggressive	Red & dry nose
Grayish, leather-like skin	Tooth loss
Cotton mouth	Strange body odor
Kidney Failure

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