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Methamphetamine, a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant, is known by different street names, including meth, crank, crystal and speed.

It typically comes as a crystalline powder or rock-like chunks. It can vary in color white, yellow, brown or pink. It is smoked, injected or snorted. Smoking or injecting meth produces a "rush" that lasts only a few minutes but is described as extremely pleasurable. Snorting or swallowing produces a euphoric high, but no rush.

A period of high agitation may follow ingestion; some people exhibit violent behavior. It also can produce increased wakefulness and insomnia, decreased appetite, irritability and aggression, anxiety, nervousness and convulsions.

Much of the illegal drug trafficked across the country is manufactured in super labs in Mexico and Southern California; about a third of the total is produced in small quantities in basements, kitchens, garages, bedrooms, barns, vacant buildings, campgrounds, hotels and the trunks of cars.

It can be made from legally available household ingredients and over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. The manufacturing process is toxic and prone to fires.

Long-term effects of methamphetamine use tears lives apart. It is addictive, and tolerance to it can occur quickly, leading users to desire larger amounts. Chronic use can cause paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive behavior, and delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin.

That euphoric rush that is so enticing is caused by dopamine, a feel-good chemical produced by the brain in response to the drug. But meth alters the brain's chemistry, and after extended use, the brain loses its ability to respond to dopamine. Users no longer feel good, increase dosages, and become addicted.

Long-term use, high dosages, or both can induce full-blown toxic psychosis. This behavior is usually coupled with extreme paranoia. Meth can cause strokes, heart attacks and death.

For more detailed information on meth warning signs, visit www.drugfree.org/Files/Meth_Fact_Sheets.