What Is Crystal Meth?

Almost 12 million people in the U.S. have reported using crystal meth at least once. Thus, making crystal methamphetamine one of the most widely used illicit drugs after cannabis.

There are various reasons why people use crystal meth. For example, some women have reported seeking weight loss, while some men have reported seeking an increase in sexual performance. This stimulant drug can provide the energy to dance for hours and increase libido. Individuals living on the street report using it to allow them to stay awake to protect their belonging, suppress their appetite, and help them deal with negative emotions.

However, these small perks don’t outweigh the high risk of becoming dependent because it is common for crystal meth users to take consistent doses of the drug, resulting in needing a higher amount to continue feeling the same intensity of euphoria.

Crystal Meth Overview

Synthetically created for recreation, crystal meth is a highly addictive and potent stimulant. As a result, it has a higher likelihood of dependency than any other drug of its kind.

Crystal meth can be blueish-white, yellow, orange, pink, or brown. It looks like glass fragments or shiny rocks that then get turned into powder. The color differences result from the different chemicals or additives used by the individual that made it and their expertise.

What Kind of Drug Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is a smokable, solid form of methamphetamine. It’s an addicting stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine’s chemical makeup is similar to amphetamine, used to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD).

Common Street Names for Crystal Meth

Crystal methamphetamine is known by several street names, such as:

• Meth
• Speed
• Ice
• Tina
• Crystal
• Tweak
• Crank
• Glass
• Blue
• Jib

Crystal Methamphetamine and Desoxyn

Desoxyn is the brand name for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved methamphetamine medication to treat obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is available in 5,10, and 15-milligram immediate and extended-release tablets.

Desoxyn is the only legal methamphetamine on the market. Nevertheless, it has a similar chemical composition to crystal meth, and for this reason, Desoxyn has very limited use.

Crystal Meth Addiction

The most dangerous concern with crystal methamphetamine is its particular form allows for more harm than other types of methamphetamines. Most noteworthy for this is its rapidly produced high concentration level in the body, accommodating a high potential for addiction.

What Are the Signs of Crystal Meth Use?

Some behaviors and signs of using crystal meth include:

• Appetite decrease
• Increased energy levels
• Increased confidence
• Decreased reaction time
• Less need for sleep
• Paranoia
• Violence
• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue

Prolonged use of crystal methamphetamine causes a psychosis called “tweaking.” This results in a crawling sensation under the individual’s skin, which may cause many scabs from picking at the skin.

Poor oral hygiene is commonly associated with crystal meth use. Known as “meth mouth,” crystal meth causes dry mouth, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching, leading to dental decay.

How Long Does a Crystal Meth High Last?

The timing and intensity of a crystal meth high depend on how you use it. For example, if crystal meth is injected, snorted, or smoked, it causes an immediate high or rush, but this takes about 20 minutes to happen if taken orally. In addition, it may be taken rectally.

When smoked, crystal methamphetamine can quickly achieve high concentrations in the brain. The benefit of a smokable form of methamphetamine over an oral form is the almost immediate and intense high.

Unlike cocaine, crystal meth’s effects last longer and can keep the user up for 12 hours. As a result, individuals binging on crystal meth, or what’s called “on a run,” may be able to stay awake for ten days, typically with little to drink or eat.

What Are the Effects of Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth use gives you feelings of euphoria, power and confidence, unlimited energy, increased productivity, and enhanced sexual performance. However, when the enjoyable effects wear off, individuals feel anxiety, depression, headaches, and mental confusion.

Short-term effects of crystal methamphetamine use involve:

• Euphoria
• Increased alertness and tension
• Decreased appetite
• Faster breathing
• Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure and body temperature

Long-term effects of crystal methamphetamine use include:

• Intense itching, picking at skin, scabs, and skin sores
• Dental decay
• Heart attack
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Changes in brain structure and function
• Extreme weight loss

Crystal Meth Withdrawal

Although the severity of withdrawal can be intense within the first 24 hours of the last use of crystal meth, especially with cravings, withdrawal from crystal meth is, on average, relatively mild and can be resolved within 14 days of abstinence. Withdrawal symptoms significantly decrease from the peak on the first day and continue to over 7 to 10 days.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When individuals stop taking methamphetamines, such as crystal meth, withdrawal symptoms involve:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Severe Depression
• Psychosis
• Intense drug cravings

Can You Overdose on Crystal Meth?

High doses of crystal meth can definitely cause an individual to overdose. Overdoses may result in death from a heart attack, stroke, or multiple organ problems caused by an overheated body temperature.

Crystal Meth Treatment

Research for crystal methamphetamine addiction continues to develop by exploring new treatments such as vaccines and brain stimulations. And while there currently is no government-approved medication to treat crystal meth dependency, the good news is, it can still be effectively treated. Research has proven that the best treatment therapies for meth addiction are behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational incentives.

Find Help for You or a Loved One

At Northridge Addiction Treatment Center, we know effective and beneficial treatments need to address the abundance of personal and medical problems resulting from use. From our superior medical detox program to our scientifically-backed treatment programs, NATC addresses all aspects of addiction.

Reach out to learn more about our behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Our specialists are passionate about recovery and happy to walk you through all your questions and concerns. You don’t have to do this on your own. We’re only a call away.