Crystal Meth Effects
Methamphetamine HCI, the chemical name for the drug commonly known as crystal meth , crystal , or ice is the “cooked” and crystallized form of methamphetamine. While methamphetamines have medicinal uses (such as treating ADD) and are available by prescription, the street form—crystal meth—is usually imported by large South American drug cartels, or created in home meth labs, which frequently make news when they explode (a result of the caustic, highly flammable chemicals used in its manufacturing).
Like most drugs, crystal meth affects the user both physically and psychologically. Crystal meth affects the central nervous system, causing increased production of norepinephrine and dopamine (the brain's “pleasure producers”). When under the influence, meth users may experience:
• heightened alertness
• euphoria
• exhilaration
• suppressed appetite
• heart palpitations
• blurred vision
• impaired coordination and judgement
• inability to sleep
• heightened body temperature and blood pressure
• agitation, paranoia and bizarre behavior
• anxiety and emotional swings
Meth Abuse
Unlike pain medications like Oxycontin and Vicodin, or even alcohol, crystal meth has no medicinal uses, and no legitimate means of distribution. All crystal meth use is abuse: users risk of serious bodily harm or death by ingesting a chemical with little or no knowledge of its purity, dosage or other trace contents.
Once considered the gay party drug (because of its sexually stimulating effects), meth has gained in popularity because it is both cheaper and stronger than cocaine. According to a study by the State of Michigan, at least 5% of U.S. high school seniors have used crystal meth in the past year.
Meth Detox
After long-term use of meth, most addicts experience paranoia, anxiety, mood swings and irrational fears when coming off the drug. Emotional upheavals and cravings for the intense “high” feeling may continue for a few days. Once the unnaturally spiked levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are exhausted, feelings of deep depression can take hold. Some former users complain of feeling stupid or dull without meth. These feelings may also be the result of brain chemical imbalances stabilizing during detox.
Meth Addiction Treatment
Treatment for meth addiction is similar to the approach for other mind-altering or hallucinogenic drugs. Even though meth can cause irreparable heart valve damage or stroke, or lead to HIV/AIDS (and other sexually transmitted diseases) as a result of its sexually stimulating properties, chronic users feel intense longing for the euphoria it brings, making it an extremely difficult addiction to treat. Still, successful treatment and long-term sobriety are possible.
