What are signs of meth use?

A meth user may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms and behaviors and may have some or all of the listed paraphernalia:

Physical Symptoms:
* Weight loss
* Abnormal sweating
* Shortness of breath
* Nasal problems or nosebleeds
* Sores that do not heal
* Dilated pupils
* Burns on lips or fingers
* Track marks on arms

Behavioral Symptoms:
* Withdrawal from family and friends
* Change in friends
* Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
* Increased activity
* Long periods of sleeplessness (24-120 hours)
* Long periods of sleep (24-48 hours)
* Incessant talking
* Irritability
* Twitching and shaking
* Itching
* Decreased appetite
* Erratic attention span
* Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects * Aggression or violent behavior
* False sense of confidence and power
* Convulsions
* Carelessness about appearance
* Deceit or secretiveness


Mental Symptoms:
* Paranoia
* Anxiousness
* Nervousness
* Agitation
* Extreme moodiness
* Severe depression
* Hallucinations
* Delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin.

Paraphernalia:
* Rolled up paper money or short straws
* Pieces of glass/mirrors
* Razor blades
* Burned spoons
* Surgical tubing
* Syringes/needles

** In all cases of meth use, a user may experience a loss of inhibitions and a false sense of control and confidence, which can lead to dangerous behavior.


2. What is a meth lab?
An illegal meth or crank lab is an illicit operation that contains chemicals and/or apparatus that either have been or could be used to make meth.

There are several different techniques used to produce meth. All of the processes use a variety of chemicals including explosives, solvents, metals, salts, and corrosives. During the manufacturing process or "cooking", additional compounds and by-products are produced. The fumes, vapors, and spillage associated with cooking can be toxic.

Clandestine meth labs are found in rural, city, and suburban residences. They are found in houses, apartments, and rental homes; hotel and motel rooms, vehicles or abandoned cars, back rooms of businesses; garages, sheds and other storage facilities, barns, and vacant buildings; campgrounds and rest areas.

Meth can even be made in a small makeshift "lab" that can fit into a suitcase. Small portable labs are commonly referred to as "Mom and Pop" or "Beavis and Butthead" labs. Larger labs that are permanently set up and can produce up to 100 pounds of meth are referred to as "Super" labs