The white crystal being referred to is most likely methamphetamine hydrochloride, which goes by many street names including crystal meth, ice, glass, and others. Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.
Methamphetamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder or clear chunky crystal. It is made by chemically altering over-the-counter stimulants or decongestants that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. The powder can be eaten or snorted up the nose. It can also be dissolved in liquid and injected into a vein. The crystal form is smoked in glass pipes, similar to how crack cocaine is used.
Methamphetamine causes a sensation of increased energy and pleasure. The effects usually last from 4-12 hours but can persist for up to 24 hours straight. It has a high potential for abuse and addiction because of the euphoric high it produces.
Names and Slang Terms
Methamphetamine goes by many different street names including:
- Crystal meth
- Ice
- Glass
- Speed
- Crank
- Chalk
- Tina
- Christine
- Meth
The term “crystal” refers to the clear, chunky crystal structure of pure methamphetamine hydrochloride. The crystalline powder is sometimes crushed into smaller pieces or shards that resemble broken glass, hence names like “ice” and “glass.”
Other names like “crank” and “speed” refer to the stimulant and energizing effects of the drug. Regional nicknames like “tina” and “christine” are also commonly used.
Chemical Structure
The chemical structure of methamphetamine hydrochloride is:
Its chemical formula is C10H15N • HCl, with a molecular weight of 185.68 g/mol. Key functional groups include:
- Amino group (-NH2)
- Methyl group (-CH3)
- Phenyl ring (benzene ring)
- Hydrochloride salt (-HCl)
Structurally, methamphetamine is similar to amphetamine and differs only by an additional methyl group (-CH3). This small change allows methamphetamine to cross the blood-brain barrier faster than amphetamine, making it more potent and addictive.
Pharmacology
Methamphetamine primarily works by increasing the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in movement, motivation, pleasure, and reward. Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. Norepinephrine controls alertness and fight-or-flight responses.
Specifically, methamphetamine:
- Increases the release of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine from nerve cells.
- Prevents the reuptake of these neurotransmitters back into cells, leaving more active in the brain.
- Causes the neurotransmitter vesicles to dump out more dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into the synapses.
Through these mechanisms, methamphetamine creates a flooding of neurotransmitter activity in the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. This leads to the extreme euphoria and energy boost sought after by users. It also contributes to meth’s high potential for psychological and physical dependence.
Forms and Routes of Administration
Methamphetamine is sold and used in three main forms:
| Form | Description | Consumption Method |
|---|---|---|
| White powder | Finely crushed crystal chunks | Swallowed, snorted, injected |
| Crystal chunks | Translucent white crystalline chunks | Smoked in glass pipes |
| Meth oil | Dissolved powder or crystal mixed in solvent | Injected or applied to joints/cigarettes |
Smoking or injecting methamphetamine produces a faster, more intense high than snorting or swallowing it. This leads to a greater rush of dopamine in the brain’s reward pathway and a greater likelihood of addiction.
Side Effects
Methamphetamine use, especially in the long-term, can produce many undesirable side effects including:
- Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
- Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
- Intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching
- Anxiety, confusion, insomnia
- Violent, erratic behavior
- Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations
- High blood pressure, rapid heart rate
- Stroke, heart attack, organ damage
- Addiction and dependence
These effects arise from the hyperstimulation of the central nervous system and elevated stress hormone levels caused by methamphetamine over a prolonged period of time.
Addiction Potential
Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 1.6 million people reported using meth in 2018. About 6% of high school seniors have tried it at some point.
Factors that make meth highly addictive include:
- Fast onset of intense euphoric effects
- Reinforcing effects on dopamine reward and pleasure pathways
- Long-lasting high compared to other stimulants
- Cheap cost compared to other hard drugs
- Easy to manufacture in home labs with OTC ingredients
With repeated use, tolerance builds so users need more methamphetamine to get high. stopping use leads to withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and strong drug cravings. This compels users to take more methamphetamine, resulting in addiction.
Treatment and Recovery
While challenging, methamphetamine addiction can be overcome with proper treatment and support. Some options include:
- Inpatient rehab – A residential program involving detox, counseling, behavior therapy, 12-step programs, etc. Lasts 30-90 days or longer.
- Outpatient counseling – Part-time counseling programs combined with regular drug testing and group meetings.
- Peer support groups – 12-step programs like Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) provide social support.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Helps modify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug use.
There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating methamphetamine addiction specifically. But antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other pharmatherapies can help manage withdrawal symptoms.
With intensive treatment and lifestyle changes, recovery from methamphetamine addiction is possible. But relapse rates remain high indicating the strong grip this drug has on the brain and behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, the white crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride is an extremely potent and addictive synthetic stimulant drug. While it produces intense euphoria and energy in the short-term, long-term use leads to serious physical and psychological problems. Overcoming addiction requires comprehensive treatment, support, and major lifestyle changes. But recovery is attainable for those committed to stopping methamphetamine use.
