What is Crank Drug? Side Effects, Dangers, and More

What is Crank?

Crank is another term for methamphetamine, a highly potent drug known for its addictive nature. Sadly, crank addiction affects various age groups and communities worldwide. The widespread distribution of methamphetamine by drug traffickers has fueled a devastating epidemic, highlighting its soaring demand.

This drug has consistently appeared in studies tracking the most addictive substances globally, gaining notoriety even before the opioid crisis emerged. While Xanax addiction garnered significant media attention, crank remains a powerful illegal stimulant renowned for its intense rush.

Also referred to as speed or the poor man’s cocaine, crank profoundly affects the central nervous system, making it one of the most dangerous synthetic addictive substances. It’s often found as a white crystalline powder. Pure crank is nearly colorless, but street crank might have a slightly off-white hue or even brighter colors like green, yellow, pink, or blue. Due to its crystal form, it’s sometimes called shiny, quartz, or rock salt. Crank is often stuffed into small capsules for easy circulation, particularly in clubs where pills are passed around without the need for powder snorting. Liquid crank, less common, resembles a dark yellow syrup.

Is There a Difference Between Meth and Crank?

When considering pharmaceutical standards, methamphetamine falls under Schedule II as a potent stimulant notorious for its high potential for addiction. Unlike crank, methamphetamine isn’t commonly used to treat neurological conditions like narcolepsy and ADHD.

In a medical sense, methamphetamine differs significantly from crank. Prescribed meth doses are notably minimal compared to crank, which is consumed in much more substantial quantities, making the street variant of meth highly hazardous. Despite its addictive nature, methamphetamine is still used as a prescribed medication. Marketed as Desoxyn, it has been employed in addressing obesity in both adults and children.

In the United States, the stocking, transportation, production, or sale of meth is illegal and can result in federal-level investigations and penalties upon discovery. Recent years have seen increased legal restrictions imposed on chemicals that can be utilized in meth production.

Side Effects of Using Crank Drugs

Crank, commonly known as meth, is an illicit stimulant drug that induces a rapid but short-lived high, often leading individuals to consume more to sustain its effects. Some users engage in binge use, partaking frequently for days without sleep or food.

Short-term effects of crank include:

• Increased energy levels and wakefulness.
• Elevated physical activity.
• Reduced appetite.
• Feelings of euphoria.

Understanding the immediate and prolonged hazards of crank abuse is crucial. Individuals misusing crank drugs can face severe consequences concerning mental and physical health, relationships, and daily functioning. Many require extensive treatment and ongoing assistance to discontinue usage and prevent relapse.

Short-term risks associated with crank abuse can be:

• Weight loss and malnutrition due to decreased appetite.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Elevated body temperature.
• Heightened blood pressure.

Individuals injecting meth risk contracting bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B from shared needles. Crank consumption impairs judgment, enhancing vulnerability to risky behaviors like driving under the influence and engaging in unsafe sexual practices.

Additional long-term effects:

• Individuals injecting meth risk contracting bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B from shared needles.
• Crank consumption impairs judgment, enhancing vulnerability to risky behaviors like driving under the influence and engaging in unsafe sexual practices.
• Additional long-term effects entail:
• Aggressive behavior.
• Paranoia.
• Hallucinations.
• Significant weight loss.
• Severe dental issues.
• Skin lesions due to scratching.
• Confusion.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Memory impairment.
• Anxiety.

Meth abuse can lead to structural and functional alterations in the brain, and some effects may persist even after discontinuing use. Recent studies suggest a heightened risk of developing Parkinson’s disease among former meth users, emphasizing the long-term repercussions even after stopping the use of the drug.

Learn More:

• P2P Meth, The Destructive Rise of Super Meth and its Effects
• Meth Head
• Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine
• Meth Effects
• Meth Addiction Effective Treatment And Comfortable Recovery

Symptoms and Dangers of Crank Abuse

Crank, also known as meth or by various street slang such as crystal meth, speed, and chrissy, is an immensely potent stimulant that can be consumed orally, smoked, snorted, or injected. Its powerful psychoactive effects induce an intense high, creating an artificial sense of joy and confidence.

Key Characteristics of Crank Abuse

• There’s a strong likelihood that occasional methamphetamine users will crave another hit as the drug’s allure becomes challenging to resist. Unlike a recreational drug, crank is highly addictive and swiftly inflicts severe physical and mental harm. Users may experience extreme mood swings, alternating between bouts of aggression and moments of calmness in short spans. The peak of the crank often leaves individuals unable to remain still for extended periods.

Symptoms of Crank Abuse

• Constant, incoherent speech.
• Difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations for prolonged periods.
• Persistent skin picking.
• Evidence of burn marks around the lips.
• Skin eruptions are forming sores around the mouth.
• Progressive dental deterioration.
• Unexplained nervousness and anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances lead to seeking insomnia medications.
• Inability to attain happiness solely through getting high.
• Uncontrolled sadness following the drug’s effects wearing off.

Additional Symptoms of Crank Abuse

• Engaging in risky sexual behavior.
• Respiratory issues.
• Risk of seizures and strokes.
• Financial theft.
• Social isolation.
• Increased heart rate.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Participation in hazardous activities.
• Severe weight fluctuations.
• Occasional hallucinations.
• Confusion and impaired short-term memory.
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies.
• Skin picking, exacerbating acne.
• Seeking alternative substances to maintain the high (such as alcohol).
• Development of mood disorders or depression.
• Acquiring a gambling addiction.
• Symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder.

Understanding the Mechanics of Crank

Crank, or methamphetamine, generates a euphoric high by triggering an abnormal surge in dopamine levels. This neurotransmitter activity isn’t typical for our brains. Prolonged use of crank meth can permanently damage the brain’s dopamine receptors. Over time, individuals using Crank become highly dependent and unable to experience pleasure without the drug.

How Crank Affects the Brain

Due to the disrupted dopamine receptors, the brain struggles to induce feelings of happiness in the usual manner. This compels the user to repeatedly seek the high, resulting in a cycle of dependence. The overwhelming effect of crank meth on the brain’s pleasure centers can hinder the brain’s natural healing process, leading to lasting harm.

Persistent crank addiction leads to irreparable damage to cognitive abilities, further exacerbating the detrimental impact of this substance.

Insight into Crank Manufacturing

Methamphetamine production gained notoriety through its portrayal on the TV series “Breaking Bad.” Unlike drugs relying on plant-based ingredients, crank is a synthetic, man-made substance. While heroin and marijuana incorporate natural components, meth is chemically synthesized and has been manufactured using unconventional materials like lantern fuel.

This method makes controlling the potency of crank meth extremely challenging. Dealers might have limited knowledge about the drug’s strength as each batch differs. Consequently, some meth labs may contain hazardous chemicals comparable to industrial toxic waste.

550 Million

Meth costs the United States $550 million in drug treatment programs annually.

Source: NIDA

964,000 people

An estimated 964,000 people aged 12 and older qualified as having a Meth use disorder in 2017.

Source: NIDA