Know the facts, connect with resources, and get one-on-one support to help you prevent or address use of methamphetamine (meth) with your child.
Crystal Meth (methamphetamine) is an addictive stimulant that strongly activates certain systems in the brain.
Some slang terms you might hear for methamphetamine are meth, chalk, crank, crystal, glass, tweak, ice, or tina.
In its illicit form, meth is a crystal-like powdered substance that sometimes comes in large rock-like chunks. The powder sometimes flakes off the rock, making the shards look like glass — which is where many of the slang terms originate.
Meth is most commonly used in its illicit form, which is taken orally, injected, snorted or smoked. Legal forms of methamphetamine (such as the prescription stimulant Desoxyn) is sometimes prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Young people hear that by smoking or injecting meth, a person experiences an intense “high” or “rush” that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. They also may try meth since it can produce a feeling of extreme wakefulness.
The risks of meth are substantial. Meth is addictive, and a person can develop a tolerance quickly, needing increasingly larger amounts to get high. In some cases, people using meth will forego food and sleep and take more meth every few hours for days, ‘binging’ until they run out of the drug or become too disorganized to continue.
Chronic use of meth can cause paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive behavior (such as compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects), and delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin that can lead to obsessive scratching to get rid of these imagined insects. Long-term use, high dosages, or both can bring on psychosis (often exhibited as violent, aggressive behavior). This violent, aggressive behavior is usually coupled with extreme paranoia. Methamphetamine use can also cause severe dental problems, convulsions, changes in brain structure, strokes, heart attack and death.
Keep an eye out for these specific signs of methamphetamine use:
Visit these resources to help you take action if you suspect or know your child is using meth.
Methamphetamine, or meth, is experiencing a resurgence. Learn how it affects the body, why it's appealing, and how to help your child get treatment.
Is your child using drugs? Use these tips to prepare for the conversation ahead, and lay the foundation for more positive outcomes.
It can be scary if your child is using drugs or alcohol, and it's important to confront it. We're here to give you tips and strategies on how to do it.
Our personalized text messaging program is designed to help you support your loved one and yourself whether your interest is in prevention, intervention, treatment or recovery.
This risk assessment is designed to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment.
If you suspect or know your child is engaging in substance use or other unhealthy behaviors, all you want to do is get them back on track. More effective communication and proven ways to change challenging behaviors are key to healthier outcomes.
Our personalized text messaging program is designed to help you support your loved one and yourself whether your interest is in prevention, intervention, treatment or recovery.
This risk assessment is designed to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment.
If you suspect or know your child is engaging in substance use or other unhealthy behaviors, all you want to do is get them back on track. More effective communication and proven ways to change challenging behaviors are key to healthier outcomes.
Get Support
