Amphetamine/Methamphetamine
What are Amphetamines and Methamphetamine?
Amphetamine refers to a class of drugs that have an amphetamine base and have many legitimate medical uses. Some of the more commonly prescribed Amphetamines are Desoxyn, Biphetamine, Obetrol and Adderall. Almost all of the illicit amphetamine traffic is in the form of Methamphetamine.
Where did Amphetamines/Methamphetamine come from?
Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887, however it’s therapeutic properties were not investigated until 1927. The first marketed product to contain Amphetamine was Benzedrine Inhaler that was introduced in 1932 to help asthmatics breath easier. It was soon discovered that it also relieved fatigue, increased energy levels, suppressed appetite and reduced the need for sleep. During World War II Japan, German, Great Britain and the United States gave the drug to their combat troops and civilians to aid the war effort. After the war the use of Amphetamines skyrocketed. In 1970 restrictions were placed on the drugs manufacture and distribution. The use of Amphetamine declined in the 70’s and 80’s but the abuse of Methamphetamine dramatically increased in the 1990’s.
How is Methamphetamine manufactured?
Illicit Methamphetamine is almost always manufactured in a clandestine laboratory. One of several types of Ephedrine reductions methods is most commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Like Amphetamines, Ephedrine has several medical applications and is used in many over the counter drugs. In Kansas the most common method of illicit Methamphetamine manufacture is the Birch reduction or Nazi Method. Anhydrous ammonia is an integral part of this method of manufacture and is readily available in Kansas due to the agricultural nature of our economy. The second most common method is the Hydriodic Acid and Red Phosphorous Reduction method. Clandestine laboratory sites are extremely dangerous locations that usually contain several dangerous substances used to manufacture methamphetamine.
What are common items used in the manufacture of Methamphetamine?
Nazi Method Red Phosphorus Method
Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine
Toluene Red phosphorus
Ether Iodine
Coleman fuel Hypo phosphorous acid
Heet Sodium hydroxide
Lithium metal, Potassium metal or Sodium metal Hydriodic acid
Anhydrous ammonia Coleman fuel
Hydriodic acid Freon
Sulfuric acid Mineral spirits
Salt Toluene
Sulfuric acid
Salt
What does Methamphetamine look like?
Methamphetamine is usually a white or tan powder. It can however range in color from silver to rusty orange in color depending on the cook. Methamphetamine produced by the Nazi method or the Red Phosphorus Method usually has a purity level between 80% to 90%. Like cocaine it is often cut or diluted by adding sodium bicarbonate, lidocaine, lactose, mannitol, cocaine, or methyl sulfone. The average street purity is approximately 40%.
Ice is a purified form of methamphetamine that is smoked like crack cocaine. Ice first appeared in 1988 and ranges in purity from 93% to 98% methamphetamine. Ice appears to be as its namesake, a clear rocky substance that looks like ice or broken glass.
How is Methamphetamine ingested?
Methamphetamine can be snorted, smoked, taken orally or injected. Methamphetamine like cocaine can be dissolved in water and is easily injected. Ice is always smoked in some form of pipe and inhaled.
How is Methamphetamine packaged?
Methamphetamine like Cocaine is often packaged in plastic bags, dollar bills or other paper binders called snow seals, small vials, film containers or aluminum foil.
What are the physical effects of Methamphetamine use?
Some of the most common effects an individual may display under the influence of amphetamine or methamphetamine may include:
Alertness Anxiety Aggressiveness
Confusion Delirium Dilated pupils
Dry mouth Euphoria Enhanced sexual activity
Teeth grinding Irritability Increased blood pressure
Jaw clenching Reduced fatigue Sensitivity to light and sound
Sweating Talkativeness Reduced appetite
Increased self confidence Lowered social inhibitions
Chronic use of amphetamines and methamphetamine can produce severe physical and mental problems including delusions, visual and auditory hallucination and violent behavior. Chronic abuse of amphetamines and methamphetamine can result in the following conditions:
Aggressiveness Insomnia Seizures
Anorexia Mental confusion Skin sores
Anxiety and tension Panic attacks Delusion
Paranoia Sweating Depression
Perspiration odor Tremors Discoloration/rotting of the teeth
Formication (crank bugs) Rapid mood swings Violent behavior
Hallucinations Restlessness Weight loss
Meth comes in a varity of looks and colors.
