It's a drug often associated with backwater America and 'before and after' mugshots of addiction-ravaged faces. But experts are warning crystal meth use is exploding on Greater Manchester's gay chemsex party scene.
And it's led to calls for more support and education amid fears of an burgeoning addiction crisis. Meth is a stimulant causing alertness and arousal, which can be swallowed, snorted, smoke or injected.
But it can also lead to agitation, paranoia and psychosis, cause users to stay awake for days on end and lead to long-term mental health issues and heart problems. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. Until recently there was a stigma around the use of meth - known as 'Tina' or 'T' - and it was pretty hard to get hold of in Manchester.
But since the pandemic attitudes have changed dramatically, a study by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University and Greater Manchester Combined Authority has found.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk