Crystal Meth Addiction, Effects, Detox, and Treatment for
Meth Addiction
Crystal meth is a stimulant and a highly
addictive drug. Methamphetamine or crystal meth has many different
names including, "speed", "crystal", and
"meth". The drug itself resembles ice and is most
commonly smoked. Crystal meth is considered the most potent
form of speed available and works by overwhelming the central
nervous system’s pleasure receptors. The effects of
meth are felt within a few seconds of use and create a sensation
that is highly
pleasurable and euphoric. Crystal meth is a mood enhancer
and has long-term effects including a loss in pleasure reception
in the brain and a decrease in bodily movement. Crystal meth
effects include increased body activity, loss of appetite
and fast breathing as well as insomnia, irritability and mood
swings. Meth can cause problems in blood vessels and can also
lead to respiratory damage. When used in high doses crystal
meth causes paranoia, agitation and compulsive behavior.
People who use meth habitually develop
a higher tolerance for the drug meaning it takes more of the
drug to get the same "high" or results. Chronic
users are subject to violent and self-destructive behaviors
even if they do not intent such things. Meth users can also
be victim to overdose, as well as symptoms including high
fever, convulsions and coma. Once tolerance has commenced
in a person’s body, addiction is soon to follow. Meth
users also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stay
off the drug. Withdrawal occurs when a crystal meth user stops
using the drug for an extended period of time. Once a person
has stopped putting the drug into his/her body, the body reacts
because it is so used to having the drug to function. Crystal
meth withdrawal can be a painful process and many people choose
to continue doing drugs instead of going through the uncomfortability
of detox.
Crystal meth drug treatment is available
through a number of programs and has been known to be very
effective. For people just coming down off crystal
meth, many times a medical detox is advisable so that the
physical body is free of all contaminants. Once the detox
has been completed the crystal meth user is able to deal with
other aspects of life including the emotional, mental and
physical problems that have resulted from his/her drug use.
Crystal meth treatment is a very effective option for people
addicted to the drug and can help them find out how to live
without the burden of addiction.
<back to drug
index
|
