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20 Meth Facts That Will Shock You

Drug abuse continues to be a growing concern worldwide, with countless lives affected by its devastating consequences. While there are several widely abused drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, methamphetamine stands out due to its exceptional addictiveness and affordability.

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It poses a grave threat to individuals and communities alike, fueling addiction epidemics and wreaking havoc on public health. With a century-old history, methamphetamine has proven time and time again how dangerous it is.

However, due to its usability as a medical and pharmaceutical drug, it has proven quite difficult to rid of entirely. This article will highlight some facts about this life-altering drug!

1. Meth Was First Synthesized in 1919

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Methamphetamine was first synthesized in its crystal form in 1919 by Japanese chemist Akira Ogata. At the time, Ogata produced it as a pharmaceutical drug which was known as “philopon”.

It was used primarily as a nasal decongestant and bronchodilator to treat ailments such as asthma and other nasal problems. Its stimulant properties became more prominent with time and so did its potential for abuse.

2. It was Widely Used by Soldiers in World War II

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As the stimulant properties of methamphetamines became evident, so did its uses. The drug was now being given to military personnel and factory workers.

In Germany, it was produced by the pharmaceutical company Temmler as a tablet named “Pervitin”. The tablet was given to soldiers becoming popular as it increased their 鈥榳akefulness鈥�. Pervitin was so popular that even Adolf Hitler indulged.

 However, the drug took a huge toll on soldiers, and by 1941 Germany had restricted the drug鈥檚 use to prescription-based use. This is because soldiers turned violent, committing war crimes against civilians; others attacked their officers.

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Also, after the high wore off, the soldiers were characterized as 鈥榸ombies鈥� due to the drug hangover. Other nations such as Japan also used the drug in different forms.

3. It was Used to Treat Obesity In the 1950s

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In the 1950s and early 1960s, methamphetamine was used as a treatment for obesity. This was largely due to its appetite-suppressing properties and ability to increase energy expenditure.

It was used in this manner mostly in the USA under the brand name Obetrol which was patented by Obetrol Pharmaceuticals. However, as the drug became popular, its addictive risks became more prevalent.

Therefore, the government had to intervene and restrict the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamines.

4. Meth was Listed as A Controlled Substance In 1971

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Despite the knowledge that methamphetamine was a highly addictive substance that posed a greater danger to the public compared to its usefulness, it would be mass-produced and sold to the public for about five (5) decades.

It was not until 1971 that the USA would pass the Controlled Substances Act. Under the Act, methamphetamine was then classified as a Schedule II drug, recognizing its high potential for abuse and addiction.

Since then, many countries have taken steps to regulate or ban methamphetamine. For instance, countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many European nations have classified methamphetamine as a controlled substance too.

Many governments have imposed strict legal penalties for its possession, production, and distribution.

5. Meth Can Be Taken Trough Various Methods

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Methamphetamine, usually in crystal form, can be via different methods. Perhaps the most common method is smoking. This is where the drug is heated and the vapors are inhaled into the lungs.

Another method is through injection via a needle and syringe. This is possible by melting or dissolving the drug in water and injecting it into a vein.

Another method is by grounding the meth crystals and snorting the powder. The fourth most common way of taking meth is by orally swallowing a pill or dissolving it in a beverage.

6. A Meth High Can Last for Up To 12 Hours

The duration of the high of any drug substance will vary depending on the amount of drug, potency, purity, and individual metabolism among other factors.

When smoked or injected, the effects of methamphetamine will kick in rapidly in a short but more intense high that will last for 4 to 8 hours.

When ingested orally or snorted, the onset of the effects will be much slower but will last longer. Usually, such highs will last for about 8 to 12 hours.

7. Meth Increases Release and Blocks Reuptake of Neurotransmitters

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Methamphetamine is a stimulant that stimulates the brain by flooding it with stimulative neurotransmitters. It does this by increasing their release and subsequently blocking their reuptake.

Said neurotransmitters include dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and serotonin. Increased dopamine in the brain explains the intense pleasure and reward experienced by meth users.

The high levels of adrenaline explain the hyperactiveness of meth users when high. Norepinephrine release leads to increased alertness and arousal, while serotonin release enhances mood and can induce a sense of well-being.

8. The Intense Meth High Is Followed By A Crash

Following a very intense meth high, a user experiences a similarly intense come down called a 鈥渃rash鈥�. The crash refers to the abrupt comedown and the subsequent physical and emotional exhaustion that accompanies the stimulant’s effects wearing off.

The crash is a result of the neurotransmitters that were overstimulating the brain depleting abruptly. The crash is characterized by symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, and an intense drug craving.

Some other symptoms include an increased appetite and a profound sense of emptiness. The crash can last for several hours and even days which is why a user will seek to use the drug again.

9. ‘Meth Mouth’ Is A Common Effect

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Of the many effects that meth has, perhaps the most glaring one is its effect on a user鈥檚 dental health. Commonly referred to as 鈥渕eth mouth鈥�, it is the severe oral decay of teeth that is characteristic in chronic meth users.

The drug’s acidic nature, combined with its ability to decrease saliva production and cause dry mouth, creates an environment conducive to tooth decay and gum disease.

Abuse of methamphetamine frequently results in poor dental hygiene habits, increased use of sweetened beverages, and teeth grinding or clenching, which aggravates oral health problems.

10. Meth Use Increases Risk of Developing Parkinson鈥檚 Disease

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Methamphetamine use has been linked by several research studies as a contributing factor to the development of Parkinson鈥檚 disease in a person. Several studies dating all the way back to the early 2000s and as recently as 2017 support this claim.

Parkinson鈥檚, named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. Parkinson’s disease occurs when there is a loss of dopamine-producing cells in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra.

The use of meth as shown above overstimulates these cells and therefore it could lead to their eventual death or slowing down. This is consistent with the findings of scientists who claim that meth users are at a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to non-users.

11. Meth Has Both Physical and Mental Health Effects

One of the many significant effects of meth use is the toll it has on a user鈥檚 cardiovascular system. Methamphetamine usage can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and irregular heartbeats, which increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac conditions.

Meth can also cause the emergence of a number of mental health issues, such as anxiety, despair, paranoia, and psychosis. Long-term methamphetamine addiction can alter the structure and function of the brain, which can worsen memory loss, cognitive decline, and emotional instability.

12. It Can Be Easily Produced in Home-Based Laboratories

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The production process of meth involves using readily available and inexpensive materials. This, therefore, makes it very easy for anyone with knowledge of the process to easily produce methamphetamine.

Because of this meth is often produced by local drug dealers in home labs. Common ingredients used in methamphetamine production include pseudoephedrine (found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications), chemicals such as acetone, hydrochloric acid, and red phosphorus (extracted from matchbooks), and household items like glassware, plastic containers, and heat sources.

The relatively low cost and accessibility of the necessary ingredients have contributed to the proliferation of clandestine meth labs. This poses significant risks to individuals involved in the production process as well as the surrounding community.

13. Meth Increases the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Methamphetamine use is highly associated with an increased risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Meth use leads to increased risky behavior such as unprotected sex or engaging with multiple sexual partners.

These factors, combined with the potential for sharing needles during injection drug use, significantly increase the likelihood of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs.

14. Methamphetamine Trade Is a Multi-Billion Dollar Business

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Methamphetamine is a fairly common drug given how simple it is to produce and the potential for users to become addicted rapidly. Due to this, many drug dealers produce it locally to avoid various levels of government agencies like the border patrol.

As a result, the methamphetamine business has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar operation around the globe.

The US methamphetamine market is estimated to be worth $3 to $8 billion. In East and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, it ranges from $30 billion to $61 billion annually.

15. A Meth High is Accompanied By Several Psychological And Behavioral Effects

Despite the intense pleasure and hyperactiveness, a meth high is also accompanied by several psychological and behavioral effects. One of these effects is a heightened sense of paranoia.

An individual under the influence of methamphetamines is increasingly suspicious and fearful and therefore becomes very violent as a result. Another common effect is intense hallucinations.

Users may see, hear, or feel things that are not present, experiencing vivid and distorted sensory perceptions. These hallucinations can be disturbing and contribute to the user’s overall sense of unease and agitation.

16. Possession and Distribution of Meth Is A Felony

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Getting caught in possession, using, or distributing meth is a punishable offense by law in many countries. In the USA, for example, the penalties for meth-related offenses are significant.

Possession of methamphetamine can be prosecuted as a felony, leading to imprisonment, fines, probation, mandatory drug treatment programs, and a permanent criminal record.

The severity of the offense is dependent on the jurisdiction and other factors such as prior convictions and intent to distribute. Similarly, countries such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and various European nations impose strict legal consequences for the possession and distribution of methamphetamine. 

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17. Meth remains In Your System for Months

Besides being highly addictive, meth is a very potent drug that remains traceable in your body for weeks and even months from the last time of use. While the high may go away within 12 hours, it will remain in your system.

If testing is done via a urine test, meth like all amphetamine-type stimulants is detectable for 3 to 5 days since it was last used. That detection interval is lower in blood and saliva tests.

However, the most accurate test is through hair. Yes, hair! Tests done by hair can detect methamphetamine that was ingested up to 90 days after last use. It should be noted that these periods are longer for chronic users and addicts.

18. It Can Take Months or Years to Beat a Meth Addiction

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Quitting methamphetamine (meth) is a challenging process that varies for each individual. Some factors contributing to this are period of exposure, age, support systems, and health or proneness to addiction.

The initial detoxification phase typically lasts around one to two weeks, during which the body eliminates the drug and adjusts to functioning without it.

However, overcoming the psychological aspects of addiction and maintaining long-term sobriety often requires ongoing treatment, therapy, and support. It’s important to note that recovery from meth addiction is a journey, and the process can take months or even years for an individual to fully heal and rebuild their life.

19. Meth Withdrawal Are Extremely Unpleasant and Dangerous

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A common step in the process of quitting any drug use is the withdrawal stage. Meth withdrawals in particular can be both unpleasant and dangerous.

Withdrawal symptoms can be intense and can include fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, increased appetite, and strong cravings for meth. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s usage history and the extent of their addiction.

In some cases, meth withdrawal can lead to severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and even psychosis. Therefore, it is important that one has clear and efficient support stems as they fight addiction.

20. Passively Smoking Meth Is Very Unlikely

Methamphetamine addiction typically occurs through direct use of the drug, such as smoking, snorting, injecting, or swallowing. It is highly unlikely to become addicted to meth simply by being a passive smoker or through indirect exposure.

However, it is worth noting that being exposed to methamphetamine smoke as a passive smoker can have harmful effects on one’s health, similar to those of a user.

The facts presented regarding methamphetamine paint a grim picture of the havoc this drug wreaks on individuals and society. Given the damage inflicted by meth, it is crucial to consider comprehensive measures, including the banning of this drug, in order to protect individuals and communities from its detrimental effects.

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