Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or meth, is a highly addictive drug. It is an artificial substance made from very toxic materials, which can cause serious harm or death when handled or inhaled. Methamphetamine is typically ingested, snorted, smoked or injected. Although there are different formulas used to create meth, there are some main ingredients that are consistent. Most ingredients are extremely flammable and can be lethal.
What are the toxic ingredients in crystal meth?
A number of the ingredients commonly used in creating meth are extremely toxic:
- Acetone- This is found in nail polish remover and paint thinners
- Lithium- From batteries
- Toluene- solvent used as fuel additive, in paint thinners, nail polish, brake cleaner
- Hydrochloric acid- Highly corrosive mineral acid used to remove rust from steel and refine metal
- Pseudoephedrine- found in cold medications
- Red Phosphorus- found in explosives such as road flares and on matchboxes
- Sodium hydroxide- also known as lye, in drain cleaners
- Sulfuric acid- found in toilet bowl and drain cleaners
- Anhydrous ammonia- found in fertilizer and countertop cleaner
- Lantern fuel or lighter fluid
- Ether found in starting fluid
- Antifreeze
- Iodine crystals
Cold and antihistamine medications (that include pseudoephedrine and ephedrine) are necessary as a main ingredient in meth production.
The long term use of methamphetamine can have serious internal physical health consequences:
- Weight loss
- Severe dental problems: Meth Mouth
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
- High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
- Liver and kidney damage
- Destruction of tissues in nose if snorted
- Respiratory problems and lung damage if smoked
- Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
- Damage to the brain similar to Alzheimers disease
- Convulsions
And of course there are the observable physical effects that have been shown in numerous mug shot comparisons:
- sunken eyes
- dark baggy eye lids
- facial drooping, particularly the mouth and lower lips
- pale skin
- dark blue-black lips
- wrinkles from skin losing elasticity
- acne and sores
Below are additional articles about methamphetamine that you may find helpful or if you are concerned about someone who may be using meth. New Hope Recovery Center, Chicagos premier addiction treatment facility, has substantial experience treating those addicted to meth. You can reach us at 888-707-4763 or [email protected]
Why Crystal Meth Is So Addictive
44 Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse
Written by: Written By: New Hope Recovery Center
