Shake and Bake Meth: What it is and Potential Dangers
Shake and bake meth may sound like a ‘cool’ do-it-yourself drug, but it presents many dangers for those who want a quick hit. How do people make a shake and bake meth recipe? Knowing how this drug works and the potential risks can prompt those with meth addictions to seek treatment.
What Is Shake And Bake Meth?
Methamphetamine, or simply called meth, is considered one of the most addictive substances used illicitly. US statistics show that there are 1.9 million abusers of amphetamine-type drugs, part of which includes those with meth addictions. Among these, the most frequent users are people over 26 years of age.
As the government tries to control the distribution of these drugs, many people have discovered how to recreate meth by having makeshift labs. Some of these labs have sophisticated packages of chemicals, and some use household items to create what others call “shake n bake drug”.
In essence, shake and bake meth is a type of amphetamine produced by using crude ingredients such as cold medicine and household substances. The mixture is then usually placed in a 1.5-liter soda bottle, after which it is shaken to create the chemical reactions to produce the addictive substance. In controlled labs, meth is made out of sophisticated ingredients free from residue. Since methamphetamine prescription drugs such as Desoxyn are created with quality-controlled ingredients and equipment, the side effects to be expected are indicated on the drug’s leaflet portion. However, street and homemade meth such as “shake n bake meth” may have some impurities which cannot be removed using simplistic methods. Meth made in this manner may contain the following ingredients: The meth shake and bake method is done by mixing these ingredients in a bottle and shaking it vigorously to create a chemical reaction. The combination of these chemicals eventually create meth mostly in liquid form and can be smoked and inhaled by users.
How Is Meth Made?
Mobile Meth Labs
The crude approach of making shake and bake drugs is popular among mobile meth labs. If a user has connections to illicit drug makers and dealers, chances are they can identify the signs of mobile meth labs. If you suspect a loved one going or creating such labs, here are some signs you need to look out for:
- Windows are blocked or darkened
- Large drum containers of unknown substances
- Hoses for ventilation
- Strong-smelling industrial chemicals
- Lab equipment for no apparent reason
- A large supply of medications for suspicious reasons
- Suspicious-looking people
Some of the meth labs are even “mobile”, which means the materials and equipment to create shake and bake meth are done inside a car. An article in the New York Times showed how some cars have trunks where the DIY meth is made, as they litter areas on the road with residue and leftover materials.
To err on the safe side, it is best to avoid mobile meth labs. The materials used to make do-it-yourself meth are highly combustible, which means the exhaust from the car can cause a reaction to chemicals being mixed, causing an explosion.
Dangerous Meth-Making Method
Perhaps you’ve come to this post looking for information about how to make crank in a bottle, or how Shake and Bake meth is made. As we have listed the household materials used to make these substances and the primary mode of how it is done, it is also very crucial to note how most of these household products are highly combustible.
For example, Acetone and Phosphorus are highly flammable. Even higher temperatures, a lit fuse, or faulty wiring can cause these items to explode. In some instances, just an increased amount of the chemicals or an imbalance within the ingredients will make the end product explode when shaking.
To add to this risk, users may also suffer from health consequences in taking the shake and bake meth. It is true that meth can be recreated using these household items, but it is also important to understand that some impurities cannot be removed when using this approach to create meth. Some of the health risks include:
- Poisoning: Lithium, toluene, hydrochloric acid, and phosphorus are highly toxic chemicals in large amounts.
- Addiction: Since the dosage level of meth is not predictable when doing DIY methods, some users may be prone to suffering from full-blown meth addiction.
- Health problems: due to constant exposure to the drug, the person may experience episodes of psychosis, cognitive problems, and even withdrawal symptoms.
- Burns and injuries: Shaking meth bottles, whether with chemicals or discarded is very dangerous. It can lead to skin burns, debris wounds, or other types of injuries related to combusting materials.
- Overdose: As previously mentioned, the strength or amount of meth produced in shake and bake bottles is unpredictable, which can lead a person to have a life-threatening overdose.
Don’t Touch Discarded Meth-Making Bottles
If you suspect meth-making bottles, materials, or equipment within your vicinity, a good practice is to avoid touching them. A little bit of chemical reaction can cause these bottles to explode–and it causes debris and chemicals to injure the person touching the items. It may be best to report any suspicious-looking facilities or materials to law enforcement, such as the resource outlined in the Department of Justice website.
How To Find Help For Meth Addiction
Now that you have understood the potential consequences of shake and bake meth, as well as meth addiction in general, you may be wondering where you can find help for this substance use disorder users. Thankfully, there is a wide range of local and national resources you can reach out to. Below are the steps you can take to get help for meth addiction:
Contact a trusted rehab facility
A high-quality rehab facility can be your golden ticket to meth sobriety. They are an all-in-one resource for you to know ways on how to bring a loved one to rehab, how to take care of employment issues before starting rehab, or insurance-related questions. Addiction specialists are ready to help you take the initial steps in meth abuse treatment.
Use government and private resources
There are various resources that you can utilize to know more about meth addiction and substance use disorder in general. These include:
- Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services Administration
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Medline Plus
You may browse these websites to know more about facts and figures on addiction, and how these substances can affect your body and your life.
Reach out to trusted family, friends, and loved ones
It takes a community to stop substance use disorder. Sometimes, you may feel like you don’t have the courage to take the first step. Talking about these feelings to a trusted friend, family, or loved one can help you get started, and they can assist you with the process of starting a recovery program.
Don’t Shake And Bake: Act Before It’s Too Late
Shake and bake meth may seem like a doable idea to have your own stash of drugs at home, but it presents risks to yourself and the people living around you. These DIY methods are never worth it, let alone a growing substance addiction. Understanding the potential dangers of meth addiction will help you make a conscious effort to start your recovery journey today.
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Medical disclaimer:
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.
