A real pain in the ass: An ugly burn inflicted by spilled ingredients COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH The Mythology MYTH: Meth Increases a person’s strength & endurance TRUTH: Meth may give the user the feeling of energy but it is short lived –it DOES NOT increase one’s strength or endurance. This feeling of energy from meth is usually followed by a “crash”, where the person is tired & may sleep for a long time. MYTH: Meth is safer & less addictive than ‘hard” drugs like crack or cocaine TRUTH: Partly due to how long meth lasts in the body & the poisonous chemicals used in making it, meth can be more harmful than crack cocaine and users might get addicted quicker. MYTH: Meth is illegal in all states except Minnesota & Florida TRUTH: Possession, use, manufacture, & distribution is illegal in all 50 states. If you make it, use it, have it in your pocket or house, sell it, or give it to your friend, even a little bit –you’ve committed a felony. MYTH: Meth only affects you while you are on it TRUTH: Meth affects brain cells & chemistry & can make you irritable & lessen your ability to feel pleasure for a period of time after stopping meth. Brain chemistry changes can last several months after the last time a person takes meth. MYTH: As long as a meth user showers & brushes their teeth, they won’t smell or look bad TRUTH: Regular meth users can develop sores on their face & body & their teeth become decayed & worn down from “grinding”. People close to meth users will tell you they can develop an unpleasant body odor. MYTH: Using Methamphetamine is a safe way to lose weight TRUTH: No! Meth is dangerous, addictive & can cause malnutrition leading to anorexia. Meth use causes bone loss, rotten teeth, sleeplessness, aggressiveness, heart damage & failure, seizures, coma & even death. MYTH: Methamphetaine is less harmful than other drugs TRUTH: Some users get hooked the first time they use meth. Meth is made from battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, antifreeze and other toxic ingredients, so there is a greater chance of suffering a heart attack, stroke or serious brain damage than with other drugs. MYTH: Methamphetamine use does not cause hallucinations TRUTH: Toxic methamphetamine ingredients combined with sustained sleep deprivation can cause auditory and visual distortions. On binges, users frequently report catching glimpses of “shadow” people or seeing bugs crawling on their skin. MYTH: The meth user is the only one hurt by their use TRUTH: Meth abuse affects the whole community. Meth labs are environmental hazards. These labs use volatile chemicals and other toxic ingredients that pollute communities. In addition, users’ families, friends and communities are often victims of neglect, domestic violence, theft and other violent behaviors.