Meth Street Names, Nicknames, & Slang Terms
“Getting spun out” and “scooby snax” are just a couple meth names you might hear on the streets. If you’re a parent, it’s important to recognize these code words that your teens might be using.
When meth comes to mind, many people think about popular TV series like Breaking Bad and Orange Is the New Black. While we can snicker at the antics of chemistry teacher Walter White or the bible-thumping Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett, meth addiction is no laughing matter.
This stimulant drug is one of the most addicting drugs. In fact, you can get addicted to it after using it only once. Meth has a long list of street names, nicknames, and slang terms, so read on to learn more about them.
Are you or a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder? Meth is one of the most addictive drugs known to be difficult to recover from. At Zinnia Health, we understand how devastating this drug can be to your physical and mental health. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatment programs that are customized to meet your needs. Contact us at (855) 430-9439 24/7 to get immediate help.
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). It belongs to a group of synthetic drugs called amphetamines, which are now highly restricted substances. Amphetamines were discovered in the early 1900s, registered by Smith, Kline, and French in 1935, and approved by the FDA in 1976.
It was used during World War II to help soldiers stay awake and alert. After the war was over, the leftover drugs ended up on the black market, which led to widespread abuse.
Like most amphetamines, methamphetamine can be snorted in the nose, take swallowed by mouth, smoked, or injected in the blood. It’s usually found in the form of a white, crystal-like powder but can be made into pills or dissolved in water or alcohol.
Crystal meth is the form of the drug that looks like tiny pieces of glass or shiny light blue-colored rocks. Meth used to be prescribed as a treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders. Nowadays, it’s primarily used illegally as a recreational drug.
“Meth” is the most common name used for methamphetamine, whether used for medical or recreational purposes. However, as reported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), there are many other names for meth use that you might hear on the streets. These are important to know because some are easily confused with other types of drugs.
Most Common Street Names for Meth
Meth and crystal meth have a myriad of names used by drug dealers and meth addicts alike. Creative drug names were made up by teens and young adults who want to talk about drugs secretly while avoiding getting in trouble at work or school. Many of the common street names come from how the drug is made or the way it makes you feel.
- Christina
- Cookies
- Cotton candy
- Dunk
- Gak
- Mexican speed ball
- No doze
- Pookie
- Rocket fuel
- Scooby snax
- Speed
- Stove top
- Trash
- Tweaker
- Wash
- Yaba
Frequently Used Nicknames for Meth
Some of the nicknames for meth tie into how it looks. This can relate to it being a white powder or crystallized form.
- Chalk
- Crank
- Crystal
- Crystal meth
- Glass
- Ice
- Shards
- Super ice
- White cross
Are you looking for a rehab center to help you recover from a substance use disorder? We can help. Zinnia Health offers meth abuse and addiction treatment options that can be customized to your needs. Simply reach out to us online or by at (855) 430-9439.
Unusual Slang Terms for Meth
Slang names for meth might not be as obvious to recognize as street names and nicknames. Many of these slang terms can be heard in the lyrics of popular music and rap songs. Most of the slang is named after the effects of getting high from taking meth, including:
- Chicken flippin’
- Getting fried or foiled
- Getting geared up
- Getting scattered or spun out
- Hot railing
- Hot rolling
- Tweaking
- Zooming
Other Names for Meth Mixed with Other Substances
It’s common for meth to be sold on the streets mixed with other illicit drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, Viagra, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), amyl nitrite (“poppers”), and MDMA (“ecstasy”). This is done to enhance the effects of the drugs. Common names for meth combinations include:
- Biker coffee – a mix of meth and coffee
- Fire
- Hugs and kisses
- Party and play (PnP) – drugs used to enhance sex
- Shabu
- Twisters
Why Meth Is More Dangerous Than Most Other Drugs
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), meth use comes with extreme risk. This risk is greater than most other drugs because of how meth affects the brain.
When you use meth, it causes the body to release excess amounts of dopamine, a natural chemical found in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between the nerve cells in your brain to those in other parts of the body. It also acts as a “feel-good hormone,” along with epinephrine and norepinephrine, which is why it makes you feel “high.” Dopamine is part of the body’s reward system, so when it’s released, your body seeks ways to keep that feeling going.
The increasingly high levels of dopamine are why people continue to consume meth even though it has harmful effects. It’s similar to how you can crave junk food or sugary snacks, but meth is so powerful that you can easily lose a sense of freedom in your life.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse
Using any type of illegal drug, especially stimulants (“uppers”) like meth and cocaine, can lead to short-term and long-term effects. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), these detrimental health effects of meth can cause changes to your body, both physically and mentally, even when the drug is taken in small amounts.
One of the telltale signs of meth abuse is “meth mouth,” but it can also lead to death by overdose. People addicted to meth are often called “speed freaks” and “meth heads.”
1. Short-Term Effects of Meth Use
- More wakefulness
- Increased physical activity
- Faster breathing
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Elevated blood pressure
- Higher body temperature
- Decreased appetite
2. Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Extreme weight loss
- Severe dental problems
- Intense itching
- Mood swings
- Sleeping problems
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
Get Treatment for Your Meth Addiction Today
Of all the recreational drugs found on the streets, meth is one that can cause you to become addicted after only one try. Like most drugs, meth is called by many names and has even become a cultural icon. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help you or a loved one curb your meth habit.
Rehab and medicine-assisted treatment (MAT) is highly effective. Researchers found that a combination of injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion, along with cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management interventions, can help even the most severe cases of addiction.
No longer do you have to suffer from substance abuse that seems impossible to overcome. All it requires is for you or a loved one to take the first step.
When you need somewhere to turn for addiction recovery, Zinnia Health is the place to go. We have treatment centers throughout the U.S., so you’re sure to find one near you. Our professional staff is standing by to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for outpatient or inpatient rehab, all you have to do is call us at (855) 430-9439 or contact us online to learn about our treatment options.
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