Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, producing intense bursts of energy, euphoria, and decreased appetite followed by a severe physical and psychological crash. It can be found in two primary forms: a white or off-white powder and the crystalline form known as crystal meth, which resembles shards of glass or ice and is typically smoked.
Like most commonly misused drugs, meth has accumulated a wide range of street names over the years. Some names based on its appearance, some on its effects, and some specific to the region where it’s sold. These names change frequently as law enforcement and communities become familiar with existing slang, making it useful to understand the breadth of terminology in use.
Learn more about popular street names for commonly misused drugs
Popular Street Names For Meth
Street names for methamphetamine may be different depending on whether the drug is in powder or crystal form.
Street names for powder methamphetamine:
- crank
- chalk
- speed
- chicken powder
- soap dope
- Hawaiian salt
- walking zombie
- zip
- fizz
- white
- lemons
- clothing cleaner
- nails
- one pot
- stove top
Street names for crystal meth:
- crystal
- ice
- hot ice
- ice cream
- L.A. ice
- L.A. glass
- shaved ice
- super ice
- shards
- quartz
- aqua
- frio
- blue
- cri-cri
- shatter
- Colorado Rockies
- glass
- shiny girl
Regardless of what it’s called on the street, methamphetamine in any form carries the same high potential for addiction and serious long-term health consequences.
Street Names For Combinations Of Meth And Other Drugs
Meth mixed with other drugs has specific street names used to define them.
Street names for meth mixed with other drugs:
- meth and cocaine: shabu, croak
- meth and molly (MDMA/Ecstasy): P&P, hugs and kisses, party and play
Combining meth with other substances increases the risk of overdose, cardiovascular complications, and severe psychological effects, making these combinations among the most dangerous forms of drug misuse.
Locating Treatment Options For Meth Addiction
Meth abuse can easily lead to addiction, especially if there are co-occurring substance abuse or mental health concerns. Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.
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- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Patterns and Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use Among Adults — United States 2015-2018
http://cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6912a1.htm - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—Drug Slang Code Words DEA Intelligence Report
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/DIR-020-17%20Drug%20Slang%20Code%20Words.pdf - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)—Commonly Used Drugs Charts
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drugs-a-to-z