What It Is: Methamphetamines are stimulants, a type of drug that lets people stay awake and do continuous activity with less need for sleep. These drugs are made as pills, powders, or chunky crystals called ice. Ice, nicknamed crystal meth, is a popular drug, especially with young adults and for those who go to lots of dance clubs and parties. Sometimes Called: speed, uppers, meth, crystal meth, chalk, ice, glass, Christmas tree, crank (especially when injected) How It's Used: Methamphetamines are swallowed, inhaled, smoked, or injected into a vein. What It Does: Swallowed or snorted (also called bumping) meth give the user an intense high. Injections create a quick but strong intense high, called a rush or a flash. People who abuse methamphetamines feel high and full of energy. They think the drug will allow their bodies to keep going and going. But meth is very damaging to the body and brain, especially with repeated use. Side effects include rapid breathing, an irregular heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Users also complain of sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dry mouth, hot flashes, and dizziness. Because the drug often decreases or even eliminates appetite, it has been used as a dangerous dieting strategy for people trying to lose weight quickly. "Meth mouth" is another risk. This severe tooth decay and gum disease often causes teeth to break or fall out. Long-term use can bring on brain damage that causes problems with memory and body movements, and can cause mood swings and violent behavior. When used in larger doses, meth can cause dangerously high body temperature, confusion, convulsions (uncontrollable jerking body movements), and even death. Back to Articles Related Articles What You Need to Know About Drugs Drugs are chemicals that change the way a person's body works. Some drugs help you feel better, but drugs also can harm you. Learn more in this article for kids. Read More Marijuana: What Parents Need to Know Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the United States. Read More Talking to Your Child About Drugs Just as you inoculate your kids against illnesses like measles, you can help "immunize" them against drug use by giving them the facts now. Read More Amphetamines: What Parents Need to Know Amphetamines (including prescription diet pills) are highly addictive stimulants that accelerate functions in the brain and body. Read More Dealing With Addiction Find out what you can do if you think you or a friend has a drug or alcohol addiction - from recognizing the warning signs to suggestions to help you stay clean. Read More Drugs: What to Know It's not hard to find drugs, and sometimes it may seem like everyone's doing them or wanting you to do them. But there are downsides (and dangers) to taking drugs. Read More Dealing With Peer Pressure Did you ever feel like another kid was trying to get you to do something you didn't want to do? If so, you've felt peer pressure. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.