8 Ball Of Meth - Meaning, How Much Weight, Price Of Meth Addictions
- January 9, 2023
- Prosperity Haven
- Addiction Treatment
An 8 ball of crystal meth is a street name for 3.5 grams of crystal meth. In this article, we look at the true price of meth addiction. Aside from the financial cost of purchase, we look at the long-term impact that meth use can have on your health, relationships, freedom and life.
What Is An 8 Ball Of Meth?
An eight ball of meth is drug slang for an amount of meth that has the weight of around 3.5 grams. This amount of meth is the size of a large pebble. It may come as powder or as small or large “shards” of crystal meth.
When meth comes as shards, the meth looks like either a piece of glass, or some kind of precious stone. When the meth slang 8 ball is used, it does not necessarily refer to a shard of meth, and can also mean an eighth of an ounce of powder meth.
How Much Meth Is In An 8 Ball?
About the size of a large pebble, eight balls of meth are supposed to be 3.5 grams exactly, just like an 8 ball of cocaine. However, in practice, users often find that they receive less than this when they buy an eight ball of meth. It is not uncommon for users to be given 3 grams or 2.5 grams instead of 3.5 grams.
Note that street meth is unlikely to be 100% pure, though meth for sale in the United States today tends to be very high quality. In 2008, the average purity of a gram of meth was 39%. Today, the purity is more likely to be over 95%. This is due to Mexican cartels now supplying the majority of meth bought in the US.
This jump in purity increases the effects to users, and also increases the risk of physical and mental health problems, addiction and overdose.
How Much Is An 8 Ball of Meth? The True Price Of A Meth Addiction
In some areas of the United States, an eight ball of meth can cost as little as $100 USD. However, prices are typically between $150 – $400 USD. Pricing may also vary based on purity and quality, with higher quality products costing more than lower-grade product. It is important to note that due to the illegal nature of methamphetamine, prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
The cost of an eight ball may also depend on the user’s relationship with their dealer. For example, repeat customers may be able to negotiate a lower price or receive discounts for larger quantities. Conversely, first-time buyers typically pay a premium in order to establish a relationship with the dealer.
The cost of methamphetamine can also vary based on geographic location, as different regions may have widely varying prices due to supply and demand. In some areas, meth may be more expensive than in others due to limited availability or higher demand.
However, the true cost of taking methamphetamine is far more than just money. Taking the drug can have severe implications on one’s health, relationships, finances, and even freedom.
Physical health costs
One of the most obvious costs associated with meth use is its effects on physical health. Long-term methamphetamine use can cause serious damage to the lungs and cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Some other physical effects include: “Meth Eyes” and “Meth Mouth” as well as “Tweaking“.
There are also the health risks associated with poor lifestyle due to meth use. When users are locked into meth addiction, they usually go without sleeping, eating or drinking properly for days at a time. This lifestyle greatly compounds the harms caused by meth use.
After being afflicted by meth addiction, it can take years for someone to experience good health again. After coming out of meth addiction, former users should adopt a routine that involves plenty of good quality foods, a solid sleep routine, and a decent amount of exercise.
Mental health costs
Methamphetamine use can cause schizophrenia and other serious mental health issues. The drug can disrupt the user’s sense of reality, impairing their decision making and cognitive abilities. It can cause paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and depression. Even after a person has stopped using methamphetamines, it can take a long time for these mental health issues to dissipate completely.
The longer that someone continues to take meth, the more pronounced these mental health problems are likely to be. Other factors include the amount of meth which the user takes, and whether they had any underlying mental health problems before they started taking meth.
Financial costs
The financial cost of meth use can be enormous. Addiction is expensive, as users need more and more of the drug to get the same effect. As a result, many addicts exhaust their finances in pursuit of their next high—even resorting to criminal activity or prostitution to fund their habit.
The cost of meth addiction also extends beyond the addict’s finances. Families can be left facing bankruptcy or home foreclosure because of someone else’s drug habit, and addicts’ money may be used to support other people in the drug trade.
Relationship costs
Methamphetamine use causes serious damage to relationships. It can cause users to become emotionally distant and more prone to violence and abuse. People who are addicted are much less likely to prioritize their family, friends, or loved ones, instead prioritizing the drug over anything else.
In addition, meth use can lead people into risky sexual behavior as they seek out money or another high. This can cause immense emotional pain for people, who must then cope with the physical and mental health issues associated with it, such as HIV/AIDs and other STIs.
Freedom costs
The freedom cost of methamphetamine use is often overlooked, but just as real. People addicted to meth are far more likely to become involved in criminal activity, which can lead to time in prison or even death.
It is not only the risk of being incarcerated that takes away someone’s freedom; it is also the social stigma associated with drug use. People who have been addicted to drugs are often judged by their friends, family and co-workers, which can impair their ability to find and maintain meaningful employment, form stable relationships, and even access education.
The cost of methamphetamine abuse is clear—it has severe implications on one’s health, relationships, finances, and even freedom. It is important that those struggling with addiction are aware of these costs so that they can make an informed decision about their recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, get help today. Recovery is possible and there are many resources available to help those in need of support.
How To Get Help For A Meth Addiction In Ohio & PA
If you or a loved one has a serious meth addiction, the best place to get help is a drug rehab. Here, you or your loved one will be weaned off meth in a safe environment, and provided with counsellors who can help look at the reasons why meth use began.
For many people who have a heavy addiction to meth, meth rehab is effectively the only way that they will be able to get clean and go back to living a happy and productive life, free of meth use.
Contact Prosperity Haven in Ohio today for more information.