Snorting ice is a way to describe using crystal meth via the nose. Meth is an illegal stimulant that produces a n intense and potentially dangerous high. Because of its potent effects, meth is a popular recreational drug. It can be purchased and used in a few different forms, each with its own unique dangers. “Ice” is one slang term for the crystal form of meth. Whether you struggle with meth use, someone you know does, or you’re feeling pressured to give the drug a try, it’s important to understand the risks. Let’s discuss some of the names for crystal meth and how it’s used.
What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine, which is a synthetic (lab-made) stimulant. Stimulants, also called amphetamines, work on the central nervous system to wake up and alert the system. In relation, they have been given the slang name “uppers” because of their heightening side effects. Stimulants boost focus, alertness, energy, clarity, and sociability. Notably, these results have a medical use, and amphetamines are often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, they are commonly abused for their enjoyable effects.
Methamphetamine can be a second-line treatment for ADHD, but crystal meth serves no medical purpose. As such, it is only used recreationally and is illegal to manufacture and use. It’s often made in black market labs and sold for cheap. Roughly 2/3 of meth originates in labs in Mexico and California, and the other 1/3 is made in local makeshift labs. Because of its crystal-like appearance, it has gained its names crystal and ice. To elaborate, crystal methamphetamine is made by combining 80 percent pure meth with hydrochloric acid and an assortment of fillers. These may include solvents, fertilizer, battery acid, detergent, drain cleaner, and antifreeze. Once the product looks like shiny glass-like crystals, they are sold as-is or crushed into powder.
Why Is It Called Snorting Ice?
The slang term “snorting ice” comes from both the way people use meth and the form they are using. To explain, crystal meth is often called ice because it looks like small ice-like chunks of rock. It’s usually white or clear. From the crystal form, individuals can use meth in a variety of ways. However, snorting it refers to crushing it down into powder and sniffing meth into the nose.
Other Slang Terms for Using Meth
There are many street slang terms for meth, some depending on its form. Meth may be referenced by any of the following names:
- Crystal
- Speed
- Glass
- Shard
- Rock
- Poor man’s cocaine
- Rocket fuel
- Scooby Snacks
- Chalk
How Else Do People Use Meth?
Along with snorting meth, there are numerous ways that individuals use meth. In fact, snorting meth may be the least potent intake of meth into your system. Typically, methamphetamine is purchased in powder form. Crystal meth, which is purchased in rock form, can also be ground down into powder and snorted. Meth will otherwise either be smoked or ingested.
Smoking Meth
Smoking meth is a popular way to intake the drug. Since crystal methamphetamine usually comes as small rock shards, smoking it involves melting it down. Often, individuals use a bowl pipe or meth pipe to liquidate crystal meth. As the vapors release, they inhale them directly into their lungs. Each method of using meth brings its own unique dangers, and one of the risks of smoking is lung damage. It may also cause excessive coughing and chest pain. Notably, people are also at risk of burns from melting their meth and cuts from broken glass meth pipes. When one smokes meth, it enters their bloodstream quicker than if they snort it. Yet, the high is short and temporary, followed by feeling low in comparison. Thus, the risk of developing an addiction increases with quick but short-lived effects like those of smoking.
Injecting Meth
Lastly, injecting meth is another common method of intaking this drug. People can melt meth shards into liquid or purchase meth base, which is a waxy, meltable form. In many cases, recreational use starts with snorting or smoking meth for the high. However, once someone develops a full-blown addiction to the rush meth brings, they won’t be able to stop using the substance. At this point, they may turn to injecting meth in order to get a quick release into their system. Injecting meth inserts the substance directly into the bloodstream for an immediate high. Yet, injecting meth brings risks of infections and diseases from needle use. HIV and hepatitis B and C are very possible risks of injecting meth. Additionally, individuals may develop skin wounds or vein damage.
Why Is Crystal Meth Dangerous?
Meth can be a life-destroying substance when it becomes out of hand. Because stimulants are so powerful, it’s easy for recreational use to spiral into a serious drug addiction. Notably, legal methamphetamine is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD, known as the branded product, Desoxyn. It comes as a pill. Yet, even legal meth is closely monitored and only to be used within its prescription.
