Methamphetamine, known commonly as meth or crystal meth, is a highly dangerous and addictive drug. One of the dangers of meth is that it goes by many different names, comes in a range of homemade variations and can be mixed with other drugs for a more potent, and more life-threatening, high. By knowing the many street names for crystal meth, it may be easier to identify abuse or the formation of addiction and get loved ones the help they need.

Defining Crystal Meth

Crystal meth is one of the most common forms of the drug methamphetamine. Like all amphetamines, crystal meth is a stimulant. It is often used, at least initially, as a club drug. Many users believe that they become instantly addicted, making it one of the most dangerous drugs to even try.

Crystal meth can be consumed in multiple ways. The white powder can be snorted, inhaling it through the nose and directly into the respiratory system. It can also be smoked as well as mixed with liquid and injected directly into the bloodstream.

After taking crystal meth, many users describe feelings of extreme energy and euphoria. They might experience a boost in self confidence, and it is not unusual to feel on top of the world and capable of anything. Of course, these feelings fade, and typically within six to eight hours. Once the rush wears off, the opposite feelings are noticed, causing users to be depressed, uncomfortable and unhappy until they are able to use crystal meth again.

Listing the Common Nicknames for Crystal Meth

Like many illegal drugs, crystal meth goes by many different names. Some of these names are unique to specific cities or states, and others are unique to their suppliers or manufacturers. One of the reasons that crystal meth is so dangerous is because it is often made in small batches, each of which could be slightly different from the next.

Just a few of the countless names for crystal meth across the country include the following:

• Crystal
• Speed
• Tweak
• Crank
• Chalk
• Glass
• Ice
• Hot Ice
• Wash
• Poor Man’s Cocaine
• Quartz
• Tina
• Geep
• Garbage

The Danger of Crystal Meth Combinations

On its own, crystal meth is a devastating, dangerous drug. However, it can be made even worse by combining it with other substances that intensify the high and create greater health risks to users.

Mixing meth and cocaine together is a potent combination known as Shabu or Croak. This creates a powerful rush, but it also increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

For those who want to stay awake for productivity reasons, such as driving a truck or riding a motorcycle at night, there is a dangerous combination known as biker’s coffee. This mixture of caffeine and meth is a tremendous stimulant that can cause major cardiac damage.

Recreational crystal meth users have been known to combine crystal meth with ecstasy, crack, alcohol and even rohypnol. In fact, some users combine as many as five stimulants at once in a so-called five-way, a terrible mixture that poses serious risks to the health of users.

Exploring the Side Effects of a Crystal Meth Addiction

Thanks to the widespread use of crystal meth, there may be some individuals who don’t yet understand the side effects that crystal meth abuse and addiction can cause. Like most drug addictions, it can lead to relationship problems, feelings of isolation and financial ruin. It is nearly impossible to maintain friendships or keep a job when addicted to crystal meth.

From a health standpoint, the side effects of crystal meth are truly disastrous. In the short term, and after just one use, individuals may suffer from a dramatic loss of appetite, nausea, erratic or violent behavior, hallucinations, panic and even seizures. Using crystal meth can also cause body temperature to rise quickly, increase blood pressure and speed up the heart rate.

Over the long term, as is the case with crystal meth addiction, the side effects will worsen. The decreased appetite can lead to extreme weight loss and malnutrition. Other long-term effects can include the following:

• Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Severe tooth decay
• Chronic fatigue and apathy
• Liver, lung and kidney damage
• If crystal meth is snorted, nasal passage damage
• If crystal is smoked, damage to respiratory system

Addiction to crystal meth can also negatively impact mental health. Paranoia, depression and anxiety are all common among frequent users of crystal meth. In addition, it is common for crystal meth users to have violent outbursts of anger as well as memory loss and confusion. It is important to remember that the side effects of this drug go well beyond just the psychological aspects.

Of course, the worst potential side effect of a crystal meth addiction is death. Sadly, nearly 3,000 individuals overdose and die from crystal meth overdoses, as well as similar psychostimulants, in the United States every year.

Breaking Free From an Addiction to Crystal Meth

As devastating as an addiction to crystal meth can be, the illness doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. Drug addiction treatment can rid the body of crystal meth’s toxins, hit the restart button on health and begin the process of recovery.

The program for recovery will often start with a detox to physically break the chemical dependency on crystal meth. This process, which can last up to 10 days, is the time when patients may experience withdrawal symptoms. However, medical assistance can help mitigate those symptoms and increase comfort levels.

