How To Identify Meth: Look, Smell, And Taste

Meth, or methamphetamine, is a synthetic stimulant that is used clinically to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity as well as recreationally.

Recreational use of the drug is incredibly dangerous, illegal, and can lead to meth addiction.

It goes by a variety of street names like crank, crystal, tweak, shards, ice, chalk, or chicken feed and is used by smoking, snorting, or injecting it.

When it comes to meth use and someone you love, you may be wondering how you can identify the drug to ensure your loved one can get the help they need.

Meth can be easily identified by three main factors: look, smell, and taste.

What Meth Looks Like

One of the fastest and simplest ways to identify meth is by its physical appearance. There are a couple of different forms of meth, which vary in look.

Powder Form Of Meth

Meth sometimes comes in the form of a powder. Powder meth looks similar to powder cocaine in that it’s white in color and a fine powder.

Crystal Meth

Another form of meth that may be easier to identify is crystal meth. Crystal meth often looks like small rocks or glass fragments.

Color Of Meth

Meth is typically white in color despite the form it’s in. Crystal meth can also be shiny, clear, and have a bluish tint.

However, meth colors can vary and may include pink, brown, gray, and orange, which can occur when it’s mixed with other additives or substances.

What Meth Smells Like

Though the smell of meth varies, it’s usually pretty distinguishable.

“Hospital Smell”

One common smell associated with meth is a “hospital smell.” This smell usually occurs from the production of meth, so it’s associated with meth labs or other places where meth is made.

Vinegar Or Ammonia

Vinegar and ammonia-like smells are also common with meth production. Some people find that this smell is similar to window cleaner.

Additionally, sometimes people who use meth will start to give off an ammonia-like scent through their sweat.

Sweet Smell

Though the smell of meth being made can be potent and less than pleasant, when it’s smoked, meth can give off a sweet scent.

Cat Urine Or Rotten Eggs

Lastly, meth production can also create a smell similar to cat urine or rotten eggs depending on what it’s mixed with.

What Meth Tastes Like

Lastly, meth can be identified based on its taste. Methamphetamine can range in taste but is easy to distinguish based on this factor.

Bitter

A common taste associated with meth is a strong bitterness. Specifically, many report powder meth to be bitter.

Chemical Taste

Another typical taste associated with methamphetamine is a general chemical-like taste. This is primarily due to the chemicals used in its production.

Flavored Pink Meth

In recent years, flavored pink meth has become a more common form of the drug. This form is pink in color and has a strawberry flavor.

Flavored meth was created to make the substance more appealing, and as a result, easier to sell. Other flavors like orange, cola, and chocolate have also popped up.

How To Spot Fake Meth

Believe it or not, methamphetamine found on the street is sometimes completely fake or contains additives that can be extremely dangerous to your health.

That being said, it’s important to know how to spot fake meth. Luckily, there are a few tests that can be done to do so.

Melting Point Tests

One way to distinguish real meth from fake or diluted meth is through a melting point test. This test is done by heating the meth in a mineral oil via a double boiler.

When the meth is heated, you can keep track of the temperature at which the substance melts and crystalizes.

If the meth is purer, it will usually melt at around 180°C and will crystalize between 170°-175°C.

While this test can tell you whether your meth is real or diluted, it won’t tell you what it could be mixed with.

Test Kits

In terms of testing meth for dangerous additives, it’s best to use drug test kits that are designed to detect certain substances.

These tests can detect other drugs like opioids, amphetamines, and ecstasy, however, the most important thing they test for is the presence of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug that is fatal in even very small amounts, so testing your meth for this substance can save your life.

Where Meth Is Found

Meth can be found in a variety of places. Aside from being found in homes for personal use, it can also be found where it’s produced.

In some cases, meth is produced in people’s homes, but there are also labs dedicated to producing methamphetamine.

Meth Laboratories

There are a few ways you can identify a meth lab or other meth production location.

First, the smell coming from the suspected location may help give it away. Meth labs can give off strong odors of ammonia, cat urine, or rotten eggs, as noted above.

Other external signs may include covered windows, security, and trash containing drug paraphernalia. Sometimes there may also be dead grass or plants from where substances have been dumped.

Places With Common Meth Ingredients

Another sign of meth production is meth ingredients and tools.

These can include:

• substances containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine like cold or sinus medications
• hydrogen peroxide
• acetone
• paint thinner
• coffee filters
• rubber gloves
• glassware
• lighters
• lithium batteries

Lastly, the behavior of people in the location may help you identify if it’s a meth lab or production center.

Effects of meth like psychosis and meth mouth or signs like frequent visitors are usually good indicators alongside other signs.

If you come across a location you suspect to be a meth lab, be sure to inform local law enforcement and leave the area.

Addiction Treatment Services For Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine use can cause extensive damage to your health and daily life.

If you’re struggling with meth abuse or suspect someone you know is, it’s vital to seek help from a healthcare professional regarding your meth addiction.

Bedrock Recovery Center, located in Canton, MA, is a top-rated facility offering addiction treatment programs for all kinds of substance abuse.

We offer a variety of drug use recovery programs tailored to your individual needs. Treatment options for meth use may include services like detox and inpatient or outpatient programs.

In addition to getting you through your cravings, we also provide support groups, one-on-one therapy sessions, and recovery education to help you succeed even after you leave.

Find Quality Meth Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Are you ready to take the next step toward recovery from your meth substance use disorder?

Call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today for more information on our comprehensive treatment plans.