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Stimulants (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth)

Methamphetamine in various types of pills

STIMULANTS are drugs that increase alertness, cellular activity, heart rate, and blood pressure. They have been used for centuries for their psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. AMPHETAMINES are powerful stimulant drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. Their effect is similar to that of the body's own adrenalin. Even though amphetamines mimic the effects of adrenalin, they act for a much longer time in the body.

"LOOK-ALIKE DRUGS" are tablets or capsules that are made to look like real amphetamines and roughly imitate their effects. They usually contain varying amounts of legal substances such as caffeine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, which are found in over-the-counter diet pills and decongestants. They are sold on the street as "uppers" or "speed" and often are purported by the sellers to be authentic amphetamines.

Methamphetamine in powder form.

About Methamphetamine

There is an increase in the production and use of methamphetamine in the Medicine Hat area. Medicine Hat Police are also concerned about the increase and the danger it presents to residents. The community needs to be educated as to the signs of both the methamphetamine production process and the behavioral characteristics of those using the drug.

Residents should also be aware that with an increase in the usage of methamphetamine, there would be a corresponding increase in property crimes as users look for the means to support their habits.

There are three common methods used to produce methamphetamine. These processes use a variety of chemicals including explosives, solvents, metals, salts and corrosives. The combination and/or the cooking of these chemicals can create vapors and spillage, which could be toxic. Meth can be 'cooked' anywhere; houses, apartments, trailers, motel rooms and garages

If you suspect a methamphetamine lab in the City contact the
Medicine Hat Police Service, phone: 502-8909

Indications might include the following:

• Chemical odors

• Excessive traffic, short term traffic and people coming and going from particular residences

• Purchasing of large quantities of acetone, lithium batteries, iodine, sudafed tablets

Understanding Crystal Meth

Crystal Meth is a smokable form of methamphetamine. It is a powerful stimulant produced in labs; it can be made from common ingredients bought from local drug, health and hardware stores.

When smoked it gives a rapid and long lasting high. If taken orally it can take upwards of 30 minutes to affect the individual. This drug can also be snorted or injected. Crstal Meth is relatively cheap to sell and produce compared with other common street drugs.

Crystal Meth users can experience some very severe and acute problems. Delusional thinking, itching, skin welts, nausea, uncontrolled body movements and even seizures leading to death. Crystal Meth is one of the most addictive drugs on the street and presents a considerable risk to the users’ life. It also has a considerable “ripple” effect on families, friends and employers.