Methamphetamine

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is an amphetamine derivative. In 1919 methamphetamine was first produced in Japan. During the 1940s the Japanese government distributed methamphetamine pills to soldiers, sailors and pilots as well as to arms factory workers, to mobilize all their reserves for the war effort. Pilots routinely used the drug to remain awake and alert for long periods on long distance bombing missions or kamikaze missions. Common slang terms for methamphetamine are “Crystal, Crystal-Meth, Chalk, Ice, Glass, Crank,” or “Speed.” A potent illegal drug methamphetamine is commonly a white crystalline powder, but can be different colors depending on various methods of manufacturing. Methamphetamine can also be in pill form, clear crystals (ice) or liquid form. It can be smoked, sniffed, injected, or taken orally. Methamphetamine was taken extensively in the 1950s to help keep truckers awake, college students alert, and athletes on edge. Eventually, doctors realized the danger of the drug. During the 1980s, methamphetamine abuse skyrocketed. Its popularity has continued to climb and today has reached epidemic proportions