Safer Using

What's the safest way to use crystal meth?

Because crystal contains so many toxic chemicals, there is no real "safe" way to use crystal. There are health risks with each method. And no matter how you use it, you can still become addicted.

METHOD/RISKS

SWALLOWING

• No real tissue damage, but other health risks remain (see How crystal affects the body)

SNORTING

• Membrane and tissue damage inside nose.

SMOKING

• Tissue damage inside mouth, throat, and lungs

INJECTING (into vein)

• Vein shrinkage and collapse
• Abscesses, endocarditis, other infections
• Risk of HIV and hepatitis C through sharing of needles and injection equipment
• Higher chance of getting too much drug or overamping

MUSCLING (injecting into muscle)

• Not recommended with crystal
• Extremely painful
• Very high risk for abscesses and tissue infections

SKIN POPPING (injecting under skin)

• Not recommended with crystal
• Extremely painful
• Very high risk for abscesses and tissue infections

KEISTERING (anal injection)

• "Butt whacks, booty bumps"
• Serious damage to anal tissue and membranes
• Can lead to intestinal cramping, bowel problems
• Increased risk of HIV, STDs, hepatitis B from anal tissue damage