What Does Methamphetamine Look Like?

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug that speeds up the inner workings of your brain and affects the nervous system. It is a psychostimulant that creates long-lasting effects on the body, which can be devastating. Meth abuse often leads to serious physical and psychological consequences, including a condition known as meth mouth, characterized by severe dental decay and gum disease. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 1.6 million people reported having a methamphetamine use disorder in 2021. Meth is one of the most addictive substances in existence today.

Physical Characteristics and Common Forms of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine comes in several forms. Each type is distinguished by its perceived purity and appearance. The primary forms of methamphetamine include:

• Powder Form – Usually white or off-white and also referred to as ‘speed.’ It is the least potent form of meth and is snorted, injected, or swallowed.
• Base – Usually damp or oily with a yellow, white, or brown color. Base has a higher potency and purity level than powder and varies widely in appearance. It is usually injected but sometimes swallowed.
• Crystal Meth – This substance is crystalline and usually has a clear to bluish appearance, resembling shards of glass. Crystal is the most potent form of meth and is usually injected or smoked.

While methamphetamine is also available as pills or tablets, it’s not as common as the other types. These tablets are sometimes sold as a pill called “yaba,” which contains a combination of caffeine and meth. These pills are smaller than aspirin tablets and usually feature a logo with the letters “R” or “WY.”

How Is Methamphetamine Packaged and Used?

In addition to recognizing what meth looks like, it’s important to know how it is commonly packaged and sold.

Common Packaging for Methamphetamine

Meth is usually packaged using small zip-lock or plastic bags so it is easily visible to the buyer and seller. Occasionally, foil is wrapped around the drug to preserve it and prevent moisture contamination. Sometimes people place meth in plastic containers or paper envelopes so it appears inconspicuous.

Tools and Paraphernalia Associated With Methamphetamine

Meth paraphernalia is any tool or equipment used to consume, produce and conceal methamphetamine. It can be difficult to identify paraphernalia since many of the products used with meth are also items that have legitimate uses. It’s important to look at the manner and context in which these items are being used. Paraphernalia that is associated with methamphetamine includes:

• Spoons – Meth users often heat up spoons to cook meth. You may notice burn marks on spoons if used in this manner.
• Lighters – A common sign of meth use when they are in the presence of other paraphernalia.
• Razor blades – Loose razor blades are commonly used to cut meth before snorting it.
• Mirrors – Mirrors with scratch marks may indicate that someone is using it as a chopping board for methamphetamine.
• Straws and hollowed ballpoint pens – Both items are often used to snort meth.
• Bongs – While bongs are most often associated with marijuana use, they are also used to smoke meth.

In addition to these items, elastic lanyards, shoelaces and hairbands are commonly used to plump up veins before injecting methamphetamine.

Risks and Dangers Associated With Meth Use

Anytime you use methamphetamine, you are risking your health and well-being. It is impossible to determine the potency of each hit, making overdose a distinct possibility each time you use it. Some drugs come with a higher risk than others, and methamphetamine is considered a high-risk drug for several reasons.

Risk of Addiction

Meth is highly addictive; some people become instantaneously hooked after the first use. Regardless of form, it is a powerful stimulant that is very energizing and increases your alertness for a short period. Some people may first try meth to stay awake for school or work, but many of them quickly spiral into addiction. After addiction takes hold, a cycle of cravings and withdrawals begins that’s difficult to break.

Intense Highs Lead to Intense Lows

Shortly after the first hit, meth produces an intense sense of euphoria, which is one of the reasons so many people become addicted. A “meth high” often leads to users staying up all day and night for prolonged periods. However, this high eventually gives way to an intense crash, which is accompanied by extreme nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Increased frequency of use also leads to more intense meth crashes.

Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamine

Meth use carries tremendous health risks, including the potential for overdose. Some of the short-term side effects associated with meth include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Rapid heart rate
• Elevated body temperature
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Convulsions
• Death

Many people who are addicted to meth will experience intense itching sessions all over their bodies. Continuously scratching the same areas can lead to multiple skin sores forming across the body.

Additionally, methamphetamine use often leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and contributes to mood swings and erratic behavior. Research indicates an increased risk of violent behavior and aggression when using methamphetamine. This risk of violence comes with societal consequences, including legal issues and potential harm to self or others.

Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Use

When you use meth repeatedly and for a long time, you may develop a tolerance to the effects and need to use more in larger amounts to achieve these desired effects. In addition to developing tolerance, other adverse long-term effects of chronic use include:

• Developing an addiction
• Changes in brain function and structure
• Decrease in motor skills
• Chronic anxiety and mood disturbances
• Violent and aggressive behavior
• Paranoia and delusions
• Auditory and visual hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Malnutrition
• Severe decline in dental health, including tooth decay and other dental problems

Chronic meth use often results in dramatic weight loss, as the drug suppresses appetite and disrupts normal eating habits.

Long-term use of meth also leads to withdrawal if you attempt to stop or decrease your use. Symptoms associated with withdrawal include:

• Lack of energy
• Extreme fatigue
• Dehydration
• Chills
• Anxiety and irritability
• Social withdrawal
• Intense cravings
• Depression

Recognizing these short- and long-term effects is critical in seeking help to overcome methamphetamine addiction.

Illinois Recovery Center’s Approach to Meth Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love is ready to take the first step towards getting clean, Illinois Recovery Center is ready to help. We provide personalized treatment plans to help treat the underlying causes of meth addiction so you can achieve lasting recovery. Our approach begins by determining the appropriate level of care while offering clinical and medical support throughout the process.

Drug and Alcohol Detox

Your journey begins with a medically supervised detox process. Medically supervised drug and alcohol detox is a process that safely allows your body to eliminate all traces of alcohol or substances while managing withdrawal symptoms with medication as necessary. This process is an important first step, so your mind and body are ready to begin the rest of your recovery program.

Residential (Inpatient) Treatment

Our residential treatment services provide the most intensive level of care for those needing 24-hour care in a safe and controlled environment. Residential treatment includes comprehensive and integrated mental health services under the supervision of a highly trained team of certified therapists and physicians.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment services help to treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with addiction to particular substances, including opioids. This service can decrease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and lower your likelihood of future opioid misuse.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs are a middle-ground between outpatient services and residential treatment. They offer clients the ability to receive comprehensive treatment services five to seven days per week while still being able to return home or to a sober living facility in the evenings.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs provide a level of care for those who require intensive services but do not necessarily need continuous supervision. These programs allow people to continue living their everyday lives while still receiving the treatment and support they need on their recovery journey.

Outpatient Counseling

Outpatient rehabilitation and counseling services offer a combination of several therapeutic interventions without requiring a person to reside at the treatment center. These services may include group and individual therapy, family counseling and additional services.

Aftercare

Addiction treatment does not end after you complete one of our programs at Illinois Recovery Center. We will continue to support you throughout your recovery journey through counseling and aftercare services, and our professional team of therapists will provide you with the help and tools you will need to remain committed to sobriety.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one are struggling with methamphetamine addiction, there is hope. The effects of meth can be devastating, but recovery is possible. Reach out today to learn more about the treatment programs and treatment options offered at Illinois Recovery Center. Our team is dedicated to providing professional help for those facing challenges related to substance use and drug addiction. We are happy to answer any questions you may have so you can break away from the grips of addiction and experience a life free from substance abuse.

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