After detox is complete, patients can begin the work of learning more about addiction, revealing the underlying causes of the illness and preparing for independent living. Through behavioral therapy, group therapy, dual diagnosis treatment and holistic therapies based on everything from yoga to fitness, patients can take control of their lives and break free from crystal meth addiction.

Crystal meth goes by many different street names, but it all boils down to the same dangerous drug. Thankfully, addiction doesn’t have to be permanent, and there are treatment plans to help crystal meth addicts achieve and maintain sobriety and health.

What is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth, the abbreviated name for crystal methamphetamine, is the white, crystallized version of a drug from the class of amphetamines. Crystal meth may go by a number of different names, including meth, chalk and speed. Whatever name it goes by, however, it delivers a sudden rush of confidence and elation as well as a significantly reduced appetite.

Crystal meth can be snorted, smoked, injected or taken orally. Whatever method of consumption is used, it can become immediately addictive and cause an array of medical problems to the user. Like any addiction, it can disrupt life, cause financial and legal concerns and harm meaningful relationships.

Duration of a Crystal Meth High

One of the reasons that crystal meth is such a popular and widely-used drug is that it delivers a relatively long high. On average, users who take crystal meth feel symptoms for six to eight hours. However, it isn’t unusual to experience a high lasting a full 24 hours when the dose is large or the user is just beginning to take crystal meth.

Over time, however, the duration of the high begins to lessen. This means that those addicted to crystal meth need increasingly frequent doses to prevent the withdrawal symptoms from kicking in after a high recedes. The more crystal meth people use, the more their tolerance grows. This creates a dangerous cycle where individuals are constantly trying to source and take more of this addictive substance.

Half Life of Crystal Meth

The half life of a drug refers to how long it takes for the concentration of the substance in the human body to reduce by approximately half. Generally, the half life of a drug signifies the time when the high has worn off completely.

In the case of crystal meth, the plasma half life is anywhere from 12 to 34 hours. The danger of this, in part, is that the half life of crystal meth is longer than the high in many cases. For instance, a person who uses crystal meth and experiences an eight-hour high might be eager to take another dose a few hours later. However, there is still a significant amount of crystal meth in the body.

This extensive half life contributes to the large number of crystal meth overdoses that happen every year. As crystal meth lingers in the blood, but individuals take a second dose by snorting, smoking or injecting, they are adding to the stress within the body. This can overload the body’s systems, creating an overdose that has the potential to be fatal.

Crystal Meth and Drug Tests

Many individuals are interested in learning about how long crystal meth lasts in the body because of concerns about upcoming drug tests. Whether a drug test will reveal the individual’s drug use will depend heavily on the type of test being administered as well as the typical dosage.

In a urine test, crystal meth will appear in the urine about two hours after use and for up to five days afterwards. For a saliva test, crystal meth will appear in the saliva ten minutes after consumption and for approximately four days afterwards. Similarly, a blood test will reveal blood tainted with crystal meth two hours after consumption and for at least three days afterwards.

Hair tests are far more sensitive and can reflect crystal meth use for significantly longer than blood, urine or saliva tests. Even a basic, inexpensive home hair drug test can identify crystal meth use in the past 90 days. Professional lab exams can pick up on crystal meth consumption even further back. Rather than trying to beat the system and dupe a drug test, individuals addicted to crystal meth should strongly consider seeking help in the form of a recovery program.

Consumption Method Impacts Duration on the Body

The length of time that crystal meth stays in the body can be influenced by a number of different factors. Metabolism, longevity of use, tolerance levels and amount may also play a role in the drug’s duration within the body. However, one of the most overlooked factors is consumption method. How crystal meth is ingested may impact how long the drug stays in the body.

Snorting crystal meth results in the shortest impact on the body. Although still incredibly dangerous and addictive, snorting may only cause the drug to stay in the body for one to four days. Smoking crystal meth elongates the time the drug is in the body, averaging three to five days. Using crystal meth intravenously, through injection, means that the minimum the drug will stay in the body is 72 hours, but with the potential to last for much longer.

How to Completely Rid the Body of Crystal Meth

There’s no effective way to rid the body of crystal meth without confronting the addiction head on. This is because even though the body might be rid of most traces of crystal meth three, four or five days after use, it’s unlikely that those addicted to the drug will go that long between doses. In fact, many crystal meth users are daily consumers.

In addition, the body can hold onto toxins as a result of crystal meth addiction for far longer than the half life of the drug. A complete detoxification, and then sobriety, is the only truly effective way to rid the body of its harmful dependence on crystal methamphetamine.

