What is Tina?

Crystal Meth Slang: What is Tina?

The drug “Tina” is a slang term used to refer to crystal meth. It is believed to have been coined by the LGBTQ+ community, and is short for “Christina,” or crystal meth. Stimulants like ‘the Tina drug’ still have consistent popularity among gay men and women as sexual enhancers, especially in party settings. But ‘Tina has a way of getting around, and meth is an issue across the United States, due to its potential for addiction and overdose.

As an illicit substance, Tina can be highly dangerous, especially when used in insecure environments or in high amounts. Unfortunately, this has become increasingly common as meth becomes more and more accessible.

In light of this, knowing how to recognize the signs of meth abuse and the risks that come with using this drug can be crucial to ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

Keep reading to learn more about the “Tina” drug, and how our programs for treatment at Icarus Behavioral Health can help you today!

Other Slang Terms for Crystal Methamphetamine

There are several slang terms used to refer to this illegal drug, including Tina. Some of the more common nicknames used for referring to meth include: ice, chalk, sketch, zoom, speed, and crank, just to name a few. Just as people have called crystal meth various different nicknames, so too are there different terms used to refer to the acting of taking stimulant drugs.

If someone is planning on using meth, they may refer to this action as tweaking, zooming, or getting geared up. While these nicknames and slang terms may be more common amongst youth and their friends, they can be used in various settings, including at parties, by drug dealers, and other situations.

Knowing how to recognize the slang terms associated with meth and other drugs can help you or your loved one stay safe, and enable you to be prepared to help if needed.

What Does Tina Look Like?

Meth can come in many different forms, but is usually referred to as “Tina” in the form of crystal meth. In this form, the drug can be found as clear chunky crystals that resemble ice in appearance.

Meth can also come in the form of a crystalline powder that may be white, brown, yellow, or pink in color. This powder can be easily dissolved in water or alcohol. In some cases, meth may also be compressed into a capsule form.

How is the Tina Drug Used?

Most people use Tina at sex parties where free crystal meth is handed out to create a more euphoric and stimulating atmosphere. This drug can be taken through smoking it with a glass pipe, or injecting it into the system.

Whether smoked or injected, both of these methods can produce a fast and intense high. Insufflation, or snorting meth, is also possible, but has a slower onset and often painfully burns the nasal passages, leading other methods of administration to be more common.

Is the Tina Drug Dangerous?

Crystal meth is a central nervous system stimulant, and highly addictive. There are many risks that come with using this drug. Even a single incident of drug abuse can lead to adverse side effects and health problems.

Knowing the risk associated with meth use can help you or a loved one make informed decisions and get help before too much damage is done.

What are the Short-Term Side Effects of Meth?

Even with short-term abuse of meth, there are still many dangers associated with the use of this drug. While the drug can increase energy and produce a euphoric high, meth is unpredictable and often leads to other adverse symptoms.

When abusing Tina, some of the most common unpleasant side effects that may occur include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Aggression and violent behavior

Long-Term Side Effects of Meth Use

With long-term abuse of this drug, users will be at an increased risk of becoming addicted to meth and abusing other substances. Some of the most common long-term side effects of chronic meth abuse include:

• Infections such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and others from sharing injection equipment or engaging in unsafe sexual activities while high.
• Severe oral decay, or “meth mouth” from constantly smoking this drug.
• Organ damage, particularly to the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys.
• The development or worsening of co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.

What are the Symptoms of a Meth Overdose?

Meth use often comes with a depression phase, in which the user will experience unpleasant side effects as they come down from their high. This can cause them to use more of the drug, which can be dangerous.

When taking too high a dose of meth or mixing this drug with other substances, the person using it will be at risk of experiencing an overdose. This can cause life-threatening symptoms, including:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Psychosis
• Coma
• Death

Knowing how to recognize the signs that someone may be suffering from a meth overdose can be crucial for getting them the immediate medical attention they need. If you or a loved one is struggling with a meth addiction, help is available.

How Do I Know If Someone is Abusing Meth?

While it can be hard to admit when you or a loved one may be struggling with a substance addiction, doing so will be the first and most important step in being able to overcome this condition.

There are many signs that can be looked out for when trying to determine whether someone may be struggling with a meth addiction, including:

• Making repeated attempts to stop or slow down meth use but failing to do so.
• Having intense cravings to use meth.
• Experiencing issues at school, work, and/or home as a result of meth use.
• Continuing to use meth even if it is causing problems within your relationships
• Continuing to use meth even if this is causing or worsening other health problems.
• Building a tolerance to meth, or needing to use higher doses of the drug and more frequently in order to get the same effect.
• Developing withdrawal symptoms surface when stopping or significantly reducing meth use.

If you recognize any of these signs, whether in yourself or a loved one, then it is time to get professional help. Making the decision to seek treatment can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. At Icarus Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to helping you get the support and treatment you need to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Get Effective Treatment for Meth Abuse With Icarus

Society places quite a bit of stigma on substance abuse and the need for treatment. However, there is no shame behind needing help for this condition. Addiction is a disease, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome meth abuse.

At the Icarus Behavioral Health treatment facilities, our staff of licensed doctors, therapists, and addiction specialists are dedicated to helping you or a loved one overcome the hardships of substance abuse.

When recovering at an Icarus treatment facility, you will have access to various addiction and mental health treatment services, including:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Addiction educating and counseling
• Nutritional counseling
• Individual and group therapy
• Behavioral therapies

These are just some of the various treatment methods and recovery services that are utilized at our facilities. We understand that each person who walks through our doors is facing their own unique struggle with addiction. That’s why we work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that is capable of addressing all of your recovery needs.

Start Your Addiction Recovery Journey With Icarus Today!

If you or a loved one is struggling with meth abuse and are reading to start your recovery journey, Icarus is here to help. With treatment centers located in New Mexico and Nevada, we have helped countless people from across the nation achieve lasting sobriety.

We will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses all of your recovery goals, and set up a strong foundation for a happier and healthier lifestyle. To learn more information about our treatment programs, make the confidential call to our welcoming Admissions team now!