The new drug sending Ghanaian youths to their early grave (Photos).

Crystal Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Also known as meth, blue, ice, and crystal, among many other terms, it takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

The effect lasts longer than with cocaine, it is cheaper, and it is easy to make with commonly available ingredients.

Street names for this drug include chalk, crank, ice, crystal, meth, and speed.

Methamphetamine causes the brain to release huge amounts of ‘pleasure chemical’ dopamine, and then prevents the brain from re-absorbing it for many hours. This gives a lasting and euphoric ‘high’.

West Africa, including Ghana, has long had a part to play in the global drugs trade by being part of a transit route which sees drugs crossing continents.

Both meth and cocaine act on chemicals in the brain, like dopamine, to change perception and behavior. However, there are important differences between cocaine and meth that change how these drugs affect and are processed by the body.

Many Ghanaian youths are taking this dangerous substance and it’s killing them.

Meth is addictive if you try it you will never stop it, look at the side effects.

This substance is worse than cocaine and will shorten your life, worse part is it’s addictive and many youths are victims already.