Street Names for Meth

Knowing Meth Slang and Getting Help for a Loved One

Do you suspect your loved one may be using meth? Perhaps you have heard them talking and believe they have been using code names for this drug. Keep reading to find out which street names are regularly used for meth.

Meth is a drug that has destroyed the lives of countless people across the world. But it does not have just one name, and there are many different street names for meth. In this blog, we will let you know what these names are, tell you the symptoms and effects of meth, and will also advise you on how to get help at Icarus Behavioral Health if you or a loved one has become stuck in a cycle of meth use.

What is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine or “meth,” is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It’s usually produced in clandestine laboratories and sold illegally on the street. It is either clear or white. And comes in either a solid ‘rock’ or hard crystal form or a bitter-tasting crystalline powder form that can be taken orally, smoked, snorted, or injected. Meth is sometimes prescribed as a prescription drug called Desoxyn, though it is now rarely given for medical purposes due to the dangers of use.

Meth is highly addictive and can cause a number of physical and psychological problems if abused. It increases levels of dopamine in the brain — the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and movement control — which leads to feelings of euphoria and intense energy. Unfortunately, this high comes at a cost; crystal meth abuse triggers significant changes to brain chemistry that lead to addiction quickly.

15 Common Street Names for Meth

Many street names for meth are now used as it continues to spread throughout communities around the world. Some common street names for meth used by those who are addicted to the drug or who are dealing it include:

• “Crank”
• “Chicken”
• “Glass”
• “Shards”
• “Tweak”
• “Biker Coke”
• “Tina”
• “Go-fast”
• “Garbage”
• “Ice Cream”
• “Shabu”
• “Speed”
• “Chalk”
• “Ice”
• “Poor man’s cocaine”

7 Slang Names for Meth Users

Along with names for the drug itself, common names for people who use meth often include:

• “Speed Freak”
• “Geeker”
• “Tweaker”
• “Crankster”
• “Crystal Head”
• “Meth Head”
• “Shard Nard”

11 Common Slang Terms for Smoking Meth

Alongside the ways people refer to those using meth, is the slang used to describe the act of meth consumption itself. Some are general, while others refer to a specific route of administration.

• “Toking” (smoking)
• “Cooking Up” (preparing for injection)
• “Blasting Off” (typically used for injection)
• “Hitting the Pipe” (smoking)
• “Smoking Ice” (smoking)
• “Doing Glass” (various)
• “Hot Rolling” (similar to a hot rail, heating and snorting the smoke)
• “Stovetop” (smoking)
• “Tweaking” (various)
• “Glowsticking”  (unknown)
• “Chicken Flippin” (various)

Why Should You Know the Common Names of Meth?

Meth users sometimes call the practice of combining meth with heroin a “speedball“, though this is one of the street names that is often used when referring to the combination of other drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

These street names for meth can be used by dealers or buyers to hide their activities from police officers and family members, as well as by people who are struggling with addiction and want to keep their use of the drug a secret.

Once you recognize these street names, you will know if someone is using them in front of you, which will mean that you will see potential signs of meth abuse and get help when needed.

8 Warning Signs of Meth Abuse

Meth abuse can have serious consequences. Long-term use of the drug can lead to cognitive and psychological problems, including:

1) Memory Loss

When someone takes meth for a long period of time, they can experience profound problems with their memory. Someone may forget things that they just did and events that happened long ago. The longer that someone takes meth, the more pronounced this memory loss is likely to be. Stopping methamphetamine use may help restore a user’s memory, though it may never function as well as it once did.

2) Mood Swings

Methamphetamine use causes significant changes in dopamine levels, which can lead to rapid and dramatic shifts in mood. Someone who is taking crystal meth may be overly talkative one moment and completely withdrawn the next.

Some meth users may become anxious or paranoid suddenly, even if they were relaxed just a few minutes before. This behavior may continue long after the user stops taking the drug due to lasting chemical imbalances in the brain.

3) Paranoia

Paranoia is a common side effect of drug abuse, including meth. An individual may become suspicious and mistrustful of those around them, often without any provocation. They may also experience auditory or visual hallucinations that can cause them to act erratically.

