Slang for Meth: Meth Street Names

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What you will learn

• Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that’s abused for its euphoric effects.
• Nearly all meth on the market is illicitly produced and goes by nicknames, slang names, and street names to disguise its use.
• Slang terms like crank, ice, and speed are commonly used to refer to meth, but there are more obscure meth nicknames that are harder to identify.
• Meth slang terms can change regularly to evade law enforcement, so it’s crucial to be aware of the current terms.

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a powerful stimulant drug that’s often abused for its euphoric effects. Though it’s been used as a last-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in extremely rare cases, the majority of meth circulating is used illicitly.

In the drug trade, meth comes in powder and crystal form and goes by many different names. Learn more about the slang for meth and common meth street names.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Meth is a stimulant drug that’s primarily produced in meth labs by combining chemicals, including ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are often found in cold medications, with other toxic chemicals. Though meth may be produced in other countries, a lot of meth is produced in clandestine labs in the US.

As a central nervous system stimulant, meth has powerful effects that can increase talkativeness, alertness, and euphoria. It’s extremely addictive and affects the brain’s reward system, encouraging repeat use.

Slang Terms for Meth

Like other drugs, illicit meth goes by many slang terms, street names, and nicknames that are used by both dealers and people who use meth. This is done as a “code” to evade authorities and avoid discussing drug names in public situations.

The known slang terms for meth include:[1]

• Batu
• Biker’s coffee
• Black beauties
• Chalk
• Chicken feed
• Crank
• Crystal
• Glass
• Go-fast
• Hiropon
• Ice
• Meth
• Methlies quick
• Poor man’s cocaine
• Shabu
• Shards
• Speed
• Stove top
• Tina
• Trash
• Tweak
• Uppers
• Ventana
• Vidrio
• Yaba
• Yellow barn

There are several slang terms to describe people who use meth and the act of using meth, including:

• Chicken flipping
• Hot rolling
• Getting foiled
• Tweaking (meth users may be called “tweakers”)
• Zooming
• Getting spun out
• Getting scattered

Street Names for Meth Combinations

Meth may be used on its own or in combination with other drugs to create unique and intense effects, which is known as polydrug abuse or polysubstance abuse. Some of the slang terms for these combinations include:

• Hugs and kisses: Meth combined with MDMA (Ecstasy)
• Twisters: Meth combined with LSD
• Biker coffee: Meth combined with coffee, typically used to stay awake for extended periods

Meth Use and Side Effects

Meth is used in several different ways that play a role in how intense and quickly the effects occur. Crystal meth is often smoked, but the powdered form may be snorted or dissolved in water and injected into a vein. Though rare, meth may be taken in pill form or inhaled as a vapor.

Meth can have a range of dangerous side effects, including:[2]

• Euphoria
• Decreased appetite
• Increased energy and alertness
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Dilated pupils
• Insomnia

Is Meth Addictive?

Meth is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. It’s regarded as one of the most addictive drugs on the market. Because of the rapid high and intense euphoria that fades quickly, meth influences the brain’s reward center and encourages repeated use to maintain the high. Over time, this leads to dependence and addiction.

Effects of Chronic Meth Use

Though no meth use is safe, chronic meth use has risks in the short and long term. Some of the short-term effects of meth include:[3]

• Dangerous elevation of the heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure
• Decreased appetite, rapid weight loss, and malnutrition
• Possible fatal overdose

Long-term meth use can have more concerning effects, including:[4]

• Severe psychological symptoms like paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations
• Cognitive deficits in decision-making, memory, and attention
• Tooth decay and dental problems, known as “meth mouth”
• Weight loss
• Skin sores and rapid aging
• Cardiovascular issues
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Elevated risk of mental health disorders
• Risks from cutting agents like lithium or acetone
• Addiction

Meth Abuse and Addiction

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), meth addiction is considered a stimulant use disorder or methamphetamine use disorder. The criteria for a stimulant use disorder include:[5]

• Taking meth in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
• Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control meth use
• Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of meth
• Experiencing cravings
• Failing to fulfill major obligations because of meth use
• Continuing to use meth despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems
• Giving up hobbies and activities because of meth use
• Using meth in dangerous situations
• Continuing meth use despite physical or psychological problems

Treating Meth Addiction

Meth is extremely addictive, so it can be difficult to break the cycle and overcome addiction. While not usually life-threatening, quitting meth can cause intense withdrawal with unpleasant symptoms that may cause you to relapse to find relief.

The first step in treating meth addiction is medical detox to manage withdrawal. This setting provides medical monitoring, supervision, and medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.

Detox provides a strong foundation for addiction treatment, but it’s not enough on its own. Once detox is complete, it’s best to continue with formal addiction treatment in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Though the treatment varies according to your individualized care plan, the program may include behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, group and individual counseling, peer support groups, and holistic therapies.

Know Your Meth Slang and Seek Help When Needed

Meth is one of the most dangerous street drugs because of its high addiction potential. It’s important to know the slang terms and street names for meth to ensure you can recognize when the drug is being referenced. If you suspect a loved one is struggling with meth abuse, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid dangerous side effects.