Dangers of Pink Crystal Meth
You may have seen in the news or on social media about pink crystal meth or strawberry quick meth. The name makes it sound whimsical and less threatening. However, the color is a deceptive marketing gimmick to hide the real dangers of regular methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine or meth, is a highly addictive stimulant substance that is synthetically made. It is primarily sold as a crystalline powder or in glass fragments or rock salt looking pieces. It is typically an off-white or bluish white hue. Meth has a similar chemical composition to amphetamines, which are regularly used in medications to treat conditions such as ADHD. Meth increases your wakefulness, energy and concentration.
When it comes to pink crystal meth, the pink hue has nothing to do with the drug’s chemistry or strength. In fact, many times the pink color comes from the manufacturer adding coloring dye to create a distinction or “brand” to make their product seem unique. This can be a dangerous sales tactic. It is not a sign that the meth is more “pure” or “safer” to use. When it comes down to it, pink crystal meth functions exactly the same as regular meth.
What is Meth?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 10 million or more Americans, including young people as young as 12, have tried meth at least once in their lives.
Meth is typically smoked, injected, snorted or can be taken orally. It works by releasing rapid amounts of dopamine into the brain’s reward center. Typical side effects of meth use include initial euphoria, rushes of energy, fast breathing, drop in appetite, increased attention span, increased blood pressure and increased body temperature.
Meth use often begins in early teen years. During this time, overdose is more likely to occur with first-time users. With continued use, meth can lead to a number of psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis. This is on top of other dangerous effects like changes in brain structure and function, memory loss, aggressive or violent behavior, risk of heart attack or stroke, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions and overdose.
Strawberry Quick Meth
In 2007, the strawberry milk meth or strawberry quick meth became a popular rumor. According to social media, it was a new form of crystal meth created using Nesquik strawberry-flavored powder. It had a sweet strawberry flavor and looked like Pop Rocks candy. The rumor also claimed that this manufacturer also created meth in other “flavors” such as grape, cherry, orange, peanut butter and chocolate.
Further rumors claimed that it was being pushed and sold to young people. The DEA later looked into the matter and found no evidence of such a type of drug being marketed to young children and found that the person who started this rumor claimed they did it to bring attention and awareness to the danger of meth.
However, later on, the Nevada Department of Public Safety reportedly seized drugs described as pink meth that looked similar to the form of pink rock candy. Often times, the manufacturing process of a drug is what changes the color of the substance. This doesn’t always mean the substance is purer or more potent. Pink crystal meth was created purely for aesthetic purposes.
Where does Pink Crystal Meth come from?
The pinkish hue doesn’t come from a specialized formula or a unique manufacturing process. In most cases, it is the result of a colored dye added to the mixture. It can be as simple as adding food dye. In other cases, the pink color can be unintentional as a result of impurities leftover from the synthesis method.
The pink color can also be caused by manufacturers using ammonia that has been treated with GloTell. This is a chemical marker that is supposed to be a theft deterrent. Pink meth can be a sign that a drug dealer stole ingredients to make the substance.
Ultimately, the pink color provides no information about the drug’s purity, strength or safety. A batch could be dyed pink or hide impurities and create a false sense of security about the product. Manufacturers and dealers often make marketing claims that pink crystal meth is purer, it is less intense or that it has “flavoring.” In reality, the drug could be contaminated with other harmful, unknown substances.
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Why are dealers coloring their drugs?
When it comes down to it, it is a marketing strategy. Just like companies love to use logos and distinctive packaging to make their products stand out, drug traffickers use color to create a recognizable brand. Selling pink crystal meth instead of plain old meth can help dealers build a reputation for selling their specific product.
The branding of their product creates an illusion of uniqueness and a deception of quality. A user might be led to believe that pink crystal meth is stronger, purer or somehow safer to use. This is a very dangerous assumption. The pink color is a sales gimmick designed to manipulate perception.
Are the health risks of Pink Meth different?
The color itself poses no unique medical risk. Meth is one of the most destructive drugs available. Whether it’s pink, blue, or clear, the substance is still a powerful stimulant with severe consequences.
Any color of meth carries the same long-term risks. Chronic use alters the brain and body. Meth floods the brain with feel good hormones to create a powerful high. And over time, this will deplete the body’s natural supply of the feel-good chemical and make it more difficult to experience pleasure without the help of the drug. This can lead to profound physical and emotional decline.
What are the signs of Meth use?
Meth use profoundly impacts the mind and body. The changes are physical as well as affecting a person’s behavior, mood and daily routines. Behavioral signs include increased agitation, anxiety, paranoia, social withdrawal and obsessive and repetitive behaviors. Physical signs include long periods of wakefulness, dilated pupils and rapid eye movements, noticeable and rapid weight loss, skin sores and possible severe tooth decay.
After the drug’s effects begin to fade, a person will experience a stimulant crash. This is characterized by severe depression and exhaustion as the brain’s dopamine chemicals are depleted. A high dose of meth use can trigger meth psychosis. This is a temporary but severe break from reality and can involve intense paranoia and frightening hallucinations.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Meth is a dangerous mind-altering substance. Whether it’s pink, green, purple or blue, meth can produce the same dangerous effects. Professional behavioral treatment facilities, such as Hotel California by the Sea, provide support for meth use disorder. We offer treatment at all levels of care, including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals for sobriety and helping them overcome their addiction.
References:
https://icarusbehavioralhealth.com/blog/pink-meth-strawberry-methamphetamine
https://www.addictiongroup.org/blog/strawberry-pink-meth/
https://www.detoxrehabs.net/blog/strawberry-quick-meth
https://revivalmentalhealth.com/blog/strawberry-meth-understanding-dangers
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/methamphetamine/pink
