Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. How do you know someone is on methamphetamine?

2. What are symptoms of a methamphetamine user?

3. What is methamphetamine?

4. What do these types of methamphetamine look like?

5. What are the common Central Florida nicknames for methamphetamine and how much does it cost?

6. What is “Ecstasy”?

7. What does a methamphetamine lab look like?

8. What are the dangers of prolonged methamphetamine use?

9. Are the “holes” created in brain tissue from meth abuse permanent?

10. Where can I get help?

Answers

Question # 1
How do you know someone is on methamphetamine?

While on meth, a person’s pupils dilate (wide-eyed look), display excited speech (too much, too loud, too fast), increased energy (hyperactivity) and a sense of euphoria or invincibility. The intense “rush” lasts up to 20 minutes followed by a 8 to 16 hour “high.” On occasion there will be episodes of sudden and violent behavior, intense paranoia with auditory and visual hallucinations. “Geeking” – repetitively disassembling and sorting objects, twitching, compulsive searching – is a distinct activity of a person on meth. After the drug wears off, the “crash” is intensely painful and lasts longer (average 4 or 5 days) than the high. It has been described as the nastiest flu you’ve ever had. Feeling tired, depressed, achy all over, nauseated and feverish, the person is grouchy and mean, irritable, restless and confused. They crave more meth, as the high is the only thing that relieves the anguish of the crash. The addicts personality changes radically: they suffer bouts of insomnia and fatigue, drastic loss of weight, exhibit periods of restlessness and fidgeting, depression, mood swings and unpredictable behavior as well as compulsively steal and lie.

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Question # 2
What are symptoms of a methamphetamine user?

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Question # 3
What is methamphetamine?

Amphetamine is a synthetic (chemically made) narcotic that today is medically prescribed for minimal brain dysfunction (MBD) in children or narcolepsy and at one time was prescribed for weight loss, fatigue and depression. Methamphetamines are “look-alike” synthetic amphetamines that are a weaker substitute for the pharmaceutically controlled amphetamines and manufactured in many ways and forms. Weaker stimulants such as caffeine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine – substances found in legally sold over-the-counter products such as “Trim Fast” (diet pills), “No-Doz” (alert aids) or “Sudafed” (decongestant) – are illicitly manufactured to mimic real amphetamine effects. These illegal drugs used as a recreational stimulant range from pill forms such as “speed” and the club drug “Ecstasy” or “X” to the highly addictive toxic substances most associated today with the name methamphetamine – “crank” and “ice.” These forms are made with such readily available products such as battery acid, kerosene, Red Devil lye, antifreeze, Coleman camping fuel and household drain cleaner among other toxic compounds. The addiction connected with these drugs is known for incapacitating the individual to a point where they cannot function socially. These two “street” drugs have emerged as the greatest threat to our families and communities. One is a granular powder often called “meth” or “crank” and the other a crystallized chunk form known as “ice” or “glass.” They are primarily smoked which deceptively gives the first-time user the idea that these are recreational drugs like marijuana; unfortunately, no addict would consider them recreational after the fact. These forms of methamphetamine are the most addictive substances known to mankind. They are synthetically made chemical compounds with 95 to 98% addiction rates that stimulate the central nervous system similar to cocaine – but much stronger. They can also be ingested, snorted, injected or “hot-railed” – a form of snorting a smoke through the nostril using a hot tube.

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Question # 4
What do these types of methamphetamine look like?

“Meth” or “Crank” is a granular powder form that ranges in colors from off-white, brown (peanut butter), yellow, red, blue, green, purple, and gray – basically any color the “cooker” wants depending on the toxic substance used.

Crystal”, “Ice” or “Glass” is a hard crystalline substance resembling clear shards of broken glass or ice shavings.

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Question # 5
What are the common Central Florida nicknames for methamphetamine and how much does it cost?

CR, Crystal, Ice, Glass, Dope, Frank, Jenny Crank, Fat Bitch, Fire, Heat, Tweak, High Speed Chicken Feed or by the color The Koch Crime Institute has an updated list of 325 slang names for methamphetamine. KCI.org

In 2005, a pound of Crystal Methamphetamine or “Ice” has an approximate street value of $20,000.00 (sold for $1,200.00/oz. or $275.00 for an “eight ball” an eighth of one ounce).

A pound of Methamphetamine or “Crank” has an approximate street value of $5,600.00 (sold for $450.00/oz. or $60.00 for an “eight ball” an eighth of one ounce). One $60.00 “eight ball” can get 15 people high.

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Question # 6
What is “Ecstasy”?

The “rave club” drug “Ecstasy” or “X” is 3, 4, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] which is nothing more than mescaline (an hallucinogenic) and methamphetamine. Unfortunately, many look-alikes or “knock-offs” are used and often “X” is nothing more than pure meth in a pill form.

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Question # 7
What does a methamphetamine lab look like?

A methamphetamine lab is usually in a run down shack or dwelling away from other places due to the strong odors created when meth is “cooked” (produced). Some items seen at a Meth Lab: Pyrex or Corning Dishes, jugs, bottles, funnels, coffee filters, cheesecloth, blender, rubber tubing, paper towels, industrial rubber gloves, gas can, tape/clamps, hotplate, strainer, aluminum foil, propane cylinders (20lb.)

The following chemicals are used to make meth and are easily supplied from vendors. In fact, Wal-Mart supplies all these items: Salt (table/rock), Lithium (batteries), Anhydrous Ammonia (fertilizer), Sodium Hydroxide (lye), Red Phosphorus (matches), Muriatic Acid, Iodine, Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine (cold tablets), Acetone, Alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing), Toluene (paint thinner), Ether (carburetor cleaner), Sulfuric Acid (Drain Cleaner), Methanol/Alcohol /Gasoline.

Every pound of meth produced leaves behind five to six pounds of toxic waste. Average cost of a meth lab site cleanup is $10,000.00.

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Question # 8
What are the dangers of prolonged methamphetamine use?

Meth can kill by causing heart failure, brain damage and stroke. Meth-induced paranoia has led to numerous murders and suicides. The human body does not have enzymes that can metabolize (break down or neutralize) methamphetamine so it is turned back to the caustic chemicals (hydroxyl free radicals) it was made from (battery acid, anti-freeze, lye, etc.) which “eats holes” in the brain tissue. Long-term effects are fatal kidney and lung disorders, liver damage, severe depression, permanent psychological problems, behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia, disturbance of personality, and inability to function socially (i.e., stay employed, parent, cope with life issues, etc.)

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Question # 9
Are the “holes” created in brain tissue from meth abuse permanent?

Medical experts say this brain tissue does not grow back. However, the Lord has created the body with the amazing ability to heal itself and He alone determines what healing will take place. Full brain function is possible and restoration of the personality and family relationships is a result of recovery.

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Question # 10
Where can I get help?

Contact us with the information provided. Meth users are the hardest to treat of all drug users; nevertheless, faith-based substance abuse treatment has shown to be far more effective than traditional programming as it aims to heal the whole person rather than just target the addiction. Most addicts have underlying issues that led them to abuse substances in the first place. The issues are many and varied but healing comes from the Lord Jesus who can make a person whole. For those with an addicted family member, there is support and help for you and other family members as your loved one is gripped with addiction or on the long road to recovery.

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