Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. Street names for the drug include "speed," "meth," "crystal," and "crank." Methamphetamine is used in pill form, or in powdered form by snorting or injecting. Crystallized methamphetamine known as "ice," "crystal," or "glass," is usually smoked and is a more powerful form of the drug. A methamphetamine-induced "high" artificially boosts self-confidence, many users are overcome by a so-called "superman syndrome." In this state, methamphetamine abusers ignore their physical limitations and try to do things which they are normally incapable of performing. Meth is highly addictive because people often continue using the drug to avoid an inevitable crash that comes when the drugs' positive effects begin to wear off. Even first time users experience many of meth's negative effects.

A toxic reaction (or overdose) can occur at relatively low levels, 50 milligrams of pure Meth for a non-tolerant user. Metabolic rates vary from person to person, and the strength of the Meth varies from batch to batch, so there is no way of stating a "safe" level of use. Because stimulants effect the body's cardiovascular and temperature-regulating systems, physical exertion increases the hazards of Meth use.