Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS
Though it’s clinically used as Desoxyn to treat conditions like obesity, narcolepsy, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), methamphetamine can cause severe health consequences and meth addiction.
Meth is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and is classified as a Schedule II drug.
The drug is available in a variety of forms and goes by several street names such as tweak, crank, speed, ice, and yaba.
It can be made in a variety of locations like meth labs or even in people’s homes. Sometimes, methamphetamine is made from cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine.
You may think that all meth looks the same, however, the appearance of this drug is dependent on the form it’s in and what it’s been mixed with. This can make identifying meth more difficult.
Due to the fact that meth can be used by snorting, smoking, injecting, or even drinking it, the physical characteristics can differ quite a bit.
What Powdered Meth Looks Like
One form of meth often seen on the street is powdered meth. Powder forms of methamphetamine look similar to powder cocaine.
Typically, this kind of meth is white in color and is a fine powder. However, other colors of meth include brown, gray, or even pink.
Additionally, powdered meth is usually bitter-tasting and has a chemical-like smell.
The Look Of Crystal Meth
Another well-known form of meth is crystal methamphetamine. When it comes to color, this kind of meth is usually white with a bluish tint or sometimes clear.
Other physical characteristics of crystal meth are a small, rock-like appearance or glass shards.
What Meth Pills Look Like
Methamphetamine is also found in pill form sometimes. Meth pills are small and round in appearance and can range in color.
Sometimes, the pills are colored to look like candy or another less harmful substance.
What Liquid Meth Looks Like
Believe it or not, methamphetamine is also used in liquid form sometimes, known as liquid meth. This kind of meth can be yellow or brownish in color and is a transparent liquid.
Liquid meth is usually swallowed and then absorbed through the bloodstream.
Factors That Influence Meth Appearance
Though all kinds of meth have a typical appearance, they can vary in look due to a few factors.
In fact, the color, as well as other physical characteristics, can sometimes change due to different additives or cutting agents used in various batches.
Cutting Agents
Cutting agents are chemicals or substances that are added to meth when it’s produced. They can be used for a variety of reasons.
For example, meth labs may include cutting agents to make more money off less meth or make it weigh more.
Some common cutting agents in meth include talc, milk powder, baby powder, sugar, and baking soda.
By adding these substances to meth, dealers can make money and use less product.
Additives
Additives are similar to cutting agents but are typically additional drugs mixed with methamphetamine.
These drugs may be used to enhance the effects of meth or make it more addictive, causing the people who buy it to be more likely to come back for more.
Some common additives in meth include opioids, amphetamines, and even fentanyl.
These additives can make meth much more potent and dangerous. In some cases, this can cause severe health consequences and even death.
Specifically, fentanyl has become more commonly mixed with illegal drugs in recent years. Even very small amounts of fentanyl-laced meth can kill you.
To avoid using contaminated methamphetamine, you can find test kits that will detect fentanyl and other drugs.
Treatment Options For Methamphetamine Abuse
Methamphetamine abuse is risky and can quickly lead to addiction and cravings, as well as a host of side effects, including psychosis, mental health changes, tooth decay, and weight loss.
In order to take charge of your life and your health, it’s important to get the treatment you need.
Though the options for treatment centers can be overwhelming, Bedrock Recovery Center can offer the quality care you need to recover. We’re located just outside of Boston and treat a variety of substance use disorders.
We tailor our meth addiction treatment to each individual, making it the clear choice for your recovery journey.
Treatment may include detox, inpatient services, therapy, and recovery education.
Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center
If you or a loved one are ready to take the first step in your recovery from methamphetamine addiction, don’t hesitate to call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center.
- National Drug Intelligence Center https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3981/index.htm#look%20like
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/overview
- U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/methamphetamine