DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we are bringing you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, impacts and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines Meth, technically known as Methamphetamine.
What is it and what does it look like?
Meth is a stimulant that can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked. The smokable form, crystal meth, resembles crushed ice.
Other street names?
o Crank
o Fire
o Glass
o Cristy
o White Cross
o Speed
o Crypto
o Crystal
o Ice
o Quartz
What are the short and long-term effects?
o Increased blood pressure and hyperthermia
o Convulsions, stroke, heart and blood toxicity
o Hallucinations and the sensation of insects crawling on or under skin
o Compulsive behavior
o Paranoia
What every parent should know:
Meth paraphernalia can include glass pipes or bongs, scales, hand torches, syringes and mini plastic bags. A disturbing trend among female teens is using meth to lose weight. Weight loss is severe and so are the side effects.
DrugFreeAZKids.org’s mission is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