Crystal meth delivers a lasting high and an even longer half life, contributing to its addictive appeal and its dangerous nature. Ridding the body of all crystal meth and related toxins requires commitment to a recovery program and targeted addiction treatment.

The Dangers of Meth Addiction

Using meth to any degree, but particularly in large and consistent doses, can cause countless medical, emotional and psychological problems. Whether meth is smoked, injected or even inhaled, it can cause immediate side effects that include decreased fatigue, decreased appetite, hyperthermia and an irregular heartbeat. After continued use, meth can also isolate individuals, separating them from their loved ones while simultaneously causing problems at work, school or in society at large.

Through regular use, the impact of meth can begin to break down the body and the brain. Individuals struggling with an addiction to meth might suffer from memory loss, deficits in motor skills, problems understanding complex thoughts, paranoia and even hallucinations. Physically, meth addictions can lead to significant weight loss and major dental problems.

The Objective of a Detox From Meth

In a nutshell, a meth detox is what can save lives and turn individuals toward sobriety. It’s important to understand that detox is just the first step in recovery, and additional rehab or therapy is likely needed to maintain that sobriety after detox. However, there’s no denying that those treatments won’t be effective until a detox has successfully been completed.

A detox from meth is the cessation of the drug for the duration of the program, with the goal of lifelong sobriety. Patients will, over the course of the detox, break ties with their physical bonds to meth. The emotional and psychological ties may still exist, which is why things like cognitive behavioral therapy and dual diagnosis treatment are so important, but detox paves the way for better comprehension and rational thinking, which is crucial during recovery.

Duration of a Detox

It’s nearly impossible to accurately state how long a detox from meth will take. It depends significantly on the severity of the addiction to meth, how long patients have been using meth and what kind of doses were being consumed. In general, most patients take between one and two weeks to detox from meth, but there are occasions when people can suffer from physical symptoms for slightly longer.

The first three days of the detox are sometimes known as the crash stage. Because meth stays in the body longer than most other drugs, many individuals simply feel overwhelmingly tired during this phase. Low energy, depression and a strong appetite are all markers of this first stage of withdrawal.

The next stage, typically lasting for several days, is when severe cravings can present themselves. These strong cravings might last until the end of the second week of detox. After this, most patients won’t be in a full-time detox program, but they may still periodically deal with minor psychological, rather than physical, symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms of a Detox From Meth

A detox from meth can cause a number of psychological and the physiological withdrawal symptoms. The most notable (and concerning) symptom is depression. Patients may not feel happiness, or even the prospect of happiness, for several days. Also common is anger, anxiety or paranoia.

The physical side effects are also problematic during a detox from meth. Many patients experience a lot of sweating as well as rapid temperature fluctuations. Aches, pains and headaches are also common for up to two weeks. Patients in a detox may also deal with either insomnia or excessive sleeping depending on where they are in the detox process.

Weight gain is another symptom commonly associated with a meth withdrawal, and it’s something that happens for the following three possible reasons:

1. The metabolism slows without meth consumption, and most patients also move little and feel very lethargic
2. Patients may be stabilizing after severe weight loss that occurred as a side effect of meth addiction
3. Food is often one of the few things that brings joy in those initial stages of detox

The Importance of a Professional Detox Facility

All too often, individuals who are struggling with an addiction to meth decide to complete a detox on their own. This is never a good idea, and it can lead to serious health complications. In addition, a DIY detox is rarely successful, and many people who try it end up relapsing or using before the first month is up.

In a professional detox facility, patients will get 24/7 medical care. This means that professionals can prescribe over-the-counter medications as necessary, easing the pain or discomfort of withdrawal and helping patients to sleep well. They can also understand the process of detox, and notice when behavior or health becomes abnormal. Perhaps most importantly, a professional detox means that there is accountability to prevent relapse and a watchful eye to prevent things like self-harm or suicide attempts during depressive stages.

What Makes a Detox Facility Great

Once prospective patients have committed to the idea of a detox from meth, they are faced with the challenge of selecting the right detox facility. Besides checking for things like accreditation and a great reputation, it’s important to confirm that the facility handles meth addictions.

In addition, it may be important to check into what kinds of health insurance plans are accepted for the detox. Ideally, any detox facilities in consideration should also acknowledge the benefits of a medical detox and the use of certain medications that can ease the discomfort of withdrawing from drugs like meth.

Understanding the duration and extent of a detox from meth may encourage some individuals to take that vital first step toward recovery. Detox can be challenging, but it’s the only way to break free from addiction and begin a lifetime of sobriety.