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20DESIGNER DRUGSFigure 2.1 Methamphetamine can come in a crystallized formand be snorted with a “pipe” (shown here). Methamphetamine inthis form is known as “ice” or “glass.” The drug is also found inpill or tablet form, but produces a less immediate high, becausethe drug does not directly enter the bloodstream when taken orally.drug that is being taken. Methamphetamine crystals cost anywherefrom $300 to $4,000 per ounce, depending on wherethey are being sold.Methamphetamine can also come in the form of coloredpills or tablets (Figure 2.2), which many users consider saferthan raw powder because they are less likely to be lacedwith contaminants. However, pill and tablet forms of methamphetamineoften do contain impurities. These forms oftenproduce less of a “rush” (the immediate pleasurable feelingproduced by a drug) compared to when the drug is injected orsmoked. This is because the pills must be absorbed through thegastrointestinal (GI) tract prior to entering the bloodstreamand subsequently the brain.Most methamphetamine in the United States comes from