FAQ

What does crystal meth look like?
Crystal meth can be found as a white, yellowish or reddish powder, a waxy solid (glass) or a clear rock (ice). It is commonly called Tina, Crissy, crystal, bump, speed, or tweak.

How much does crystal meth cost?
A one-fourth gram dose usually costs about $20. However, the physical, emotional and social costs of using crystal are incalculable.

How can crystal meth be consumed?
It can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected, or inserted anally ("booty bumping"). There is no safe way to take crystal meth. If you have not tried it, don't start. If you are using occasionally, try reducing or stopping your use.

How long can the high last?
The high can last 8 to 12 hours (depending on tolerance). Tolerance will increase with every dose, which means youll need to take more to achieve the same high. The more you use, the harder it will be to stop.

What do you feel when you're high?
As a stimulant, crystal meth increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, the brains pleasure and alert chemicals. This produces euphoria, increases energy, prolongs sexual performance and suppresses appetite. Crystal meth can also produce feelings of power, confidence, invulnerability, and intense sexual desire.

What do you feel when you're coming down?
You may have little energy and still not be able to sleep for days, which may cause irritability and paranoia. You might fixate on a single activity (like picking at your own skin until you can't stop bleeding) and be unable to pull yourself away. You might crave more crystal meth even though no amount will be enough to recreate that euphoric high, which might lead to frustration, unpredictability and potential violence. Shaking, nausea, palpitations, sweating, and hyper-ventilation are more of the symptoms you may experience when coming down. The severity and duration of these symptoms depend on the amount of crystal meth consumed and the amount of time spent high.

What are the short-term side effects?

Sharp spike in blood pressure, irregular heart-beat, chest pain, overdose.
Impaired decision-making.
Damage to penis or anus from aggressive, prolonged sex.
Rapid development of neurological damage to the craving/reward cycle in the brain.

What are the long-term side effects?

Diminishing levels of calcium throughout the body resulting in tooth decay.
Undesirable weight loss.
Impaired memory, potentially permanent damage to dopamine nerve cells resulting in slower motor and cognitive functioning.
Chronic depression, paranoia, temporary psychosis, suicidal thoughts.
Abscesses, soft tissue infections, hepatitis, STDs, and HIV infection.
Impotence ("crystal dick").
Reduced decision-making capabilities and lower functioning levels that can result in problems keeping your job, financial security, and housing.
Arrest, imprisonment, and criminal record.
Relationship or interpersonal violence.
Isolation, including loss or degradation of relationships with partners, friends, and family; inability to feel pleasure; inability to have sex without crystal.

Who is using crystal meth in Chicago?
In Chicago, as with other urban areas, the population most impacted by crystal meth use appears to be gay men. Approximately 1 in 10 Chicago gay men reported using crystal meth at least once in 2003, compared to 7 out of 1,000 adult males nationwide. Crystal use is most prevalent among Caucasians and Hispanic gay men over the age of 30. However, anyone using crystal can become addicted and harmed by using this drug. Addiction does not discriminate.

In suburban and rural areas of Illinois, the use of crystal meth tends to be concentrated among heterosexuals.

What are the sexual risks associated with crystal meth use?
Crystal meth users reported engaging in unprotected receptive anal sex 3 times as often as gay men who have not used crystal in the past year. That makes them almost 3 times more likely to be exposed to HIV and other STDs, like syphilis, compared to men who don't use crystal meth.

How addictive is crystal meth?
Although drug dependency varies by individual, addiction to crystal may develop more quickly and intensely than with other drugs, even heroin, amplifying chances of acquiring or transmitting HIV and STDs, and experiencing other severe physical, psychological, and relational harms.

How can I report dealing?
To anonymously report the sale or distribution of crystal meth in Chicago, please contact Lieutenant Robert Stasch of the Chicago Police Department. E-mail him at Robert.stasch@chicagopolice.org or call 312-744-6207.