What On Earth Is Super Meth?

It often seems like an alarming new drug is hitting the streets every month. Keeping track of emerging drug threats like xylazine (tranq), monkey dust, and super meth requires research and sifting through facts and myths. One of our objectives at Eternal Purpose is raising awareness. To that end, we will provide accurate, up-to-date information about these drugs as they appear. 

This Eternal Purpose article is about the new street drug being called super meth. 

What is Super Meth?

Super meth, also known as P2P meth, is a variant of standard crystal methamphetamine that uses a different precursor chemical in manufacturing. This type of methamphetamine is made using a different production process than the traditional ephedrine-based method. The drug is reported to be up to 93% pure and its effects can last as long as 18-24 hours.

Super meth has created a spike in meth use due to its potentially lethal and addictive properties, which are reportedly stronger than conventional ephedrine-based crystal meth. What’s worse is that seized methamphetamine samples laced with fentanyl are being found with increasing frequency. This raises the risk of both addiction and overdose and psychiatric effects. 

Super meth is:

• A dangerous amphetamine with an exceptionally long duration of effect. 
• A more powerful form of crystal meth that was invented in the mid-2000s.
• Often of higher purity than conventional meth and especially ‘crank’ made in small labs.
• Manufactured using different precursor chemicals so pseudoephedrine isn’t needed.

How Drug Control Methods Sometimes Make Things Worse

Ironically, the laws and interdiction methods intended to reduce the supply of illegal drugs and the harm they cause sometimes lead to unintentional outcomes that are potentially worse than the original threat. 

One example is how disruptions in heroin trafficking from Afghanistan and Asia help fuel the development of black-market fentanyl, which can be more easily manufactured than heroin sourced from raw opium. Fentanyl has a very high risk of overdose and requires a careful detox process. 

Another example is the way counterfeit prescription painkillers made from fentanyl have taken the place of stolen, authentic pharmaceutical-grade opioids like oxycodone. Unfortunately, super meth appears to be yet another example of a situation where well-intended anti-drug legislation led to insidious innovation from illegal drug producers.  

Where Did Super Meth Come From?

Super meth is more potent and more harmful than conventional crystal meth and unfortunately, it’s also an unintended result of tactics in the War on Drugs. Meth, and especially the form known as “crank” which could be made in small, amateur labs, used to be made using over-the-counter cold medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. 

The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act went into effect in 2006 and restricted access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. This drove the meth trade into the hands of Mexican cartels, who started producing super meth (P2P meth). 

Super meth came from:

• An unintended side effect of drug control laws and interdiction.
• A need for illegal drug manufacturers to work around limited pseudoephedrine supplies.
• The desire of drug cartels and dealers to make ever more powerful and addictive drugs.

What Are The Signs Someone Is Using Super Meth?

Bear in mind that the only way to be absolutely certain a person is using a specific drug, short of seeing them do it with your own eyes or a confession, is an accurate drug test. That said, there are certain physical symptoms and behavioral signs which may indicate a person is abusing meth or another amphetamine or stimulant. Below are some things to look for.

Physical Signs Which May Indicate Meth Use

• Dilated Pupils: Methamphetamine use can cause the pupils to dilate, resulting in a “wide-eyed” appearance.
• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: As a stimulant, methamphetamine increases heart rate, which can lead to arrhythmia or other cardiac issues.
• Increased Body Temperature: Methamphetamine use can cause hyperthermia or abnormally high body temperature.
• Skin Sores or Infections: Chronic methamphetamine users often have sores or infections on their skin from picking at perceived bugs or imperfections.
• Tooth Decay or Loss: Known as “meth mouth,” this condition results from a combination of poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and teeth grinding associated with meth use.
• Rapid Weight Loss: Due to the appetite-suppressing properties of methamphetamine, users may experience rapid and unhealthy weight loss.

Behavioral Signs Which May Indicate Meth Use

• Increased Energy and Hyperactivity: Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can cause users to become excessively active or hyperactive.
• Paranoia and Anxiety: Users may experience intense feelings of paranoia, fear, or anxiety, often without a clear source or reason.
• Aggressiveness or Irritability: Methamphetamine can cause severe mood swings, often leading to bouts of aggression or irritability.
• Obsessive Behaviors: Users may develop repetitive or obsessive behaviors, such as constantly cleaning or disassembling and reassembling objects.
• Decreased Appetite: Methamphetamine suppresses the appetite, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
• Insomnia or Irregular Sleep Patterns: The stimulating effects of methamphetamine can interfere with normal sleep patterns, causing insomnia or erratic sleep.

Help For Meth Addiction at Eternal Purpose Recovery 

If you believe you or someone you care about may have a problem with super meth or an addiction to any other substance, Eternal Purpose Recovery is ready to help. Talk to us before you approach your loved one about their addiction and we can provide some helpful advice for a more constructive, less confrontational conversation.

Remember, the most important thing is to come from a place of love and concern and to keep the lines of communication OPEN. This is key. Ultimately, the goal is for the person with addiction to realize that accepting help is the only logical choice. In some cases though, a professional intervention may be warranted — we can provide guidance with that too. 

If you would like to learn more about drug and alcohol treatment at Eternal Purpose Recovery in California or you have questions about dual-diagnosis treatment, please reach out to us at 

1-888-294-5153