Crystal Meth vs Meth

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Two of the more highly addictive substances that are often used as recreational drugs include crystal meth and meth. Even though crystal meth is a purer and more potent version of meth, both drugs can cause serious health issues. In communities where these drugs have been widely adopted, the general quality of life has worsened considerably. This guide examines the many differences and similarities between crystal meth and methamphetamine. You’ll learn what these drugs are, the most common side effects associated with them, and the treatment options at your disposal.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a commonly used substance that directly affects the central nervous system. It’s a strong stimulant drug that alters the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. If a person takes too much of the drug, the chemical changes that occur in the brain can impact impulse control. When the body becomes dependent on the drug to function, treatment may be required to avoid severe health complications.

This psycho-stimulant drug is available as a pill or white powder. It was once prescribed for a wide range of health issues. Today, the medical conditions it treats include ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and obesity. Because of how potent the drug is, a doctor must administer it in low doses. When taken properly, methamphetamine reduces restlessness and makes it easier to pay attention.

What Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is a dangerous and illegal form of amphetamine that’s made by mixing over-the-counter medications with many toxic substances, which can include everything from drain cleaner and antifreeze to battery acid. It can also be referred to by street names such as glass or ice because of its bluish hue and the fact that it resembles pieces of glass. Methamphetamine is available as a powder or pill. Just like methamphetamine, crystal meth is a Schedule II controlled substance.

When using crystal meth, the drug increases energy and feelings of happiness. While it’s possible to smoke or snort crystal meth, the most common method of administration involves injecting it into a vein, which occurs after dissolving it in a liquid solution. Even though smoking the drug can lead to a more intense high, it’s also a shorter sensation, which is why many people who become addicted to the drug end up injecting it.

Methods of Use and Administration

Along with its composition, one of the reasons why crystal meth is more potent than methamphetamine is because of how it’s taken. Standard methamphetamine can be taken orally or through snorting. The most common methods of administration for crystal meth include smoking and injection, the latter of which causes a long-lasting high that might not fully diminish until 24 hours have passed.

As with any drug, the method of administration impacts the effects and risks. If you take methamphetamine orally via a pill, it can take some time for the drug to reach your central nervous system, which means that the side effects are minimal. Snorting meth allows the drug to get to your central nervous system more rapidly. In this scenario, you’ll encounter more severe side effects.

Each method of use also has specific side effects that you might encounter. For example, smoking meth makes it more likely that you’ll develop lung disease or a similar health issue. Injecting crystal meth can lead to skin scarring, infections, and abscesses.

Effects on the Body and Mind

All types of meth are stimulants, which means that they produce a burst of energy or a feeling of euphoria. However, the short-term and long-term effects of these drugs differ depending on how they’re taken. Crystal meth invariably creates a stronger and longer-lasting high because of how pure it is.

If you use the powder form of meth, often referred to as speed and sometimes crank, it will produce a high that’s relatively strong but not as addictive. This form of meth isn’t that pure. When taking methamphetamine, people experience a quick increase in dopamine activity, which causes that temporary high.

If you take meth or crystal meth in a recreational manner, you might experience a pattern where a high occurs before a crash. People who become addicted to either drug will often use more to maintain a high and the positive feelings that come with it.

If you take a prescription methamphetamine, the effects will last for around four to six hours. They won’t be that intense. In comparison, the effects of crystal meth are far more intense and might last for around six to 12 hours. Keep in mind that long-term crystal meth use can result in memory loss.

Potential for Addiction and Abuse

The potential for addiction and drug abuse with meth and crystal meth is high. Even though you can obtain meth in the form of Adderall, it’s still a Schedule II drug because of how potent it can be. This is the same classification as crystal meth, heroin, and cocaine.

The powder form of meth is much stronger than Adderall, which means that the potential for drug addiction is higher. However, the most addictive version of this drug is crystal meth. Even a single use of the drug might cause your body to become dependent on it.

Whether someone you know is becoming addicted to methamphetamine or crystal meth, the abuse patterns of these two drugs are similar. If someone you know is trying to cut back on taking the drug but has been unable to do so, they may be addicted. The same is true if they are failing to meet their work or school obligations because of their meth use. People who start misusing meth or crystal meth often have financial problems because they spend too much money on acquiring the drug.

Health Risks and Side Effects

Even though crystal methamphetamine is more potent than methamphetamine, the side effects affecting physical and mental health that occur when misusing the drugs are similar. Some of the more common side effects of meth addiction include:

• Bacterial infections
• Paranoia
• Teeth grinding
• Anxiety
• Dilated pupils
• Not sleeping or eating for several days
• Blood pressure complications
• Rapidly moving eyes
• Irregular heart rate

The long-term side effects extend to:

• Psychosis
• Weight loss
• Hallucinations
• Heart lining inflammation
• Risk of stroke, coma, and death

The effects of crystal meth drug use are usually more severe versions of the meth symptoms. Keep in mind that you’re also at a greater risk of overdosing, which could cause seizures, heart attack symptoms, or death. When you stop taking the drug, you’ll go through withdrawal symptoms that might lead to you relapsing. Withdrawal symptoms include everything from depression and anxiety to auditory or visual hallucinations.

Legal Status and Regulations

As touched upon previously, methamphetamine and crystal meth are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means that they have a high potential for abuse. While the pill form of methamphetamine can be administered through a prescription, all other types of meth are illegal. Because these drugs fall under the Schedule II classification, using them outside a prescription can lead to fines and imprisonment.

Treatment and Recovery

Methamphetamine and crystal meth addiction have the same treatment options. Whether you attend an outpatient or inpatient program treatment program, it’s important to begin addiction treatment with medical detoxification. This process helps you get the drug out of your system and handle cravings without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Detox is usually followed up by therapy, which includes options like group, individual, and family therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common form of talk therapy. You might also benefit from the support given in a 12-step program.

Harm Reduction Strategies

Consider taking harm reduction strategies to mitigate the effects of meth or crystal meth abuse. People who are already using the drug should try to take a lower dose or avoid mixing it with other drugs. You can avoid some of the more serious side effects by changing how you use the drug. For example, smoke it instead of injecting it.

The best way to help people stop using crystal meth and meth is through public health education. If people know about the dangers, they may be less likely to abuse the drugs. Communities must also place resources toward education.

Conclusion

Methamphetamine and crystal meth are two highly addictive stimulants that should never be misused. While you might be prescribed methamphetamine for ADHD, always follow your prescription to avoid abusing the drug. Because of the dangers these drugs pose to communities across the country, it’s important to understand what these substances are and the side effects that result from taking them. Call Live Free Recovery Services today to learn more about the many treatment options available to you or your loved one for meth or crystal meth addiction.

FAQ

References

1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-methamphetamine
2. https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs5/5049/5049p.pdf
3. https://www.samhsa.gov/meth
4. https://dhs.saccounty.gov/BHS/Documents/SUPT/Methamphetamine/Coalition-2019/MA-ADS-2019-12-05-Meth_%20A-Community-Disease-fact-sheet.pdf
5. https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2006/48/98881.html
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21208-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt#:~:text=Cognitive%20behavioral%20therapy%20(CBT)%20is,coping%20with%20grief%20or%20stress.