What Is Crystal Meth?

The Scientific Name & Chemical Structure of Crystal Meth

The scientific name for crystal meth is methamphetamine hydrochloride (HCL), which is derived from N-methylamphetamine. Meth is a member of the phenethylamine family, which includes a range of substances that may be stimulants, entactogens (e.g., MDMA), or hallucinogens. (2)(3)

The chemical structure of crystal meth includes a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the nitrogen atom, which makes it more potent and longer-lasting than other amphetamines. The chemical formula for crystal meth is C10H15N, indicating that the molecule consists of 10 carbon atoms, 15 hydrogen atoms, and a single nitrogen atom.

How Crystal Meth Is Manufactured

Crystal meth is typically synthesized from common household and industrial chemicals using a variety of methods. The most common approach involves using ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, as the initial ingredient. The production process involves several steps and can be dangerous due to the potential for fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. (4)

Possible Steps in the Manufacturing Process Include:

• Acquiring the necessary chemicals, which can be obtained from various sources.
• Extracting ephedrine or pseudoephedrine from cold and allergy medications using solvents.
• Chemically converting ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine, which can be achieved using a variety of reagents.
• Purifying crude methamphetamine using solvents, such as acetone or ether, to remove impurities.
• Crystallizing methamphetamine by evaporating the solvent.

Administration Methods in Crystal Meth Use

Crystal meth can be ingested in a few different ways, some of which are much less common than others.

Methods of Ingesting Meth Include:

• Smoking—The most common method of using crystal meth is smoking, typically heated using a pipe or makeshift apparatus and inhaled.
• Injection—Although less common and particularly dangerous, injection can be accomplished by crushing crystal meth into powder, diluting it with water, and placing it in a syringe.
• Snorting—When crushed, the resulting powder can be snorted through the nose. This can cause significant and even permanent damage to the nasal tissues.

Swallowing—It is possible to swallow meth in pill form.

How Addictive Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth has a high potential for addiction due to the way it affects the brain’s reward system. It increases the release of dopamine, a neurochemical linked to pleasure and reward. (5) This spike of dopamine encourages further drug use, as it induces an intense rush of euphoria, energy, and increased alertness that can persist for several hours. This high is often followed by a crash, which often leaves users feeling fatigued, depressed, and irritable. To sustain the high and desirable effects, users may continue to use the drug in a binge pattern, ultimately leading to dependence.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Crystal meth withdrawal can be a physically and emotionally challenging and unpleasant process. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the individual’s history of use, the amount and frequency of use, and other factors, such as underlying health conditions. Medical detox is typically advised for withdrawal because clinical supervision and medications can help with the individual’s safety and comfort.

Crystal Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Intense drug cravings.
• Irritability and anxiety.
• Depression and suicidal ideations.
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
• Increased appetite.
• Paranoia, delusions, and  hallucinations.
• Muscle aches and pains.
• Tremors and shakiness.