What Is P2P Meth?
P2P meth, also known as super meth, is a synthetic drug that came on the market shortly after legislation pushed drugs like Sudafed and other decongestant medications, the main ingredients for meth, behind the pharmacy counter. Instead of slowing the rising meth epidemic, those who manufactured meth instead got creative and replaced those restricted drugs with more toxic chemicals. Now, P2P meth is more addictive and even more dangerous than its original form.
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Understanding P2P Meth
P2P meth came about around 2006 when legislation pushed drugs like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, the two main components in meth, behind the pharmacy counters. Because of this, those who manufactured and sold meth had to reinvent their process, exchanging one chemical for another, coming up with a more potent and affordable version of meth — P2P meth. The difference between standard meth and P2P meth is that P2P has a higher concentration of an isomer called d-methamphetamine. There are two forms of meth, d- and 1-methamphetamine. While both are methamphetamines, the two come in different forms. The d-isomer is found in prescription drugs, such as allergy medications, while 1-isomer is found in over-the-counter products. Street drugs like meth contain both but normally have more d-isomer for the enhanced effects.
Since ephedrine-like drugs are now monitored, P2P meth replaces the ephedrine with chemicals like:
- Acetone.
- Cyanide.
- Lye.
- Mercury.
- Sulfuric acid.
- Hydrochloric acid.
- Nitrosyerence.
- Racing fuel.
Production and Distribution
Unlike “normal” meth, P2P meth replaces the active ingredient in the over-the-counter decongestant Sudafed with more toxic chemicals like cyanide, chloroacetone (tear gas), lye, and benzene. This results in P2P becoming a clear liquid that is mostly phenylacetone, a colorless oil that breaks down in organic solvents. Since manufacturers are replacing decongestants like Sudafed and replacing them with inexpensive and legal chemicals, P2P can be made faster and cheaper — and that’s behind the increase of P2P meth production globally.
Since the process substitutes ingredients with more toxic chemicals, the process of “cooking” P2P meth is even more harmful. Like the show “Breaking Bad,” it must be made while wearing full hazmat suits and in rural or abandoned areas — but this is rarely the case, making the drug even more contaminated. After coming on the market in the ‘90s, P2P became popular with biker gangs, such as the Hell’s Angels, and was known as “bike crank” in some areas.
Signs and Symptoms of P2P Meth Use
Common signs and symptoms of P2P meth use include rapid weight loss, skin sores from users constantly picking at the “itchy feeling” they experience, and dental issues or “meth mouth,” such as teeth falling out and open sores on the gums. Behavioral and psychological changes are also common symptoms. Temporary euphoria and energy bursts are typical behavioral signs of P2P meth use. Psychological changes might include:
- Increased anxiety.
- Violent paranoia.
- Aggression.
- Increased isolation.
- Hallucinations.
- Memory loss.
- Mood disturbances, especially when dopamine levels start to taper off after using.
Dangers and Risks Associated with P2P Meth
Meth used to be known as a “party drug,” delivering euphoric highs that would last up to 12 hours. P2P, on the other hand, produces a high that can cause the user to be immobile for 24 hours or longer. There are also higher risks when using P2P meth, such as:
- Organ damage.
- Cardiovascular problems.
- Reduced cognitive function.
- Decreased brain function.
- Overdoses that may result in death.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
Treatment for P2P Meth Addiction
It is never too late to seek treatment for any drug addiction, especially P2P meth addiction. A professional such as a psychologist or a medical professional will be able to evaluate and put you on the right path for addiction treatment. It’s also important to research your options for the best meth addiction treatment centers in California. Here’s what treatment for this kind of addiction typically includes:
- Detoxification: This can take anywhere from five to seven days or longer, depending on the substance abused. Typically, P2P meth detox will take longer. This process is medically supervised to ensure medication and medical interventions are available as needed.
- Inpatient Programs: These residential treatment programs are a great option for those who have a substance addiction to focus on their health and healing. These programs are designed just for the patient to optimize their recovery process.
- Outpatient Programs: Outpatient addiction treatment options offer more flexibility for those who are seeking help but want to be available to keep up with daily responsibilities at home and work.
How Resurgence Behavioral Health Can Help
While there are many different treatment programs, Resurgence Behavioral Health has multiple options for comprehensive addiction treatment programs. We have a medical detox program that offers a safe environment to get substances out of your system, as well as treatments designed to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms so that patients can detox in comfort. The residential treatment program is available for those who wish to start their recovery without distraction and gain tools to live a successful, sober life. Outpatient addiction treatment programs are ideal for people who are transitioning from more intensive treatment plans. If you or a loved one needs help, we’re here for you. Contact us online or call 855-458-0050 today to get started.
