NEWS: Methamphetamine is a powerful + highly addictive stimulant and remains a major concern in drug control + public health.

ABOUT METHAMPHETAMINE

• Powerful stimulant affecting the Central Nervous System.
• Also known as meth, chalk, ice + crystal.
• Developed from amphetamine in the early 20th century.
• Historically used in some decongestants + bronchial inhalers.

PROPERTIES

• Belongs to the amphetamine class.
• Usually a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder.
• Soluble in water + alcohol.
• Acts as a stimulant + neurotoxin.

EFFECTS

• Central Nervous System stimulation → ↑ physical + mental activity.
• ↑ Talkativeness + ↓ appetite + euphoria.
• High doses → psychosis + brain bleeding + seizures.

Severe use → skeletal muscle breakdown.