What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is a specific kind of methamphetamine. Methamphetamines are a class of medications that affect an individual’s CNS function. They are quite energetic, and using them is thought to provide a pleasant, euphoric feeling.
Methamphetamine usage is a prevalent type of drug misuse, although it can have medicinal purposes. Pseudoephedrine, a chemical found in many cough and cold medications, is the active component of these medications.
Crystal meth is a white powder that can be administered, taken in, sniffed, or smoked. Due to its rapid onset of excitement, the substance is prevalent in social gatherings and parties.
Signs and Symptoms of a Meth Addiction
A substance use disorder may only be diagnosed by a medical professional. However, abusing meth has several signs, symptoms, and adverse effects. A list of criteria is used by clinicians to identify stimulant use disorder. These signs include:
- Consuming more meth or exceeding one’s targeted dosage.
- Wanting to reduce meth use yet finding it impossible to do so
- Experiencing intense meth cravings.
- Becoming dependent on meth and finding it difficult to do tasks at work, school, or home.
- Being unable to give up meth use even when it worsens or causes social problems with people.
- Being unable to stop taking meth even after it has aggravated or caused issues with your mind or body.
- Meth usage might lead to loss of interest in hobbies.
- Taking a long time to find, use, or recover from meth usage.
- Taking meth in potentially hazardous circumstances, like when running a car.
- Developing a tolerance to meth’s effects, which requires you to consume more to have the same feelings of satisfaction
- Experience withdrawal effects when they cut back on drug use
Effects Of Meth Addiction on Human Body
Over time, using meth can be damaging to your health and lead to psychological dependency and addiction. Meth short term effects and long-lasting neurological changes may result from it, and they might only be slightly reversible.
Long-Term Effects
- • Anxiety or depression
- • Brain cell damage
- • Sudden weight loss
- • Increased stroke risk
- • Mood swings
- • Nasal irritation from snorting meth
- • Seizures
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Aggressive behavior
Health Effects
- • Irregular heartbeat
- • Palpitations
- • Chronic cough
- • Tooth decay
- • Gum disease
- • Decreased motor coordination
- • Injecting meth increases the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis
Social And Personal Effects
- • Financial problems
- • Workplace and education issues
- • Legal issues (arrests, legal fees, and imprisonment)
- • Social isolation
- • Mental health issues
Drugs Commonly Combined With Meth
- • Alcohol
- • Morphine (mixture called Speedball)
- • Xanax
Meth Addiction Treatment
People who use crystal meth can cut back or quit using the drug in HoZ rehab. Drug treatment programs can help them take back control of their life. Treatment and other behavioral therapy, as well as inpatient programs, IOP treatment facilities, and aftercare factors, are typical aspects of methamphetamine recovery.
The best way to treat stimulant use disorder is to work on individual root factors, with each person’s treatment plan modified to meet their unique needs. Research encourages the use of behavioral therapies to manage stimulant use disorders and minimize crystal meth usage. Still, no medication has been proven to be beneficial in treating crystal meth addiction.
Family Cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT):
Management of Contingencies (CM)
Offers financial rewards for sustaining sobriety and participating in treatment programs.
Motivational interviewing(MI)
Helps patients become more motivated and committed to change by including them in a cooperative dialogue therapy.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Focuses on combining emotional control, reducing stress, and developing better relationships between individuals.
Meth User Statistics
