In recent years, New England started seeing a rise in methamphetamine use, especially of a variety called crystal meth.1 This powerful stimulant drug is very different from the depressant opioids that continue to be widely used in the region, though no less dangerous. Interestingly, there also seems to be a relationship between crystal meth use and the use of opioids like fentanyl and heroin.2,3,4
Here, we’ll look into possible reasons for crystal meth’s newfound popularity in Boston and the rest of the American Northeast, an area that is still known for high rates of opioid use. Contact our team at Boston Drug Treatment Centers to learn more and to discuss options for drug rehab.
“Crystal meth”, “crystal”, or “glass” refers to crystal methamphetamine, a solid, purified form of methamphetamine, an extremely powerful synthetic stimulant drug. In purer forms, it most often comes in blue-white chunks, though the color might change depending on what it’s “cut” with or how it was manufactured. The drug has powerful stimulant effects and can be extremely habit-forming.5,6,7
Crystal meth is most often smoked in a pipe or with improvised paraphernalia, crushed finely and snorted, dissolved in liquid and injected, or ingested. In some subcultures, it is seen as a club drug while it is also considered a performance-enhancing drug in others.5,7
The present popularity of crystal meth is an especially unwelcome development in Boston, as it’s happened just as its serious opioid crisis seemed to wane. Until fairly recently, crystal meth misuse was a relative rarity in New England outside of certain subcultures such as long-distance truck drivers, medical students, and the LGBT community.7
However, since about the second half of the 2010s, crystal meth started to make major inroads among other regular and recreational drug users in Boston, with several weekly seizures of the drug soon following. Today it rivals opioids like fentanyl in popularity in New England.1
It’s not just Boston that’s seen a surge in crystal meth use. Similar patterns have been observed throughout many parts of the US in the past decade, particularly in areas where opioids are already a problem. Some reasons attributed to meth’s recent popularity include the following:1,2,3,4,5,9
Crystal meth acts on the central nervous system to produce its signature stimulant effects. While it has legitimate medical applications for treating ADHD and morbid obesity, even this type of use is extremely rare due to the potential side effects. Regular use of crystal meth is associated with a long list of physical and psychiatric conditions.5,6,7,8
Short-term effects of using crystal meth include the following:5,6,7,8
Long-term crystal meth use is associated with the following symptoms:5,6,7,8
The Greater Boston area is home to some of the country’s top healthcare facilities and programs. If you feel that you or someone close to you has a problem with crystal meth or other substances, call Boston Drug Treatment Centers at (857) 577-8193 to find specialized treatment in Boston and the surrounding region.
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