What is crystal methamphetamine?
how many individuals in the United
Crystal methamphetamine is
a colorless, odorless form of
d-methamphetamine, a powerful and
highly addictive synthetic (man-made)
stimulant. Crystal methamphetamine
typically resembles small fragments of
glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of
various sizes. Like powdered metham-
phetamine (another form of
d-methamphetamine), crystal meth-
amphetamine is abused because of
the long-lasting euphoric effects it
produces. Crystal methamphetamine,
however, typically has a higher purity
level and may produce even longer-
lasting and more intense physiological
effects than the powdered form of the
drug.
How is it abused?
Crystal methamphetamine typically
is smoked using glass pipes similar to
pipes used to smoke crack cocaine.
Crystal methamphetamine also may
be injected. A user who smokes or
injects the drug immediately experi-
ences an intense sensation followed
by a high that may last 12 hours or
more.
Who uses crystal methamphetamine?
Crystal methamphetamine is used
by individuals of all ages and is
increasingly gaining in popularity as a
club drug. It is difficult to determine
Crystal methamphetamine users
States use crystal methamphetamine who inject the drug expose themselves
because most illicit drug use surveys do to additional risks, including contract-
not distinguish between crystal meth- ing HIV (human immunodeficiency
amphetamine and powdered metham- virus), hepatitis B and C, and other
phetamine. Those surveys that do draw blood-borne viruses. Chronic users
such a distinction reveal that use of who inject methamphetamine also risk
crystal methamphetamine is prevalent. scarred or collapsed veins, infections of
According to the University of the heart lining and valves, abscesses,
Michigan’s Monitoring the Future pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver or
Survey, nearly 5 percent of high school kidney disease.
seniors in the United States used crys-
tal methamphetamine at least once in What is it called?
their lifetime and 3 percent used the
drug in the past year. The most common names for crystal
methamphetamine are ice and glass.
(Please see the Street Terms text box
What are the risks? below for additional names.)
Crystal methamphetamine use is
associated with numerous serious
physical problems. The drug can cause
rapid heart rate, increased blood pres-
sure, and damage to the small blood Street Terms for
vessels in the brain—which can lead to
Crystal Methamphetamine
stroke. Chronic use of the drug can
result in inflammation of the heart Batu L.A. ice
lining. Overdoses can cause Blade Quartz
hyperthermia (elevated body tempera- Cristy Shabu
ture), convulsions, and death. Crystal Shards
Individuals who use crystal metham- Crystal glass Stove top
phetamine also may have episodes of Hanyak Super ice
violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, Hiropon Tina
confusion, and insomnia. The drug can Hot ice Ventana
produce psychotic symptoms that Kaksonjae Vidrio
persist for months or years after an L.A. glass
individual has stopped using the drug.
 Other products of interest:
Crystal

Omaha (NE) Police Department

, Huffing—The Abuse of Inhalants

Methamphetamine
, Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth
, Drugs, Youth, and the Internet

Is crystal methamphetamine illegal? Fast Facts

Yes, crystal methamphetamine is For more information on illicit drugs
illegal. Crystal methamphetamine check out our web site at:
is a Schedule II substance under
the Controlled Substances Act. www.usdoj.gov/ndic
Schedule II drugs, which include
cocaine and PCP, have a high
potential for abuse. Abuse of these
drugs may lead to severe psycho-
logical or physical dependence. National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
Telephone: 814-532-4601
Check out Fast Facts on: FAX: 814-532-4690
, Crack cocaine , Methamphetamine
, Foxy , OxyContin NDIC Washington Liaison Office
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
, GHB and analogs , PCP McLean, VA 22102-3840
, Heroin , Powdered cocaine Telephone: 703-556-8970
, Inhalants , Prescription drugs FAX: 703-556-7807
, Jimsonweed
, Ketamine
, Khat
, Psilocybin
, Ritalin
, Rohypnol
NDIC publications are available on the following web sites:
ADNET http://ndicosa
Questions
, LSD
, Marijuana
, Salvia divinorum
, Steroids
LEO
RISS
home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic
ndic.riss.net and
Answers
INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic
, MDMA , Yaba
, Methadone Call 814-532-4541
to request NDIC products National Drug Intelligence Center
a component of the
NDIC Product No. 2003-L0559-012 U.S. Department of Justice
062303

Cover photo: DEA