YABA is a combination of methamphetamine (a powerful and addictive stimulant) and caffeine.

The drug is popular in Asian communities in the United States and increasingly is available at raves and techno parties.

The appeal of this drug is the very colorful (usually red/orange or green) tiny size tablets that make it easy for users and smugglers to hide. Yaba tablets typically bear one of a variety of logos; R and WY are common logos.

Yaba, which is Thai for "crazy medicine" is a derivative of synthetic amphetamines such as speed and can be manufactured far more quickly and easily than traditional forms of amphetamine.

• This drug causes hallucinogenic effects and allows the user to stay awake for days on end.
• Individuals who use yaba face the same risks as users of other forms of methamphetamine: rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain that can lead to stroke.
• Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining. Overdoses can cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsions, and death. Individuals who use yaba also may have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia.

Although most users administer yaba orally, those who inject the drug expose themselves to additional risks, including contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne viruses.