Methamphetamines

Similar to amphetamine, methamphetamine is a synthetic substance that acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system, generating a feeling of exhilaration and produces increased arousal and activity levels. Smoking the purer crystalline form (crystal meth) can produce an intense rush similar to crack cocaine, but much longer lasting.

Short term risks include paranoia and hallucinations. A common hallucination is known as ‘speed bugs’ where users think bugs are crawling under their skin. Extended use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. When smoked, it reaches the brain much quicker and is perceived to be the most dangerous, with a high risk of producing dependence and health problems. Injecting methamphetamine can also lead to development of dependence as well as viral infection hazards (e.g. HIV and hepatitis) as are found with the injection of other drugs.

Methamphetamine base is a colourless volatile oil, insoluble in water. Methamphetamine usually comes in the form of a white odourless and bitter-tasting crystalline powder, readily soluble in water or alcohol. It can also be found in tablet or powder form, and can be smoked, injected, snorted or consumed orally. Methamphetamines can be ingested, snorted, injected or smoked.

Although the use of methamphetamine remains limited in Europe as a whole, it is a problem drug in some countries such as Czech Republic, where it is the most used illicit drug after cannabis. Methamphetamine is often produced in or around the consumer markets, and can be synthesized from a range of ingredients through various basic, one-step, chemical processes.

Methamphetamines have similar effects to cocaine and amphetamine but produces a greater effect on the central nervous system.

Concateno can offer a test for methamphetamine in oral fluid, hair and urine.

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