Check it Out: • 1 LB of METH = 5 LBS of   TOXIC WASTE • In 2004 alone, there were more   than 10,000 meth lab cleanups   at a cost of $18.6 million (Source: DEA, NIDA, NIH, USDHHS)

Other Drug Information: Alcohol Cocaine Ecstasy Fentanyl Hallucinogens Heroin Inhalants LSD Marijuana Prescription Drugs Steroids

The Many Faces of Meth: Before After

(Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office - Faces of Meth™)

U.K. Makes Methamphetamine a 'Class A' Drug

Facing a worrying rise in international use of methamphetamine, the British government is scheduled to reclassify the drug as a "Class A" substance, which could mean stiffer penalties for users and dealers, the BBC reported Jan. 18.

DrugScope, a U.K. drug-prevention group, called the decision a "sensible precautionary move" but said it should be accompanied by more government funding and training for frontline drug workers. "Services for stimulant users have improved considerably over the last five years but, as there is no viable substitute drug, services rely on specialist talking therapies for clients," said DrugScope CEO Martin Barnes. "Significant investment is needed to ensure that there are appropriate services for people using the whole range of stimulants such as amphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine and crystal meth, right across the UK."

Other drugs classified as Class A in the U.K. include heroin and cocaine. "I believe tougher penalties send a strong message that dealing and making crystal meth will not be tolerated," said U.K. Home Office minister Vernon Coaker.

Coaker said the government drew upon the experiences of the U.S. and other countries in designing its campaign against meth, which will include publicizing graphic before-and-after photos of a pair of American female meth users.