Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, is a powerful stimulant that is highly addictive. Like other stimulants, meth speeds up the central nervous system leading to psychological and physical dependence. Meth was originally developed during the 20th century from another substance known as amphetamine. During this time, meth was used to help treat nasal congestion, and breathing impairments. Today, meth is often used illicitly. Though there is a chemically different variant of meth, known as methamphetamine hydrochloride, used for medical purposes. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is a prescription medication used to help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity.
Meth use has been on the rise throughout the past few years. In 2016, approximately 684,000 individuals were diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder. In 2021, approximately 1.6 million individuals were diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder. (1) Here at Guardian Recovery, we are dedicated to helping individuals experiencing addiction and dependency to alcohol and other substances. We offer detoxification services, including meth specific detox, to help individuals begin to reach their sobriety goals. Our evidence-based trained clinicians can help you or someone you love develop the necessary coping strategies needed to maintain sobriety. Contact us today for more information and to get started.
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Does Meth Have Different Slang Terms Depending on Its Form?
Methamphetamine is available in different forms. Each one has a different appearance and a different slang term used to describe it.
Crystal Meth
Crystal meth, a popular form of meth, is a form of methamphetamine. Crystal meth physically resembles clear, crystal chunks, or it can be in the form of shiny bluish-white rocks. (2) Crystal meth is usually smoked through a glass pipe, but it can also be swallowed, inhaled through the nose, or injected intravenously. Crystal meth produces a quick, euphoric rush that results in various adverse effects.
Common nicknames and street names for crystal meth include: (3)
- Crystal
- Crystal glass
- L.A. glass
- L.A. ice
- Hanyak
- Hot ice
- Kaksonjae
- Quartz
- Shards
Pink Meth
Pink meth is a version of meth that is mixed with a pink dye. (4) Pink meth is sold by drug traffickers in order to make the drug seem more appealing. Additionally, there may be an added flavor in pink meth.
Common nicknames and street names for pink meth include:
- Strawberry meth
- Strawberry quick meth (5)
- Soap dope
Blue Meth
Blue meth gained popularity after the popular show Breaking Bad featured it throughout the series. (6) Blue meth is a real form of meth, though it is not the same as the one in the show. The main difference between blue meth and regular methamphetamine is the blue tint color
Common nicknames and street names for blue meth include:
- Blue
- Big blue
- Blue magic
- Blue sky
- Fring’s blue
- Smurf
- Smurf dope
What Are the Street Names for Meth & Its Known Variations?
The purest form of meth is known as ice, Tina, or crystal. Chunks of meth are often referred to as glass. (7) The powder form of meth can be found in various colors such as white, pink, brown, gray, orange, and yellow. (8) There is also a liquid form of meth that is dissolved in various solvents.
There are slang terms that are used when meth is combined with other substances. Substances that meth can be combined with include cocaine, crack, coffee, and ecstasy.
Common nicknames for meth combined with other substances include: (9)
- Twisters
- Hugs and kisses
- Fire
- Shabu
- Biker coffee
- Party and play
What Are the Most Common Nicknames for Meth?
There are over 200 street names that are used to describe meth. (11)
Common street names for meth include: (12)
- Batu
- Black beauties
- Chalk
- Chicken feed
- Crank
- Crystal
- Glass
- Go-fast
- Hiropon
- Ice
- Meth
- Methlies quick
- Poor man’s cocaine
- Shabu
- Shards
- Speed
- Stove top
- Tina
- Trash
- Tweak
- Uppers
- Vantana
- Vidrio
- Yaba
- Yellow barn
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Which Nicknames are Used in Different Parts of the World?
Due to cultural differences, meth is referred to as different nicknames and slang terms throughout different parts of the world. In Thailand, the combination of meth and coffee is referred to as Yaba, which means danger.(13) Throughout the country of Canada, meth can be referred to as peanut, jib, peach, and candy. (14)
What Role Does Geography Play in Street Names for Meth?
Different geographical areas play a big role in the development of street names for meth. Different people from different regions refer to meth as specific nicknames. Someone living in the southern hemisphere may refer to meth as a completely different name than someone living in the northern hemisphere.
Why Are Street Names Created to Refer to Methamphetamines?
Street names for meth and other substances are often created in order to disguise conversations about the drugs. (15) It is important for caregivers, health providers, educators, parents, and law enforcement to be able to understand and recognize the wide range of names used to reference drugs in order to be able to take the appropriate next steps. Street names and nicknames for meth are also used throughout pop culture and music.
Police officers must stay up to date and study new everchanging meth slang terms in order to investigate substance use in different geographical areas.
Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Use Disorder
In addition to understanding the various names used for meth, it is important to be able identify the signs and symptoms of methamphetamine use.
Signs and symptoms of methamphetamine use disorder include:
- Continuing to engage in meth use despite experiencing negative consequences
- Attempting to cut back or stopping meth use, but being unsuccessful
- Taking larger amounts of meth for longer periods of time than intended
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Socially isolating oneself from friends and family since beginning meth use
- Experiencing dental decay or meth mouth
- Experiencing an increase in aggressive and erratic behavior
- Experiencing an increase in risky or dangerous behavior
- Experiencing financial or legal problems due to meth use
- Developing tolerance, or the need to ingest more meth than previously before in order to reach the desired effects
- Experiencing physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal when meth us is cut back or suddenly stopped
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Methamphetamine Use Treatment at Guardian Recovery
Here at Guardian Recovery, we offer various treatment options for those experiencing methamphetamine use disorder and dependency. We offer life skills training, psychoeducation and therapeutic interventions to help those experiencing substance use learn more about addiction and effective ways to combat it. Our therapeutic options include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. With specialty programs such as intervention services, 12-step mentorship, and family workshops, we work hard to ensure that our treatment programs are catered to each individual. Contact us today to receive a free, no obligation insurance benefits check. Our Treatment Advisors are ready to speak with you and help guide you through the admissions process. Recovery is possible with Guardian Recovery.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- http://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-scope-methamphetamine-misuse-in-united-states
- https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs5/5049/5049p.pdf
- https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs5/5049/5049p.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3176304/
- https://mtnj.org/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/filemanager/files/communityalliance/Strawberry_Quick.pdf
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/albuquerque-drug-dealers-sell-blue-crystal-meth-9059442.html
- https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce332/street-names-common-forms-and-paraphernalia
- https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce332/street-names-common-forms-and-paraphernalia
- https://www.unodc.org/pdf/india/g86/street_names_xtc_230707.pdf
- https://www.baxtercountysheriff.com/plugins/show_image.php?id=917
- https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce332/street-names-common-forms-and-paraphernalia
- https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/methamphetamine
- https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce332/street-names-common-forms-and-paraphernalia
- https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-04/CCSA-Canadian-Drug-Summary-Methamphetamine-2018-en.pdf
- https://bhddh.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur411/files/documents/Drug-Slang—guide-FINAL.pdf
