How Is Meth Made? | Dangers of

Meth is made illegally in both large labs and small home-based operations in the United States and Mexico. The drug is not only dangerous to manufacture, but also highly addictive and causes a range of serious long-term health problems.

This guide outlines how to make meth, examines “what is meth made out of?”, and shows you how to get compassionate, effective addiction treatment.

Is All Meth Made in a Meth Lab?

Not all meth is made in large, sophisticated meth labs. While these labs exist, producing large quantities of the drug, there are also many small-scale operations. These smaller setups, often referred to as kitchen labs or one-pot labs, can be found in homes, apartments, and even vehicles. 

The ingredients needed to make meth are relatively easy to obtain, which has led to widespread, decentralized production. Despite the scale, all meth labs pose significant dangers due to the toxic and flammable chemicals involved, which can lead to explosions and environmental contamination.

How Much Meth Is Produced in the United States Each Year?

Methamphetamine production in the U.S. has changed dramatically over time. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 reduced the number of domestic meth labs by restricting access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine. This led to the rise of Mexican superlabs, which now produce most of the meth in the U.S., with purity levels between 95% and 99%. Despite these superlabs, thousands of smaller meth labs still exist in the U.S.
 
The impact of these changes is evident in meth seizure statistics. Meth seizures by the U.S. Border Patrol rose from 8,900 pounds 0 to 82,000 pounds between 2010 and 2018. However, a significant amount of meth still enters the U.S. undetected, suggesting actual production numbers are substantially higher.

Risks of Cooking Meth

The process of cooking this meth is extremely dangerous and poses significant risks to those involved in the process as well as to the surrounding environment. These risks include:

• Exposure to toxic chemicals: One of the most significant risks of cooking meth is exposure to toxic chemicals. Meth production involves the use of hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorus, lithium, and various solvents. These chemicals are not intended for human contact and can cause severe burns, respiratory issues, and other health problems. Inhaling fumes during meth production can lead to lung damage and other respiratory issues. The chemicals can also cause skin burns and eye damage if they come into contact with the body.

• Potential for explosions: The process of making meth is highly volatile and can easily result in explosions. Many of the chemicals used are flammable and can react violently if not handled correctly. For example, anhydrous ammonia can explode if it comes into contact with water, and lithium from batteries can ignite when exposed to air. The risk of explosions is particularly high during the heating phase of meth production. Even a small mistake or improper handling of the chemicals can cause a fire or explosion, putting the lives of those in the vicinity at great risk. Additionally, the volatile nature of the chemicals means that meth labs can pose a significant danger to surrounding homes and buildings.

• Environmental damage: Meth production not only endangers the people involved but also causes severe environmental damage. The process generates a large amount of toxic waste. For every pound of meth produced, several pounds of hazardous waste are created. This waste often gets dumped into the environment, contaminating soil, water sources, and air. Cleaning up meth lab sites is a complex and expensive process that requires specialized teams to safely remove and dispose of the hazardous materials. The environmental impact of meth labs can last for years, affecting local wildlife and posing ongoing health risks to people living nearby.

• Long-term health problems: Individuals involved in cooking meth or exposed to meth labs can suffer from long-term health problems. Chronic exposure to the chemicals used in meth production can lead to severe respiratory issues, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma. Skin contact with the chemicals can cause long-lasting burns and scars. Additionally, meth production can result in severe neurological damage. Inhaling toxic fumes or coming into contact with hazardous substances can impair brain function, leading to memory loss, cognitive issues, and other mental health problems.

• Impact on children: Children living in or near meth labs are at an especially high risk of harm. They can be exposed to toxic chemicals through inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion. Exposure to these substances can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and respiratory issues. In some cases, children found in meth lab environments show signs of neglect and abuse, as the chaotic and dangerous conditions are not conducive to proper care. Authorities often remove children from these environments to protect them from further harm, but the long-term impact on their health and well-being can be significant.

• Legal consequences: Cooking meth is illegal and carries severe legal consequences. Those caught manufacturing meth can face substantial prison sentences, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law enforcement agencies are highly vigilant in tracking and shutting down meth labs due to the significant dangers they pose. Convictions for meth production can result in lengthy prison terms, often ranging from several years to life sentences, depending on the scale of the operation and the individual’s criminal history. In addition to criminal penalties, those involved in meth production can face civil lawsuits for damages caused by explosions, environmental contamination, and harm to others.

• Community impact: Meth production affects not just the individuals directly involved but also the wider community. Meth labs can reduce property values in the surrounding area due to the stigma and potential danger they represent. The presence of meth labs can lead to increased crime rates, as meth production and distribution are often associated with other illegal activities. Communities with high levels of meth production may also face increased costs related to law enforcement, healthcare, and environmental cleanup efforts. The social fabric of these communities can be strained as families and neighbors deal with the fallout from meth-related activities.

• Health risks to first responders: First responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, face significant risks when dealing with meth labs. They can be exposed to toxic chemicals and hazardous conditions when entering and securing meth lab sites. Proper training and protective gear are essential to ensure their safety. Despite precautions, first responders can suffer from respiratory issues, chemical burns, and other health problems due to their exposure. The psychological toll of frequently encountering such dangerous and volatile situations can also impact their mental health.

• Meth addiction and abuse: The process of cooking meth is closely tied to the issue of meth addiction and abuse. Those involved in meth production often use the drug themselves, which compounds the health risks and dangers they face. Meth addiction can lead to severe physical and mental health problems, including weight loss, dental issues (meth mouth), paranoia, and hallucinations. Breaking free from meth addiction is incredibly challenging, and many people require intensive treatment and support to recover. Meth addiction not only affects the person using the drug but also their families and communities, leading to strained relationships and social problems.

• Economic costs: The economic costs of meth production are substantial. Healthcare costs for treating injuries and illnesses related to meth production and use are significant. Law enforcement and environmental cleanup efforts also require funding. The economic burden extends to lost productivity and increased social services for those affected by meth addiction. Additionally, businesses in areas with high meth activity may suffer due to reduced customer traffic and increased security concerns. The overall economic impact of meth production and addiction can be a heavy burden on local and state resources