Methamphetamine – also referred to as crystal meth, ice, or meth – is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is abused for its euphoric side effects.
Meth can be snorted, injected, or smoked, and can come in several different forms. As an addiction treatment center in Palm Springs, we know that all forms of meth are highly dangerous and can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms.
Are There Different Types Of Meth?
Yes, there are three different types of methamphetamine: Ice or crystal meth, speed, and base.
Crystal Meth
Crystal meth or ice is the rock or crystal-like form of methamphetamine. The main difference between crystal meth and meth is purity. Ice is a more potent and distilled form of methamphetamine, and also comes in a glass-like form that can be smoked or injected. It’s usually manufactured in meth labs across different areas of the United States or in other countries with little to no cutting agents. Its purity makes it fast-acting, long-lasting, and highly dangerous. Many individuals who become addicted to crystal meth often require professional help. Banyan Palm Springs offers a meth detox that includes 24-hour supervision and medical assistance to help wean patients off of the drug and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Base
Base is a wet or oily substance with a white, yellow, or brown color. It has a higher potency and purity than speed. It’s also referred to by other terms like pure, paste, and wax, each of which refers to its gooey-like form. The base version of methamphetamine is normally swallowed or injected.
Speed
Unlike crystal meth or base, speed is the white or yellow powdery form of meth that can be injected, snorted, or swallowed. It’s usually the least potent and pure form of methamphetamine, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less harmful. Speed is also referred to as go-ee, whiz, or uppers. It’s commonly sold in the streets and usually includes a lot of additives that allow dealers to sell less product for more money. These cutting agents can cause adverse side effects of their own and increase the user’s chances of overdose. Speed is a commonly sold version of meth on the streets and is just as harmful as ice or base. Speed users can recover with the meth addiction treatment offered at our treatment center in California.
Side Effects of Meth
Although there are different types of meth, the symptoms of each are the same. However, the longevity and severity of symptoms may vary depending on the form of methamphetamine, purity, the person’s height and weight, the person’s health, and whether it’s used with other drugs or alcohol.
The most common effects of meth include:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Decreased appetite
- Dilated pupils
- Clenching of the jaw and teeth grinding
- Nose bleeds, from snorting
- Meth mouth, including tooth decay and poor dental hygiene
- Skin picking and skin sores, caused by meth mites
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Increased energy and alertness
- Shaking
- Irregular breathing
- Chest pains
- Sexual arousal euphoria
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Increased chances of engaging in risky behavior
- Increased chances of developing viruses or diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, and AIDS, from sharing needles
- Addiction
- Cardiovascular disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
In addition to the physical effects of meth, it can also cause problems in a person’s finances, relationships, job, or school. Each of the different kinds of methamphetamine is dangerous and can destroy a person’s life.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs, we’ve helped numerous patients recover from their substance abuse disorders. If you or a loved one are battling methamphetamine addiction, we can help. Call us now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our levels of care.
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