Crystal Meth Street Prices | How Much Does Meth Cost?

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful stimulant drug. It chemically resembles amphetamine, which is a drug that can treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies meth as a Schedule II Controlled Substance, which means it’s highly addictive. 

Meth causes a rush of energy and happiness by increasing the activity of a brain chemical called dopamine. The drug is available as a powder that’s often cooked into shiny, bluish-white rocks called crystal meth. As with other illicit drugs, the street value of crystal meth varies.

How Much Does Crystal Meth Cost On The Street?

According to law enforcement officials, a gram of crystal meth can cost anywhere from $3 to $500. However, the average price ranges between $20 and $60. 

Factors That Affect The Price Of Meth

The main factors that impact the price of meth are location and purity.

Location

Meth is typically cheaper the closer you are to Mexico, as that’s where most meth in the United States is produced. The increased supply leads to lower prices. 

The drug also tends to be cheaper in big cities. That’s because cities usually have higher rates of drug abuse and more drug dealers. Dealers often lower their prices to compete with each other.

In addition, many large cities serve as hubs for Mexican drug cartels. When drug traffickers from Mexico regularly bring crystal meth to a city, supply goes up and prices go down. 

In more rural areas where crystal meth is rarer, the drug will cost more.

Purity

Crystal meth usually costs less when it’s impure, which means it contains additives. Drug dealers use additives to decrease production costs. They can then charge less for the drug. 

Some additives are relatively harmless, such as baby powder and baking soda. However, some dealers cut meth with dangerous substances, including fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s been linked to numerous fatal overdoses. 

Other Costs Of Crystal Meth

Crystal meth costs less than many other illegal drugs, including crack cocaine. In fact, some people switch from crack cocaine to crystal meth because it’s cheaper and produces similar stimulant effects. 

However, while crystal meth may seem cheap at first, the drug can be extremely expensive over time. That’s because meth use often leads to meth addiction. People who are addicted to meth may spend between $12,775 and $38,325 per year on the drug.

Meth abuse and addiction also have non-financial costs. For example, you may lose relationships, employment, and housing.

Health Risks

In addition, when you regularly use meth, you face a number of health risks that may require costly health care services. These risks include:

• severe dental problems, such as extensive tooth decay and gum disease
• memory loss
• damage to the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, or lungs
• high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack and stroke
• psychosis, which is a feeling of disconnection from reality that can cause paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations

If you or a loved one struggles with meth use or another type of drug use, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist to learn about our substance abuse treatment programs. Our comprehensive services include medical detox, mental health counseling, and support groups.