Illicit, unsupervised meth use is incredibly dangerous and can lead to numerous health problems. Any health issues that arise form meth abuse have been developing over time. By the time they begin to damage your life, they must be managed and treated but likely can’t be reversed. Meth abuse has both short-term and long-term risks associated with its use.
Soon after you begin using crystal methamphetamine, you may experience:
- Pounding heart rate
- Chest pain
- Convulsions
- Agitation
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
With long-term meth abuse, your risk of developing any of the following issues grows:
- Seizures
- Blood infections
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Brain damage
- Meth sores
- Pneumonia
- Drug poisoning
- Stroke
Is Meth Addictive?
Yes, meth is a highly addictive substance, no matter what form of the drug you use. In the United States, using meth recreationally without a prescription is illegal and criminalized. As a Schedule II Controlled Substance, meth has a high addiction risk that can lead to overdose death. Regardless of whether you snort crystal meth, smoke it, or ingest it, the danger on your life is high.
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How Is Crystal Meth Addiction Treated?
Undeniably, crystal methamphetamine is a harmful substance to experiment with. Even if you’ve already developed habits around meth use and cannot quit, your addiction can be treated. At our comprehensive drug healing center, we offer crystal methamphetamine addiction programming. Please know you aren’t alone in your addiction. Through rehab, you will meet peers facing the same battles, as well as an expert team that wants to see you succeed!
Initial Assessment
For each person, rehab begins with an initial assessment to determine a plan for care. We offer many treatment programs and specific tracks according to what our guests need. Although drug rehab is effective, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and we know flexibility is key. During this initial meeting, you will create an individual service plan (ISP) based on your goals for recovery.
Crystal Meth Detox
Next, individuals who have a current dependency on meth undergo the short timeline of drug detox. Typically, detox lasts about 4-8 days during which you wean yourself off the substance. Your experience of detox and withdrawal will largely depend on your history of abuse, the amount of meth in your system, and your physical size. Our medical detox makes the process go smoothly and comfortable, as you’re monitored 24/7 for safety.
Inpatient Treatment for Meth Addiction
Residential inpatient is an early treatment level for those who need to unpack their addiction. Everyone has reasons for abusing substances, and these reasons factor in their background, environment, mental health, and personal beliefs. There is no shame in treatment. Rather, you will meet with licensed therapists, both individually and in groups, to discuss your substance abuse history. Through mental and emotional healing, you will begin to build power over your addiction. Additionally, we provide alternative therapies that focus on the body holistically for physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Outpatient Treatment for Meth Addiction
Outpatient treatment is the final stage of rehab before guests graduate. During this level, you will prepare to re-enter your life as a strong, motivated, sober person. Thus, emphasis is placed on future planning, including relapse prevention. Notably, you will not live in-center during this stage to begin the transition back into the “real world.”
Find Professional Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth use leads to severe physical, mental, and emotional consequences, making meth addiction treatment essential for recovery. People who snort methamphetamine experience an intense rush, but the long-term effects of snorting can cause serious damage, including nasal tissue deterioration and cardiovascular complications. Methamphetamine abusers often struggle with methamphetamine use disorder, which requires specialized substance abuse treatment programs that address both drug addiction treatment and co-occurring mental health conditions through dual diagnosis treatment.
The mental health effects of meth use can include paranoia, psychosis, and aggression, necessitating mental health treatment through therapy programs like individual therapy, family therapy, and trauma therapy. Many treatment centers offer substance abuse treatment under Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, and insurance verification can help individuals access the appropriate levels of care, including detox centers, outpatient programs, and sober living facilities.
Snorting ice for the high may sound appealing, but the dangers far outweigh any short-term feelings. At Chapter 5 Recovery, we have seen firsthand how methamphetamine can destroy someone’s life. However, we have also witnessed countless individuals overcome their addiction through our comprehensive care and treatment. Recovery from crystal meth addiction is possible with our mixture of counseling, therapy, and medication management. At our comfortable drug rehab center, the process will be as smooth and safe as possible. We want to help you get better. Don’t hesitate to start the process by giving us a call.
