Methamphetamine, or crystal meth as it’s more commonly known, is a sympathomimetic and psychostimulant drug, which means that it has incredibly potent effects on brain chemistry. The drug causes a rush of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine that results in an almost instant high for the user. In part, this is the reason for the addictiveness of the drug. In fact, some users state that after only their first hit they were hooked already.
Methamphetamine goes by many other names including crack, ice, crystal, meth and glass. Due to the ease that crystal meth can be produced, it is readily available and, subsequently, use and abuse are increasing rapidly.
Effects of Crystal Meth
As well as the euphoric sensation, crystal meth has many negative effects. Meth addicts will often be underweight, because the drug affects appetite. Moreover, the feelings of increased energy and enhanced mood can last for up to 12 hours, which means users easily become reliant on this sensation.
Most meth users find that the drug causes them to become hypersexual, which increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Particularly for women, this may lead to users recklessly placing themselves in dangerous situations.
Physical symptoms of meth use are high blood pressure, palpitations and, most worryingly, damage to small blood vessels in the brain, which can result in a stroke. An overdose of crystal meth can result in hyperthermia, which may cause convulsions and can prove fatal.
In addition, crystal meth use often results in psychotic problems that can last for months or years after cessation of the drug. Some of the psychological issues caused by methamphetamine are paranoia, insomnia, violent outbursts and confusion.
Addiction to Crystal Meth
As with many drugs, the effects of methamphetamine reduce over time. In other words, users need to take increasingly larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same sensation.
Crystal meth is predominantly inhaled through smoking, usually with a pipe, but it can also be administered by insufflation (snorting) or intravenously. Injecting meth is believed to be the most highly addictive method, which can also lead to a risk of hepatitis, HIV, and other infections.
Rehabilitation for Meth Addicts
Crystal meth addiction is one of the hardest to treat. Principally, this is because the drug remains in the body for extended periods of time. For just a casual user, addiction recovery can take up to eight months. Heavy users may need to remain in a recovery program for over a year.
Withdrawal from crystal meth can be particularly unpleasant. However, it is not life threatening. Individuals in recovery often experience excessive tiredness, depression, anxiety and, in many cases, weight gain, due to a return of appetite. In most recovery facilities, sedatives are prescribed to ease these symptoms.
Relapse is a particular problem with crystal meth addiction. Partly this is due to the intense withdrawal, but users often return to the same home, friends and lifestyle that lead to their drug use.
Although the prospect for crystal meth addicts may seem bleak, it is possible to get clean and stay that way. There are numerous facilities that deal specifically with meth addiction, which can offer help and support through the recovery process and beyond.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources and Further Reading
- Crystal Meth Addiction.org
- Crystal Meth Treatment.com
- Lee, S. J., Overcoming Crystal Meth Addiction: An Essential Guide to Getting Clean
- Washton, A. M., Willpower's Not Enough: Recovering From Addictions of Every Kind
Samantha Markham - Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer with a particular passion for literary and theatrical subjects.
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