Methamphetamine is a synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Illegally produced meth appears as a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, the crystallized form of the drug, is often called “ice,” “crystal,” or “glass” because it is clear, chunky crystals that resemble those substances. The names for meth in pill form include “uppers” and “yaba.” “Yaba” means “crazy pill” in the Thai language. It is a tablet of meth combined with caffeine. Other slang terms for meth include “speed,” “tweak,” “go-fast,” “crank,” “rocket fuel,” and “tina.”
Meth can be snorted, smoked, injected, or orally ingested. In 2020, the DEA reported an increase in methamphetamine pills.
Methamphetamine is known to lead to psychosis, violence, impaired thinking-related skills, and life-altering addiction (“Meth Research,” 2019).
