Blue Meth: Effects, Dangers & How To Get Help
- November 21, 2022
- Prosperity Haven
- Addiction Treatment
Even among people who have never used or seen meth in real life, the drug is almost universally associated with the color blue. This is partially due to its portrayal in popular media, especially television shows like Breaking Bad. While many people are well aware of the dangers of meth, the nature of blue meth is still a mystery.
The existence of blue meth has brought about many questions. For example, can meth be blue? If so, is blue meth more dangerous than “regular” meth? Does blue meth have any unique properties aside from its color? In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. Additionally, if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to meth, we can help you direct you to recovery at Prosperity Haven.
What Is Blue Meth?
First and foremost, it is true that meth can be blue, but this does not mean that meth is always blue. In fact, blue meth is a relatively new innovation. Traditionally, crystal methamphetamine has had a clear appearance, sometimes with light hints of yellow or brown. The exact origins of blue meth are not known, however, it is believed to have appeared in the United States sometime in the late 2000s or early 2010s. Crystal meth has been around in one form or another for over a century, so blue meth is one of the newest iterations of the street drug.
In any case, law enforcement first encountered blue meth in Utah and Kansas in late 2010. It is believed that the drug originated in Mexico or around the US-Mexico border before it was trafficked to other parts of the United States. At the time, police assumed that the coloring was used to help dealers know who had manufactured the drug.
Contrary to popular belief, blue meth is not more “pure” than regular crystal meth. In fact, it is actually often pure because it contains contaminants capable of changing its color. Nonetheless, blue meth is usually sold on the street for double the price of regular crystal meth.
Other theories have arisen about how and why blue meth was created. Some investigators believed that drug manufacturers simply wanted to mimic the appearance of the blue meth on the popular TV series, Breaking Bad (more on that later). Alternatively, blue meth may have been invented for more practical reasons. Law enforcement uses a field test to see if crystals found at a potential crime scene are actually methamphetamines. If they are, the crystals would turn blue. Naturally, meth that is already blue makes these field tests more difficult to use. In turn, blue meth can foil certain drug-busting operations.
Is Blue Meth Real?
The short answer is yes — blue meth is very real and very dangerous. However, the assertion that blue meth is a highly pure form of methamphetamine is, by and large, a complete fabrication. This idea has been pushed by a wide variety of sources, from drug manufacturers looking to make higher profits off of meth to tv shows, movies, and media outlets trying to sensationalize the war on drugs. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, even reputable health outlets have perpetuated the myth of “pure blue meth,” creating unnecessary confusion about the drug.
How Blue Crystal Meth Is Made
There are various ways that illicit drug manufacturers create blue meth. Some manufacturers mix regular crystal meth with either blue chalk or food dye to create the color, while others use a more complex process involving a reduction of pseudoephedrine or ephedrine with battery acid or ammonia. The reduction is used as part of a combination of phenylacetone (P2P) and methylamine. In theory, the latter creates a purer form of meth that also circumvents the DEA’s crackdown on products containing pseudoephedrine. However, research has not shown any evidence that blue meth is purer or more powerful than other forms of crystal meth.
Blue Meth In The Breaking Bad TV Show
Breaking Bad is easily the most famous TV show to feature crystal meth. More specifically, it almost exclusively features blue meth. In one early Breaking Bad episode, the lead character, Walter White, introduces the world to a new form of meth called “Blue Sky.” This is supposed to be a form of meth that is 99.1% pure and far more powerful than regular crystal meth. Not only has the show helped perpetuate false narratives concerning blue meth, but it may have inadvertently romanticized meth use for thousands of impressionable viewers.
Dangers Of Blue Meth
While blue meth is highly toxic and addictive, it has not been shown to be substantially more dangerous than other forms of crystal meth. In fact, some research indicates that injecting pink, yellow, or white meth results in a higher occurrence of abscesses than injecting blue meth. Nonetheless, blue meth is still a highly dangerous drug. Some of these dangers include:
- Unusual or unpredictable sleep patterns
- Nausea and vomiting
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- “Tweaking”
- Damage to the brain, heart, and other major organs
- Increased risk of stroke
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Disturbing hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dental problems (sometimes known as “meth mouth”)
- Skin lesions
- Eye conditions (sometimes known as “meth eyes”)
Long-term abuse of blue meth can cause other health issues, from irreversible psychosis and permanent memory loss to disease of the skin and liver. Since blue meth is often combined with unknown additives, there is an even greater potential for the drug to have unpredictable effects on abusers. For instance, drug manufacturers may mix blue meth with drugs like fentanyl. This could even cause first-time users to experience a fatal overdose. So, while all types of crystal meth are dangerous, it is impossible to know with any certainty what additional harmful effects will occur with blue meth abuse.
Getting Help For A Meth Addiction
While meth addiction may be easier to spot than addiction to many other substances, it is not easier to stop. Crystal meth is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs on the planet. The introduction of blue meth has only made the drug more popular, more expensive, and potentially more harmful. Therefore, if you or someone you love is fighting an addiction to blue meth, it is vital that you seek out help as soon as possible.
Fortunately, Prosperity Haven has the facilities and expertise to provide high-quality treatment for patients who have an addiction to blue meth or other types of methamphetamines. Our residential drug rehab centers are designed to be a comfortable and judgment-free zone. We also offer all of the same services you could get at a traditional inpatient treatment center. If you’re still on the fence about it, consider what is at stake. Getting help from Prosperity Haven could literally mean the difference between life and death. So, don’t be afraid to give us a call or visit our facilities to take the first step on the road to recovery.
Is your child, friend, coworker, parent, or spouse struggling with a blue meth addiction? Are you looking for meth rehab options that target each patient’s specific needs? Finally, are you in need of a comprehensive meth rehab center that provides a wide range of effective treatment options? If so, feel free to contact the experts at Prosperity Haven to learn more.
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