Crank is a slang term for methamphetamine, which is a highly addictive stimulant drug that millions of people use across the United States. Crank, also known as speed or crystal meth, is one of the most addictive drugs in the world and can lead to a multitude of health problems.
Understanding the physical, social, and cognitive consequences of crank and learning about what treatment entails can help determine if it’s time to seek help.
What is Crank?
Crank (also known as meth) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that boosts dopamine levels in the brain. This leads to feelings of intense euphoria and increased energy. It often produces a more intense high than cocaine, which is another stimulant. Crank is made using a mixture of several chemicals, most of which are highly flammable and toxic. The most common chemicals include:
- Acetone
- Anhydrous ammonia
- Lithium
- Hydrochloric acid
- Red phosphorus
- Pseudoephedrine
Crank is sometimes pressed into pill form but is usually found as an off-white, yellow, or brown powder or a crystallized form. This odorless substance can be injected, smoked, snorted, or taken orally. Regardless of the type ingested, all crank is dangerous.
How Does Crank Affect You?
Many people feel that crank gives them more energy and makes them feel alert and confident. Others try it because it decreases appetite and can lead to weight loss. The quick onset high is similar to cocaine. However, the effects can last much longer. These effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hypertension
- Decreased appetite
- Increased energy
- Euphoria and elevated mood
In addition, crank may cause various unwanted side effects on behavior and mood, including:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Extreme paranoia
- Violent behavior
- Aggression
- Poor balance
These side effects can be extremely dangerous. Physical and psychological dependence are both possible with crank use. Once dependence occurs, it becomes tough to quit without professional assistance.
The Negative Impacts of Crank on the Body
Those who use crank regularly develop a tolerance and need to use more over time to achieve their desired effect. Prolonged heavy use alters your brain and body’s ability to function, making it extremely hard to quit on your own. Some of the consequences crank has on your health include:
- Heart problems such as blood vessel constriction, hypertension, and heart tissue damage.
- A decrease in your attention, judgment, and memory capacity.
- Lung problems, including acute respiratory distress, non-cardiac pulmonary edema, and pneumonia.
- Drug-induced liver and kidney disease and inflammation.
- A weakened immune system makes fighting off infections more difficult.
- Increased risk of infectious diseases (like hepatitis B, C, and HIV) due to risky behavior and needle sharing.
- Skin infections, lesions, and sores.
- Severe gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
- Decreased appetite, malnutrition, and weight loss.
- Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Long-term meth use changes the brain’s dopamine system. This can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disorder and other neurological problems.
Using crank can damage your overall physical health and appearance. It can also lead to meth-induced psychosis, which causes psychotic symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. These physical and mental effects of crank use can contribute to serious long-term mental and physical health issues.
Crank Withdrawal Symptoms
Once physical or psychological dependence sets in, withdrawal can occur if you try to quit using crank. The effects of crank withdrawal are usually the opposite of the actual drug’s effects and can be extremely uncomfortable, especially with heavy, prolonged use. Medically supervised detox can help ease symptoms associated with the withdrawal process, which can last for several days up to a few weeks. The physical symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Muscle spasms
- Dry mouth
- Extreme fatigue
- Headaches
- Disturbed sleep patterns
Sleeping for several days is common as your body adjusts to functioning without crank. In addition to these physical symptoms, you may also experience psychological symptoms like:
- Intense cravings
- Paranoia
- Lack of motivation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations and psychosis
These emotional symptoms may linger longer than the physical symptoms of withdrawal. With professional and supportive drug rehabilitation treatment, you can start to address the issues behind your crank use and discover a healthier life in recovery.
Crank Addiction
The powerful high that people experience when using crank makes it easy to become addicted.
Signs of a meth addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) include:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut down or stop use
- Ignoring important life responsibilities to use crank
- Constantly craving meth
- Using increasing amounts of meth to get the same high
- Using meth despite legal or health consequences from use
What Is Crank Addiction Treatment Like?
Medical detox from crank is the first step in the recovery process. After completing this part of treatment, you may enter into a residential or outpatient drug treatment program. While outpatient treatment programs can be useful for those who have an appropriate level of support at home or who live in a sober living home, residential treatment is good for those who need a safe space away from triggers and substances so they can focus on recovery.
Vogue Recovery Center utilizes an evidence-based approach to address substance abuse and mental health concerns. Our accredited program uses a variety of holistic and traditional approaches to help bring you to total body healing. Some of our approaches include:
- Guidance from our experienced and credentialed mental health team
- Dual diagnosis treatment to address your substance use and underlying mental health concerns
- Tiered levels of care to include outpatient and inpatient programs
- Group therapy to discuss challenges, share successes, and focus on problem-solving
- Holistic therapy, such as art therapy, mindfulness, yoga, and other types of therapeutic activities
- 12-step support groups and other alternative approaches to 12-step programs
- Relapse prevention skills to identify healthy ways to support long-term recovery
In addition, you’ll learn about the mechanisms of addiction and how good mental health and a workable relapse prevention plan play vital roles in your ability to stay committed to recovery.
Our hope at Vogue Recovery Center is to provide you with a strong foundation for continuing your path toward a sober, successful life. We are here for you beyond your stay at our facility and are deeply invested in your well-being as you work toward a healthier future. If you are ready to get support for your addiction to crank, there is hope in recovery. Contact Vogue Recovery Center today to begin your healing journey.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
