What Is A ‘Teener’ Of Drugs?

A “teener” is a slang term used to refer to a specific amount of illegal drugs, namely one-sixteenth of an ounce, or 1.75 grams. It is typically used in reference to meth and sold in a small plastic baggie.

Other Names For A ‘Teener’

Aside from “teener,” there are other ways to reference this amount of drugs.

Other names for a teener include:

• teenth
• teenager
• t-shirt

In the drug world, a person may say they are “looking to hire a teenager to babysit” if they are looking for a teener of meth.

How Much Does A Teener Cost?

The relatively low cost of meth in comparison to other drugs often makes it easier to acquire, especially for teens and young adults. A teener of meth can cost anywhere from $30 to $100, with the cost depending on location, availability, purity, and other factors.

For example, high-quality meth will generally cost more than low-quality meth. Meth sold in low-supply areas will also tend to cost more than it will in areas where high concentrations of meth are sold.

A good portion of meth sold in the U.S. is illegally brought in from Mexico, where it’s produced by Mexican drug cartels. This means that the closer you are to Mexico, the cheaper meth tends to be.

The Short- And Long-Term Dangers Of Meth

Like any other addictive drug, there are short- and long-term health risks associated with methamphetamine use in addition to the development of a substance use disorder and drug overdose. However, NIDA describes the effects of meth use as particularly terrible.

In the short-term, meth causes spikes in blood pressure and elevated body temperature (hyperthermia). Excessive sweating and rapid breathing are common, as is restlessness, irritability, aggression, paranoia, and insomnia. It’s also common for meth to trigger panic attacks or violent and unusual behavior.

There are also many serious long-term health risks associated with meth use, including respiratory failure, heart attack, or stroke, any of which may be fatal.

Other long-term health risks of meth use include:

• auditory and visual hallucinations
• convulsions
• damage to the kidneys, liver, and/or lungs
• difficulties with emotional regulation
• high blood pressure
• malnutrition
• muscle destruction; in some cases, amputation is necessary
• permanent brain damage
• permanent cardiovascular damage
• premature osteoporosis
• problems with coordination
• psychosis
• reduced cognitive function
• seizures
• severe dental damage, i.e., “meth mouth”
• severe itching, resulting in sores on the body
• skin changes
• psychotic behavior
• weight loss

Use is also associated with a higher transmission rate of hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases. People who inject meth are susceptible to additional risks, which include abscesses, collapsed veins, infections of the heart valves and lining, tuberculosis, and more.

When it comes to meth, an overdose can happen suddenly, even on first use, and the risk of an overdose only increases over time. This is due in part to the negative effects that meth use has on a person’s overall health.

Meth And Cutting Agents

Meth is often mixed with cutting agents, which may include powder-like substances and medications. Cutting agents are used to bulk up the meth, so that street dealers can make more money from selling a smaller supply. Cutting agents are also used to increase the addictive properties of the drug, so that users want to buy more. Common powder-like substances include baking soda, baby powder, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Some of the medications meth is cut with include:

• acetaminophen
• ambroxol
• barbital
• caffeine
• chlorpheniramine
• desloratadine
• dimethyl sulfone
• ketamine
• procaine

Meth is also commonly cut with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Meth and fentanyl are both strong drugs on their own, but when combined, the risks can prove especially fatal. A lethal dose of fentanyl is just 2 milligrams (mg).

The only way to know whether fentanyl is present in meth, or any drug, is to use a fentanyl test strip, and use it correctly. Used incorrectly, these tests can produce false-negative results, Patrick Craven, lead detective of the newly formed opioid response team in rural Placer County, CA, recently told NBC News.

Help For Meth Addiction Is Available At BRC

Methamphetamine is one of the most psychologically addictive drugs out there, but recovery from meth addiction is certainly possible. Specialized inpatient or outpatient treatment may include detox, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other proven therapies, peer support groups, and more.

If you or a loved one is facing an addiction to meth and is interested in evidence-based treatment, call Bedrock Recovery Center today to learn about our recovery programs.