Methamphetamine, also known as meth and crystal meth, is a powerful illicit stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Knowing what meth pipes and other paraphernalia look like can help spot meth abuse early. Read below for more on meth pipes, makeshift bongs, and other methods of administering methamphetamine.
- Like most forms of illegal drugs, methamphetamine and crystal meth can be abused in multiple ways and those who use the substance regularly will tend to adopt different methods.
- The initial high from meth is short-lived and typically wairs off within 30 minutes. This means that those who abuse it will chase the high and take multiple hits in a session.
- For those who smoke crystal meth, many use glass pipes similar to crack pipes. Meth pipes are often thin, cylindrical glass tubes with a round, bulbous end.
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Methamphetamine appearance
Spotting meth by its appearance can be difficult as the drug comes in many forms. methamphetamine powder is usually white or slightly blue and is usually snorted diluted and injected. Crystal meth resembles glass shards that are often smoked in pipes.
How is meth taken?
Like most forms of illegal drugs, methamphetamine and crystal meth can be abused in multiple ways and those who use the substance regularly will tend to adopt different methods. A study of current and former meth users revealed that smoking meth was the most common form of taking the drug, with 63% claiming to have taken the drug this way (including hot railing). 44% claimed to snort meth, 27% injected it, and 30% swallowed it.[1] Of all the people questioned in the survey, 7% claimed to have tried all variations of taking meth.
The initial high from meth is short-lived and typically wairs off within 30 minutes. This means that those who abuse it will chase the high and take multiple hits in a session. If you suspect someone is abusing the drug, it is highly possible they will have a lot of the drug on their person or stashed away.
There are multiple toxicology drug tests that can identify meth metabolites, and employers and other authorities will often screen for meth.
Meth pipes
Possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal and is often a strong indicator that someone is abusing harmful substances or is selling drugs to others. Some of the most common forms of meth paraphernalia include:
What does a meth pipe look like?
For those who smoke crystal meth, many use glass pipes similar to crack pipes. Meth pipes are often thin, cylindrical glass tubes with a round, bulbous end. The meth is packed into a hole in the round end and heated underneath until inhalable vapors are created.
Used pipes will often be black at the end with a yellow, waxy residue inside.
Like possession of drug paraphernalia, selling items used to take drugs is illegal. That is why many drug users, including meth addicts, make their own makeshift tools for taking substances.
Home made meth pipes
These are often rudimentary instruments made from everyday household items. common homemade meth smoking devices include:
- Tinfoil that has been folded or creased
- Empty pens or glass vials
- Lightbulbs with the inner parts removed
- Tin cans with holes poked in them
- Metal pipes (e.g. from car antennas)
Like glass meth pipes, these items will often be blackened or have yellow residue covering the inside.
Snorting meth: Straws, tubes, and pens
Rolled-up dollar bills or paper straws are not as commonly used when snorting meth as the substance can stick to the inside.
Meth does not easily stick to plastic or metal materials making these the preferred items used to snort meth.
Cut plastic straws, empty glow sticks, and hollowed plastic pens are also popular inhalation devices when smoking meth using tin foil. Snorting drugs like meth can lease to nasal perforation.
Injecting meth: Needles and syringes
Finding syringes and hypodermic needles in someone's possession (if they don't have a medical reason to own them) is always a worrying sign of substance abuse.
Pumping substances into the bloodstream intravenously gets the drug into the system faster and often causes a more intense high. Using meth, heroin, and other substances this way holds a higher possibility of overdosing, especially as drugs are often cut with dangerous ingredients such as fentanyl.
There is also the increased risk of catching blood diseases such as HIV from sharing needles.
If someone you know has needles, tunicates or other tubing, and burnt spoons in their possession, or if they have visible signs such as track marks on the arms or between twos and fingers, then it is likely they are injecting drugs.
Teen meth abuse is a worrying problem in America, especially if they are injecting the drug. Knowing how to approach a teen or young person about drug abuse can ensure they get the help they need.
Additional meth paraphernalia
As well as the above, there are additional pieces of meth paraphernalia that may indicate drug abuse. Some common items used when taking meth include:
- Small mirrors and razor blades (used for cutting meth when snorting)
- Burnt spoons, lighters, or tin foil (used for cooking meth)
- Dried up cotton balls (used to strain meth)
- Baggies (usually with traces of crystalline powder or shards inside)
Related blog: Can Damaged Skin Heal After Meth Addiction?
Signs of cooking meth
Though most meth abusers tend to buy the drug from dealers, some will manufacture their own. If someone is making illicit drugs in a makeshift lab (potentially a garage or shed) then it is likely they are also dealing the drug.
Most of the substances used in making meth look like generic household items, though they will often be needed in higher-than-normal quantities. If you notice lots of the below substances in your home, it is possible someone is cooking meth:[2]
- Improvised glassware or science equipment
- Funnels, pipettes, and turkey basters
- Lithium batteries
- Hydrochloric, sulfuric, or muriatic acid
- Coffee filters that have strange stains or powders on them
- Cold medication containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine
There are also many physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of meth abuse.
Helping someone with a methamphetamine use disorder
Whether it is a family member, a friend, or even an employee or coworker, helping someone with a substance use disorder can be difficult. Many addicts will attempt to hide their behavior and will often be confrontational when questioned about abusing drugs.
Even if you notice that someone has meth paraphernalia, it may not be enough to call them out on it. Contacting a treatment facility or addiction specialist to get advice on how to help someone can ensure you know the right approach to deal with the situation.
They will also be able to assist with getting the person booked in for treatment and can help suggest the best form of addiction rehab for their specific need.
Our rehab directory can help you find a treatment center near you as well as any other form of addiction treatment available in your area.
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