Fake Crystal Meth In Ohio | Identifying Fake Meth

Kimberly Langdon, M.D.

Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon, M.D.

on December 10, 2022

Fake meth in Ohio can be identified with reagent or melting point tests. Fake meth may actually contain fentanyl, other illicit drugs, or significant amounts of cutting agents.

Fake methamphetamine pills and powder in Ohio may contain fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, over-the-counter cutting agents, or other illicit drugs such as crack cocaine, bath salts, and amphetamine

Law enforcement task forces from states such as Ohio, New York, and Arizona have infiltrated high amounts of meth labs in recent years, indicating a high demand for the drug.

Harm reduction centers in Ohio offer meth testing kits and fentanyl testing strips to determine if drugs are contaminated with substances such as fentanyl. These strips may inform the tester whether the drugs they possess can lead to an unintentional overdose.

In 2021, over 80% of all meth overdose deaths in Ohio also involved fentanyl. Meth overdose deaths accounted for about 25% of all Ohio overdose deaths in the past year. In recent years, meth use has seen a resurgence in the state, a trend that may indicate a public health problem.

Identifying Fake Meth Pills, Powder, & Crystal Meth

Fake meth pills, powder, & crystal meth may take on a similar appearance to the real substance, and fake pills may contain fentanyl. While a report from Harm Reduction Ohio states that only 5% of meth contains fentanyl, fentanyl has been involved in almost all meth overdose deaths in recent years.

Fake meth powder may contain high amounts of adulterants and cutting agents

Common over-the-counter agents, such as caffeine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), may look similar to meth powder with little to none of the drug’s effects. Similar-looking drugs, such as crack cocaine and bath salts, may cause unintended side effects when mixed with meth.

Fentanyl test strips can identify the synthetic opioid before taking fake meth for the first time. Harm reduction programs may offer drug test kits, which may help you identify the presence of substances via reagents or melting points.

Identifying Counterfeit Pills That May Contain Meth

Counterfeit pills that contain meth may have similar or identical appearances to popular prescription medications, such as OxyContin, Xanax, or Adderall. 

A person taking counterfeit pills may expect pain or anxiety relief, but instead experience paranoia, faster heart rate, and other effects of meth.

The risk of meth toxicity and death may be high if a person unknowingly ingests the drug. Meth overdose can cause cardiac arrest, stroke, and death.

Identifying the source of these counterfeit pills can help a potential buyer tell the difference between real and fake products. Counterfeit pills may be sold in unusual quantities, come in unlicensed packaging, or be obtained from a third-party provider.

Treatment Options For Methamphetamine Use

Taking illicit forms of meth, such as crystal methamphetamine, can cause a wide variety of side effects, including psychosis, tooth and gum decay, a decline in mental health, and brain damage. The risk of harmful effects can increase if meth is substituted for other illicit drugs.

Meth’s high usage and overdose statistics in Ohio means that you or a loved one may be affected by meth use. Harm reduction and treatment services are available for Ohio residents struggling with controlled substance abuse.

Contact Ohio Recovery Center to find out if our meth substance abuse treatment program works for you or your loved one. Our treatment and recovery programs can help you reduce patterns of high-risk drug use while stabilizing and improving your overall health.

  1. City of Columbus — Fentanyl Exposure https://www.columbus.gov/Templates/Detail.aspx?id=2147505536
  2. Cleveland 19 News — Meth, spiked drugs and overdoses stir concern among Ohio authorities confronted with new battles brought on by pandemic https://www.cleveland19.com/2020/08/25/meth-spiked-drugs-overdoses-stir-concern-among-ohio-authorities-confronted-with-new-battles-brought-by-pandemic/
  3. Drug Enforcement Administration — Sharp Increase in Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Meth https://www.dea.gov/alert/sharp-increase-fake-prescription-pills-containing-fentanyl-and-meth
  4. National Institute on Drug Abuse — Methamphetamine DrugFacts https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
  5. NPR — Seizures Of Methamphetamine Are Surging In The U.S. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/07/29/745061185/seizures-of-methamphetamine-are-surging-in-the-u-s
  6. Ohio Department of Health — Warning:Dangerous Counterfeit Prescription Tablets Found in Ohio https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/Documents/Pubs/NewsReleases/2021/Health%20Alert%20-%20Increase%20in%20Counterfeit%20Prescription%20Tablets%20Containing%20Fentanyl.pdf

Written by Ohio Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Ohio Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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