Did you know that in the first year of the pandemic, there was a 25 percent increase in overall ingestions of illicit substances in children? This is why being able to identify substances is crucial in protecting yourself and others.
Arizona is currently grappling with a methamphetamine and opioid crisis. According to a report from Millenium Health for Arizona, nearly 80 percent of urine drug test specimens collected in 2023 from those who use fentanyl also contain methamphetamine, an increase of 2,024 percent since 2013. While it’s not uncommon for meth to be cut with other substances, fentanyl is extremely powerful and can lead to fatal overdose. Knowing that other substances are making their way into methamphetamine, you may be wondering how to tell the difference between them.
If you are concerned about a loved one, Wolf Creek Recovery is here for you both. We recognize that meth can be a difficult substance to remove from your life, but support is available to make this a reality. Our staff is in recovery — some from methamphetamine — and we are living proof that healing is possible. As part of our program, we also provide education to clients and their families. Below is more information about meth identification, how to identify the substance via smell, taste, and sight, and how to tell if someone is using the substance.
Meth Identification
If you suspect that someone you care about is using meth, you may be interested in how to identify this substance. Keep in mind that meth comes in different forms, including pills, powder, and crystal-like chunks. This can impact how it looks and smells.
What Does Meth Look Like?
In its powdered form, meth is a fine to coarse white or off-white powder. It can also be pink, brown, or yellow depending on impurities or additives. Meth pills are small tablets or pills that can vary in shape, size, and color. Sometimes, these pills have logos or markings on them. Crystal meth is more potent and resembles broken glass or ice. It’s usually bluish-white or clear depending on what it’s cut with.
What Does Meth Smell Like?
Even though methamphetamine has a distinct smell, it can be difficult to identify if you’re not familiar with it. One of the most common odors associated with the substance is a strong, sharp ammonia smell, similar to household cleaning products or cat urine. Meth can also have a chemical smell that mimics acetone or nail polish remover. In some cases, it may even have a sweet, ether-like smell, similar to what paint thinner smells like.
When meth is smoked, it can smell like burnt rubber or plastic. This smell can linger on clothes and belongings. Some people even report smoked meth as smelling like sulfur or rotten eggs, especially if certain chemicals such as ammonia are used in the production.
What Does Meth Taste Like?
The taste of meth can vary depending on the form of meth and what chemicals are used in its production. Typically, meth is known for its bitter taste. The bitterness can be strong and unpleasant. Meth can also have a chemical taste depending on its chemical makeup, such as acetone or ammonia. People who use meth also report the substance as tasting metallic, which again, is due to the harsh chemicals involved.
Meth Mixed With Other Substances
It’s not uncommon for meth to be mixed with other substances to make it stronger and more addictive. The presence of these substances can significantly affect the potency, purity, and safety of the final product. They also influence what meth looks, smells, and tastes like.
Over-the-counter ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are the primary active ingredients used to produce meth. It also contains solvents and chemical reagents, such as red phosphorus, lithium, anhydrous ammonia, acetone, and hydrochloric acid. Cutting agents are also involved in the production of meth, including talcum powder, caffeine, and other stimulants. As a result of the production process, meth also contains byproducts and impurities like heavy metals, residual solvents, and organic impurities.
Perhaps most concerning, however, is that much of today’s meth is cut with fentanyl. This powerful opioid is undetectable without a test strip, which means people may end up consuming fentanyl without knowing it. Just a few milligrams is enough to be fatal.
Popular Street Names for Meth
- Blade
- Chalk
- Crank
- Crystal
- Dust
- Fire
- Glass
- Ice
- Poor man’s coke
- Rocket fuel
- Scooby snacks
- Speed
- Tina
- Tweek
- Uppers
How to Tell If Someone Is Using Meth
Recognizing the signs of meth use can help you identify if someone is experiencing a meth use disorder. This way, you can provide the necessary support and intervention. Meth affects people both physically and behaviorally, leading to noticeable changes.
Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamine
Meth can have a range of intense and even dangerous short-term effects, which can vary depending on whether the meth was smoked, snorted, injected, or ingested. The immediate effects include:
- Increased energy and alertness
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth and bad breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle tension and jaw clenching
- Increased respiratory rate
- Euphoria and intense pleasure
Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine
Long-term meth use can lead to a wide range of serious health problems, many of which can be permanent. Some of the key long-term effects of meth use include:
- Cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease and stroke
- Neurological damage
- Severe tooth decay and tooth loss
- Skin problems like sores and lesions
- Appetite suppression
- Immune system suppression
- Respiratory issues
- Mental health conditions
- Cravings and dependence
What Is a Meth Overdose?
A methamphetamine overdose occurs when someone consumes a toxic amount of the substance, overwhelming the body’s ability to cope. This can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms, affecting multiple systems in the body. Overdose can occur intentionally or unintentionally, and it can be fatal if not treated promptly. The people most at risk for meth overdose are those who use meth frequently or in high doses and those who mix meth with other drugs or alcohol.
Common symptoms of meth overdose include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, hyperthermia, difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and agitation. Severe complications may include seizures, stroke, heart attack, respiratory problems, or kidney failure. If you suspect a meth overdose in someone, call 911 immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.
Treatment Options for Meth Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
If you know someone who is experiencing a meth use disorder, rest assured that the proper interventions are available. At this point, the most effective form of meth addiction treatment is behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy helps individuals overcome negative thought patterns and insecurities that can contribute to meth use, provides self-help tools, and teaches effective communication skills. Family therapy, individual counseling, 12-step support, and healthy lifestyle changes are also important parts of the recovery process.
Wolf Creek Recovery offers highly personalized treatment plans for those experiencing meth use disorder. We use a wide range of evidence-based therapies to help clients learn new skills and ways of coping while also getting them outdoors to explore new, healthy hobbies. Our staff is in recovery and we find outdoor therapy to be a wonderful addition to behavioral therapies. To explore our programs and how we can help you build a life you love, contact our team at 833-732-8202.
FAQs About Meth Identification
What does meth look like?
Meth most commonly comes in powder form where it’s white or off-white, though it can also be pink, brown, or yellow depending on the additives and impurities used in the production process. Meth can also come in pills, though this is less common. Crystal meth is a purer form of meth that resembles broken shards of glass.
What does meth taste like?
People often describe meth as tasting bitter. Depending on the chemicals used in production, it’s also possible for meth to have a metallic taste.
What does meth smell like?
Meth has a strong, sharp ammonia-like smell, similar to what cat urine smells like. It can also have a chemical odor that is similar to nail polish or acetone. Smoked meth tends to smell like burnt plastic or rubber, which can linger on clothing and belongings.
Where are some common places people hide their meth?
People hide meth in personal products, such as lip gloss or gum wrappers, as well as around the home, such as under the mattress, behind picture frames, and in ceiling tiles. They may also hide the substance outside the home, such as in the car or at the bottom of planters.
What should I do if I find meth?
If you find meth, do not touch it, as direct contact can be harmful. Contact the authorities to let them know — they can also safely dispose of the substance.
