Meth Street Names, Slang Terms, and Nicknames

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Methamphetamine is an extremely potent stimulant drug. While this substance may be prescribed in very low doses for the treatment of ADHD or weight loss purposes, it is most commonly manufactured and abused illicitly. 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “Among people aged 12 or older in 2020, 0.9% (or about 2.6 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.”[1]

While methamphetamine abuse is not as common as other forms of stimulants like cocaine, individuals become addicted to this substance at an increased rate. Meth addiction is associated with an array of devastating physical and psychological health risks, including the development of psychosis.[2]

Many people use street names, slang terms, or nicknames when referring to methamphetamine. Being aware of the meth street names and slang terms will allow individuals to identify addiction in their loved ones. 

What is Meth?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.”[3]

Methamphetamine was developed in the early 20th century from its parent substance, amphetamine. This drug was originally used as an active ingredient in nasal decongestant drugs and bronchial inhalers. However, the psychoactive effects and dangers of long-term use caused this drug to become more restricted and criminalized.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has classified meth as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.

The Symptoms of Meth Abuse 

Many people who abuse meth report becoming addicted to the substance after only one or two uses. This makes this substance extremely dangerous, especially when considering the dangers of long-term abuse. 

Some of the early signs of methamphetamine abuse include a loss of interest in previously beloved activities, isolation from friends or family, increased energy, and an inability to sleep. Over time, the signs of meth abuse begin to become more obvious, including extreme weight loss, sores on the skin, and rotting teeth. 

An individual who is using this substance will exhibit a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms, including:

  • Hyperactivity 
  • Reduced appetite
  • Twitching, jerky movements, and facial tics
  • Agitation and paranoia
  • Burns on fingers or lips 
  • Erratic sleeping patterns or significant loss of sleep
  • Noticeable and extreme weight loss 
  • Skin sores from picking 
  • Rapid eye movement 
  • Rotting teeth
  • Outbursts of anger and violence
  • Rapid mood swings 

Meth Street Names, Slang Terms, and Nicknames

Individuals who abuse meth typically use slang terms when texting or speaking over the phone. This is to prevent people around them from learning about their substance abuse. Additionally, the paranoia associated with meth use may cause individuals to believe that the police are after them, leading them to use code names when speaking about the drug. 

Common meth street names and slang terms include:

  • Speed
  • Crank
  • Ice
  • Crystal
  • Tina
  • X-tina 
  • Christina
  • Chalk 
  • No doze 
  • White cross 
  • Rocket fuel 
  • Scooby Snax
  • Dunk 
  • Gak 
  • Cotton candy 
  • Cookies 

Additionally, the pipes used to smoke meth have their own nicknames. These may include:

  • Glass rose 
  • Pookie 
  • Bubble 
  • Pizzo
  • Oil burner 
  • Utensil 

Some individuals abuse meth intravenously. This means that they inject the substance into a vein with a needle. The slang terms that refer to a needle for meth abuse include:

  • Point 
  • Rigs
  • Sets
  • Fits
  • Pencils 

There are several different ways an individual will describe being high on meth. These terms are helpful to know, as they can help individuals understand whether their loved one is referring to being high on meth or not. The slang terms for being high on methamphetamine include:

  • Getting geared up 
  • Chicken Flippin 
  • Hot rolling 
  • Ramping 
  • Speeding 
  • Getting fried or foiled 
  • Tweaking 
  • Zooming 
  • Getting scattered
  • Being spun out or spinning out 

Dangers of Meth Addiction

Whether an individual is smoking, snorting, swallowing, or shooting meth, the long-term abuse of this substance is extremely dangerous. When an individual abuses this drug, they are at an increased risk of developing adverse physical, psychological, behavioral, and even financial effects.

The physical dangers of meth addiction include:

  • Dangerous loss due to loss of appetite 
  • Development of withdrawal symptoms 
  • Gum disease, missing teeth, and tooth decay (“meth mouth”)
  • Painful sores that can get infected and leave scarring 
  • Damage to organs, including heart failure
  • Seizures and overdoses 

The psychological dangers associated with meth abuse include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Mood disturbances
  • Paranoia
  • Intense anger 
  • Insomnia 
  • Psychosis
  • Hallucinations and delusions 

The behavioral and cognitive effects associated with meth misuse include:

  • Impulse control problems
  • Trouble focusing 
  • Issues with daily functioning 
  • Violent behaviors due to paranoia 
  • Feeling like bugs are crawling under the skin, causing scratching and picking
  • Reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning 
  • A decline in mental flexibility 

While the long-term effects of meth addiction can be devastating, some of them are reversible with professional treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, “Some of the neurobiological effects of chronic methamphetamine misuse appear to be, at least, partially reversible.”[2]

Finding Treatment for Meth Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one abuse meth, your chances of becoming addicted are extremely high. Due to this, attending professional treatment is of the utmost importance. Long-term meth addiction is associated with an array of problems that can significantly lower an individual’s quality of life.

Thankfully, addiction treatment facilities like Moving Mountains Recovery Center are experienced in helping individuals recover from addiction and its effects. Contact us today for more information on our meth abuse and addiction treatment plans.