4) Hallucinations

Hallucinations are another sign of substance abuse that happens when someone is abusing crystal meth. They may hear voices or see things that aren’t really there, and this can have a profound effect on their behavior. In severe cases, these hallucinations can lead to violence and other dangerous behaviors as a result of meth psychosis.

5) Physical Signs

Meth users often exhibit physical signs, that can indicate that they are abusing meth, such as a lack of need for sleep, insomnia, weight loss, and more. Note that these signs are also seen when people use other drugs.

6) Dilated Pupils

Meth use causes the pupils to dilate and remain that way for an extended period. When someone has been abusing meth, their pupils may dilate so you are unable to see the whites of their eyes. This can also be caused by substance abuse of other stimulants.

7) Weight Loss

Meth suppresses the appetite, so many users will lose a significant amount of weight over time. This can be dangerous since it reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections and other illnesses.

8) Skin Sores or Burns

Crystal meth is often smoked, and this can cause skin sores or burns on the mouth and lips, part of what has been called by many outside observes a characteristic of ‘meth face.’ The user may also have burn marks on their fingers due to holding the glass pipe for extended periods of time.

What are the Physical Signs of Meth Abuse?

Common physical signs that someone may be abusing meth include dilated pupils; increased heart rate and blood pressure; rapid breathing; extreme weight loss; twitching or jerky movements; dry mouth with cravings for sugary beverages (known as “meth mouth”).

Other signs include acne breakouts on the face or body; sleeping problems such as insomnia and fatigue; teeth grinding or clenching; poor personal hygiene. These signs get more pronounced the more meth someone uses.

Are There Behavioral Signs of Meth Abuse?

In addition to physical signs, there are behavioral signs of meth abuse that may indicate a problem. These include frequent absences from work or school; changes in behavior; mood swings; impulsivity or hyperactivity; aggressive behavior; secretive behavior such as lying about activities or hiding items; risk-taking behaviors like stealing and going out late at night.

How To Get Help for Your Loved One with Meth Addiction

Whether you or someone you love is struggling with a meth addiction, you may be wondering how to get help. Fortunately, there are several options for treatment and support available. The first step in getting help is recognizing that there is an addiction and being willing to do something about it.

Inpatient Rehab for Meth Use

The most effective way to treat methamphetamine addiction is through inpatient rehabilitation programs. These programs provide a safe, supervised environment where individuals can receive intensive therapy and medical care. A person in an inpatient rehab program may receive group or individual counseling, medication-assisted treatments such as methadone, and other services to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Outpatient Rehab for Meth Use

Outpatient programs are another option for the treatment of meth addiction. Outpatient programs involve attending counseling and other therapies on a regular basis. These programs can be structured in a variety of ways, from daily sessions to weekly visits. The goal is to provide support and resources while giving individuals the flexibility to continue living their lives during treatment.

Self-Help Groups

Another way to get help for meth addiction is through self-help groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Crystal Meth Anonymous. These types of groups provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences with addiction and receive encouragement from others who are on the same path.

Effective Rehab Center Programs for Meth Addiction

When looking for help, make sure you find a treatment center that is accredited and has experience in treating methamphetamine addiction. At Icarus, we have helped hundreds of clients start down a successful path to recovery, and provide a full array of aftercare services.

Among treatment services in New Mexico, we are also known for our individualized treatment plans and trauma-informed approach that seeks to address underlying causes of substance use and therefore provide more lasting recovery outcomes.

Remember that recovery from addiction takes time and effort. The most successful treatment plans focus on long-term behavior change and relapse prevention. Our compassionate team at Icarus will help you or your loved one develop the necessary skills to overcome meth abuse and build a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

Get Help for Meth Addiction with Icarus Behavioral Health

If you hear your loved one using these street names for meth and exhibiting signs of addiction, get help right away – the sooner someone gets treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, our treatment involves psychotherapy and medication-assisted therapy (MAT) to address both the physical and mental effects of meth addiction. This ensures the best long-term outcomes for all clients who come through our doors, no matter how heavy their addiction to meth is.

Contact us today to discuss treatment options, and get options to help your loved one escape meth now!