Crank is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States.
Low-cost and widely available ingredients mean this drug is relatively easy to produce, available in almost any community, and cheap to buy.
But what is crank? In this guide, you’ll learn what the drug known as “crank” is, its physical and psychological impact, and warning signs to look for if you suspect someone has been abusing the drug.
What is Crank
Crank is a common name used to refer to an extremely addictive drug called crystal methamphetamine. Meth’s a stimulant, meaning it stimulates your CNS and boosts the level of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is known as the “reward chemical”, so it tells your brain that any behavior that increases its levels is good. Taking methamphetamines gives users a quick, powerful sense of euphoria.
Meth typically comes in the form of a white, odorless powder that tastes bitter. It can also come in a more solid form which resembles glass crystals or blue-white rocks.
Common names for methamphetamines include:
- Speed
- Crystal
- Crank
- Uppers
- Tweak
- Glass
- Go-fast
- Ice
- Tina
- Chalk
While amphetamine pills can be prescribed to treat some disorders such as ADD or ADHD, there is no legal or legitimate use for crank.
Meth is typically smoked through a glass pipe. It can also be snorted or injected intravenously,
The Physical Effects of Methamphetamines
Methamphetamines are fast-acting and begin to have an effect immediately after ingesting a dose. Taking a hit of meth can cause the following physical effects:
- Increased energy
- Suppressed appetite
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased heart rate
- Faster breathing
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
- Tense muscles
- Higher body temperature
- Chest pain
- Feeling more talkative
- High blood pressure
- Increased physical violence
However, like all drugs, the effects of methamphetamines depend on certain factors:
- Your age, size, and body composition
- How you ingest the drug
- The size of the dose
- Your natural metabolism
- Your liver and kidney health
- Time of day
It takes your body longer to metabolize meth than it does cocaine or other stimulants. While its effects last about 24 hours, it remains detectable in urine for 72 hours.
Psychological Effects of Amphetamine Use
Using methamphetamines comes with a long list of psychological effects and risks. They include:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Higher mental alertness
- Increased sexual arousal
- Feelings of power or superiority
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Auditory or visual hallucinations and delusions
- Issues with memory or concentration
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
Using meth will also typically make any current mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, much more severe.
Meth Abuse Warning Signs
Long-term meth use almost invariably leads to tolerance and physical dependency, requiring users to take larger and larger doses to feel the same high. However, this long-term or chronic use comes with severe physical effects:
- Heart disease
- Decaying teeth and gum disease known as “meth mouth”
- Premature aging
- Malnutrition and extreme weight loss
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Liver or kidney failure
- Skin lesions caused by picking or scratching at the skin
Meth abuse and addiction will also cause serious behavioral changes such as social isolation, stealing, violent behavior resulting in legal problems, and neglecting responsibilities and hobbies. As a person becomes more dependent on the drug, addiction-caused behaviors become more pronounced.
Once you know what crank is, there are some warning signs to look out for if you suspect someone is abusing meth:
- Burnt glass pipes or tubes
- Burnt spoons
- Used syringes or needles
- Lightbulbs with the metal bottom broken off
- Burnt aluminum foil or soda cans
Ultimately, crank is a powerful and dangerous drug that has been made illegal for a reason. Users experience a host of short-term and long-term physical and psychological effects along with a high risk of physical dependency. For those who do find themselves abusing meth, don’t hesitate to explore treatment options such as detox programs, inpatient facilities, or support groups.