References:

  1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-scope-methamphetamine-misuse-in-united-states
  2. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-misuse
  3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-methamphetamine

Meth Street Names, Slang Terms, and Nicknames

Feb 18, 2024

Drug Addiction

Methamphetamine is an extremely potent stimulant drug. While this substance may be prescribed in very low doses for the treatment of ADHD or weight loss purposes, it is most commonly manufactured and abused illicitly. 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “Among people aged 12 or older in 2020, 0.9% (or about 2.6 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.”[1]

While methamphetamine abuse is not as common as other forms of stimulants like cocaine, individuals become addicted to this substance at an increased rate. Meth addiction is associated with an array of devastating physical and psychological health risks, including the development of psychosis.[2]

Many people use street names, slang terms, or nicknames when referring to methamphetamine. Being aware of the meth street names and slang terms will allow individuals to identify addiction in their loved ones. 

What is Meth?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.”[3]

Methamphetamine was developed in the early 20th century from its parent substance, amphetamine. This drug was originally used as an active ingredient in nasal decongestant drugs and bronchial inhalers. However, the psychoactive effects and dangers of long-term use caused this drug to become more restricted and criminalized.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has classified meth as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.

The Symptoms of Meth Abuse 

Many people who abuse meth report becoming addicted to the substance after only one or two uses. This makes this substance extremely dangerous, especially when considering the dangers of long-term abuse. 

Some of the early signs of methamphetamine abuse include a loss of interest in previously beloved activities, isolation from friends or family, increased energy, and an inability to sleep. Over time, the signs of meth abuse begin to become more obvious, including extreme weight loss, sores on the skin, and rotting teeth. 

An individual who is using this substance will exhibit a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms, including:

  • Hyperactivity 

  • Reduced appetite

  • Twitching, jerky movements, and facial tics

  • Agitation and paranoia

  • Burns on fingers or lips 

  • Erratic sleeping patterns or significant loss of sleep

  • Noticeable and extreme weight loss 

  • Skin sores from picking 

  • Rapid eye movement 

  • Rotting teeth

  • Outbursts of anger and violence

  • Rapid mood swings 

Meth Street Names, Slang Terms, and Nicknames

Individuals who abuse meth typically use slang terms when texting or speaking over the phone. This is to prevent people around them from learning about their substance abuse. Additionally, the paranoia associated with meth use may cause individuals to believe that the police are after them, leading them to use code names when speaking about the drug. 

Common meth street names and slang terms include:

  • Speed

  • Crank

  • Ice

  • Crystal

  • Tina

  • X-tina 

  • Christina

  • Chalk 

  • No doze 

  • White cross 

  • Rocket fuel 

  • Scooby Snax

  • Dunk 

  • Gak 

  • Cotton candy 

  • Cookies 

Additionally, the pipes used to smoke meth have their own nicknames. These may include:

  • Glass rose 

  • Pookie 

  • Bubble 

  • Pizzo

  • Oil burner 

  • Utensil 

Some individuals abuse meth intravenously. This means that they inject the substance into a vein with a needle. The slang terms that refer to a needle for meth abuse include:

  • Point 

  • Rigs

  • Sets

  • Fits

  • Pencils 

There are several different ways an individual will describe being high on meth. These terms are helpful to know, as they can help individuals understand whether their loved one is referring to being high on meth or not. The slang terms for being high on methamphetamine include:

  • Getting geared up 

  • Chicken Flippin 

  • Hot rolling 

  • Ramping 

  • Speeding 

  • Getting fried or foiled 

  • Tweaking 

  • Zooming 

  • Getting scattered

  • Being spun out or spinning out 

Dangers of Meth Addiction

Whether an individual is smoking, snorting, swallowing, or shooting meth, the long-term abuse of this substance is extremely dangerous. When an individual abuses this drug, they are at an increased risk of developing adverse physical, psychological, behavioral, and even financial effects.

The physical dangers of meth addiction include:

  • Dangerous loss due to loss of appetite 

  • Development of withdrawal symptoms 

  • Gum disease, missing teeth, and tooth decay (“meth mouth”)

  • Painful sores that can get infected and leave scarring 

  • Damage to organs, including heart failure

  • Seizures and overdoses 

The psychological dangers associated with meth abuse include:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Confusion

  • Mood disturbances

  • Paranoia

  • Intense anger 

  • Insomnia 

  • Psychosis

  • Hallucinations and delusions 

The behavioral and cognitive effects associated with meth misuse include:

  • Impulse control problems

  • Trouble focusing 

  • Issues with daily functioning 

  • Violent behaviors due to paranoia 

  • Feeling like bugs are crawling under the skin, causing scratching and picking

  • Reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning 

  • A decline in mental flexibility 

While the long-term effects of meth addiction can be devastating, some of them are reversible with professional treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, “Some of the neurobiological effects of chronic methamphetamine misuse appear to be, at least, partially reversible.”[2]

Finding Treatment for Meth Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one abuse meth, your chances of becoming addicted are extremely high. Due to this, attending professional treatment is of the utmost importance. Long-term meth addiction is associated with an array of problems that can significantly lower an individual’s quality of life.

Thankfully, addiction treatment facilities like Moving Mountains Recovery Center are experienced in helping individuals recover from addiction and its effects. Contact us today for more information on our meth abuse and addiction treatment plans.

References:

  1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-scope-methamphetamine-misuse-in-united-states

  2. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-misuse

  3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-methamphetamine

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