METH \ Facts

Facts about the illegal drug known as methamphetamine or meth:

Typically produced from over-the-counter cold medications and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder and chunks.

Stimulates central nervous system, is extremely addictive and can cause intense and prolonged withdrawal.

May cause violent, paranoid and combative behavior. Also may cause impaired speech, rotting teeth and sores.

Popularity primarily confined to West Coast and southwestern United States until late 1980s. Started spreading east across the country by early 1990s, hitting rural areas particularly hard.

Manufacturing or “cooking” the drug creates large amounts of toxic waste, resulting in dangers to neighbors, law enforcement personnel and others exposed to byproducts.

Small space needed to produce drug and use of common ingredients allow it to be made easily almost anywhere.

Source: Ohio Attorney General’s Office