Methamphetamine is a powerful, extremely addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It produces an intense rush and a quick high. After the high comes the crash. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety, and fatigue as well as strong cravings for the drug. Paranoia and aggression are other common aftereffects.

Meth is a synthetic drug that can be produced in home labs, making it relatively inexpensive and widely available. It is made by "cooking" pseudoephedrine products and common household chemicals that are normally used to unclog drains, clean car engines, and fertilize crops, among other uses.

Methamphetamine comes in the form of pills, powder, clear crystals, or liquid. It is at its most potent when smoked or injected, but it can also be snorted or swallowed.

Street names for meth often reflect its characteristics: speed, crystal, crank, chalk, ice, glass, among over a hundred nicknames for methamphetamine. Some other names for the drug are blue meth, cinnamon, hot ice, go-fast, pick, rock, tweak, and yellow powder.