What Does Meth Look Like?
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Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive, dangerous illicit stimulant. While popular media shows portrayals of meth abuse, many people are unaware of the true danger of this potent drug.
Research from 2021 revealed that around 2.5 million people in the United States reported using meth in the previous year.[1] Meth abuse is dangerous and puts people at risk of overdose or addiction. People who develop an addiction to meth typically require comprehensive treatment to stop using it and avoid relapse.
This article will outline what meth is and its dangers. You will learn:
- What meth looks like
- Common street names for meth
- The effects and risks of abusing meth
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love abuses meth or struggles with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our rehab and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to set up an intake appointment.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is an illicit, man made synthetic drug. People create methamphetamine in illegal labs by combining common medications and household chemicals.
There are several forms of meth: a crystalline powder, a pill, “base meth,” and a solid called “crystal meth.”[2]
The process of making meth is dangerous, but using it is even more dangerous. Meth production is unregulated and illegal. It is impossible to know the potency of meth or what contaminants it may contain.
The effects of meth can be immediately hazardous and cause long-term health consequences. People with meth abuse and addiction require substantial treatment and support to stop using this powerful drug safely.
What Does Meth Look Like?
There are several forms of meth, each with its own appearance. Here is an overview of what each form of meth looks like.
Powder
Powder meth is a fine, whitish powder. It may appear like powdered sugar, baby powder, or flour. Sometimes, it may be pale yellow, light pink, or brownish. The color of the powder can vary depending on the drug’s purity and the chemicals people used to make it.
Powder meth can be snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected.[2]
Crystal meth
Many people think of crystal meth when they think of methamphetamine. Crystal meth looks like shards of glass or shiny, bluish rocks.[2]
People ingest crystal meth by smoking it. This form of meth provides an intense rush because of its potency.
Pill
Although it’s uncommon, meth can come in the form of a pill. The pill may be white or another color.
People may take the pill form of meth to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People who abuse it may crush and snort the pill to get a quicker “high.”
Base meth
Base meth is the rarest form of methamphetamine. It appears as a waxy paste that may be white, brown, or another color.
People use base meth by smoking or injecting it. This potent form of the stimulant drug provides a quick, intense high.
All forms of methamphetamine are dangerous. Recognizing meth can help you identify methamphetamine abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
What are Slang Terms for Meth?
Meth is a common slang term for methamphetamine. Other street names for this illegal drug include:
- Crystal meth
- Crank
- White
- Speed
- Ice
- Zip
- Shaved ice
- L.A. ice
- Hot ice
- Shards
- Stovetop
- Hawaiian salt
- Blue
Many of the slang terms for methamphetamine reflect the drug’s appearance, which can be a pill, powder, crystals, or waxy base.
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Meth Abuse
Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant drug. People typically snort, swallow, inject, or smoke meth. Using meth can produce quick, intense side effects that may include:[1,3]
- Increased energy
- Elevated blood pressure
- Euphoria
- Reduced appetite
- Rapid heart rate
People may also experience dangerous short-term side effects while using meth, including:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mood swings
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Delusions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Hallucinations
- Poor concentration and focus
- Confusion
Taking too much meth can lead to a lethal overdose. Research from 2021 showed that over 32,000 people died from a drug overdose involving methamphetamine.[4]
People who abuse meth are likely to become addicted to it. Drug addiction can cause severe problems. Some of the long-term issues associated with meth addiction include:
- Severe tooth and gum decay (meth mouth)
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
- Sinus or facial damage
- Skin infections and scarring
- Lung damage and respiratory diseases
Some of the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse are permanent, even if the person stops using meth. It is crucial to recognize and treat meth abuse as soon as possible to avoid permanent complications of substance abuse.
Recognizing and Treating Meth Addiction
There are many physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of meth addiction. These include:
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Severe dental issues, including decay and missing teeth
- Rapid weight loss
- Paranoia
- Aggression or violent behaviors
- Irritability or mood swings
- Insomnia
- Skin-picking
People with meth addiction will continue to use meth, even when it causes serious problems. People with meth abuse or addiction require comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs and continuing support to stop using it and avoid relapse.
Treatment for meth addiction includes medically-supported detox programs, mental health treatment, education, psychotherapy, and other therapies that support long-term recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to explore our addiction treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out with questions, to get help verifying insurance, or to schedule an appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine Research Report Overview
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Methamphetamine
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Methamphetamine
- NIDA: What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?