Many people wonder whether there is a real difference between meth and crystal meth or if these terms simply refer to the same drug. While both substances contain methamphetamine, the key distinction lies in their form, potency, and how they are used. Crystal meth is a highly purified, crystalline version of methamphetamine, making it more potent and addictive. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing the risks and effects associated with each form.
Meth addiction often requires professional treatment to safely overcome withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling, understanding the difference between detox and rehab can help you choose the right path to recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, we can help. Call us today or visit our admissions page to take the first step toward recovery.
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What Is Meth?
Meth is a common term for methamphetamine. This drug is a highly addictive stimulant, which means that it speeds up the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS).
Common initial effects of meth include:
- Boost in energy
- Elevated mood
- Increased alertness and focus
- Talkativeness
- Decreased appetite
- Racing heart rate
- Rise in body temperature
- Rapid breathing
When these intense effects begin to wear off, a person may experience a dramatic physical and emotional crash. To avoid this crash and extend their high, people who use meth may go on binges that can last for several days.
The longer a person uses meth, the greater their risk becomes of incurring potentially irreversible damage such as:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Heart problems
- Muscle weakness
- Extreme dental decay
- Damage to kidneys and liver
- Sexual dysfunction
- Overdose
- Death
Most meth use involves illicit recreational substance abuse, but the drug does have some legitimate medical purposes. Methamphetamine is the primary active ingredient in Desoxyn, a prescription medication that is sometimes used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity.
Recognizing the signs of meth use in a loved one is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is a type of methamphetamine that usually looks like crystals or pieces of glass. The process of converting methamphetamine into crystal meth usually results in a more pure and more powerful drug.
Other common terms for crystal meth include ice, crystal, glass, quartz, and shards.
The type of effects that crystal meth causes – such as elevated mood, increased energy, racing heart rate, and decreased need for sleep – are similar to those caused by meth. However, when a person uses crystal meth, these effects may occur more rapidly, become much stronger, and endure for a longer period of time than would result from meth itself.
The dangers ofmeth – such as organ damage, addiction, and overdose – are also similar to the risks associated with meth use. But since crystal meth has a more intense effect, the likelihood of incurring this type of harm may be greater than if a person was using meth in pill or powder form.
Differences Between Meth and Crystal Meth
Four key differences between meth and crystal meth involve what the drugs look like, how they are used, and how they can affect people:
- Appearance: The most obvious difference between meth and crystal meth is how the drugs look. Meth usually appears as a pill or powder. As its name suggests, crystal meth can look like small crystals, rocks, or shards of glass.
- Method of ingestion: Meth is typically ingested by swallowing it (in pill form) or inhaling it through the nose (in powder form). The most common way to use crystal meth is to smoke it. This involves putting the rocks into a small pipe, heating them, and inhaling the fumes.
- Potency: Crystal meth is stronger than meth. Its effects usually occur more quickly, become more intense, and last longer than the usual impact of “regular” meth.
- Toxicity: Neither meth nor crystal meth are safe to use. However, as low-grade street meth has become more popular, the likelihood of getting a contaminated batch has increased. Since the method of manufacturing crystal meth remains more complex, this version of the drug is less likely to contain toxic adulterants.
Signs of Addiction to Meth or Crystal Meth
Though there are a few key differences between meth and crystal meth, they share one potentially life-threatening characteristic: They are both highly addictive substances.
A person may only need to use meth a few times before becoming addicted to the drug. If you can intervene before their drug use turns into an addiction, you can prevent them from incurring substantial harm, up to and including death.
If you suspect that someone you care about has been using methamphetamines, keep an eye out for signs such as:
- Dramatic shifts in mood and energy
- Uncharacteristic recklessness, aggression, or violence
- Confusion and disorientation
- Impaired memory
- Dilated (enlarged) pupils
- Excessive perspiration
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained financial problems
- Abnormal sleep patterns
- Disregard of appearance, and hygiene
- Frequently scratching or picking at their skin
- Skin sores that never seem to fully heal
- Extreme tooth decay
- Withdrawal and isolation
If a person’s use of meth turns into an addiction, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. How long it takes to detox from meth depends on factors such as the severity of addiction and individual health conditions.
- Frequently use more of the drug (or use it for a longer period of time) than they intended
- Spending substantial amounts of time seeking, acquiring, using, or recovering from the effects of meth
- Failing to meet their responsibilities at home, in school, or at work due to their meth use
- Ending their participation in hobbies or activities that used to be important to them
- Continuing to use meth even after incurring some type of harm – such as being arrested, losing their job, or experiencing physical health problems – as a result of prior use
- Using meth in ways that are especially hazardous, such as combining it with other drugs or driving while under the influence of meth
- Wanting to end their meth use, but being unable to do so
Meth addiction is a treatable condition, but if a person doesn’t get the care they need, their compulsive use of this dangerous drug is likely to only get worse.
Anyone who exhibits the signs and symptoms of meth addiction may be in crisis and needs immediate attention from a qualified professional. Completing a thorough evaluation and receiving an accurate diagnosis can be vital steps on the path toward effective treatment and a healthier life in recovery.
Find Treatment for Meth Addiction in Atlanta
If you or someone that you care about has become trapped in the downward spiral of addiction to meth, Retreat of Atlanta is here to help.
Our detox and rehab center in Atlanta, Georgia, provides customized care in a safe and highly supportive environment. With the help of our team of compassionate experts, you can stop using meth and start building a healthier future in recovery.
You deserve to live a more hopeful life, free from compulsive meth use. To learn how we can help you accomplish this goal, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
