What is Meth? Methamphetamine, also known as “speed,” “crank,” “crystal,” or “ice” is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or ingested by mouth. The color and texture of meth can vary; most commonly it is usually white or slightly yellow in a crystal-like powder or rock-like chunks. What are its effects? Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. Use results in increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, elevated temperature and wakefulness. These effects can last 8 – 24 hours. Where does it come from? While some is smuggled from outside the U.S., most methamphetamine in Saline County is manufactured, or “cooked” in small, clandestine laboratories. These labs may be set up in homes, garages, storage units, apartments, motel rooms, even the trunk of a car. Why is it addictive? Meth has been called a “double whammy” drug. When using methamphetamine, the user feels energetic and powerful, but a “crash” inevitably follows the “high”. In order to avoid or counteract the crash, the user takes more meth. Tolerance develops rapidly, often leading to addiction in a relatively short time. Who uses it? Meth is used in variety of age groups, lifestyles and neighborhoods. Users range from curious teens, college students attracted by the drug’s reputation for increasing energy and sexuality, truck drivers and shift workers who use the drug to keep alert for extended periods of time, and girls and women who view it as a way to lose weight.