Crystal Meth Effects and the Dangers of Long Term Use & Addiction

Crystal Meth Effects – One of the most challenging addictions

Understand the mind-altering effects of crystal meth that users experience on a short term and long term basis. Find out the effect of detox & scope of treatment. Crystal Meth is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world causing death. As we discover the short term and long term side effects of crystal meth abuse, we learn how important treatment is.

Crystal meth effects can cause chemical changes in the mind and the body and often require drug rehab to overcome addiction. 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 crystal meth manufacturing).

Like most drugs, crystal meth effects cause changes to 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 the following:

Crystal Meth Effects:

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

Crystal 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 is increased by ingesting the chemicals with little or no knowledge of the drug’s 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.

Crystal 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 effects of crystal meth may also be the result of brain chemical imbalances stabilizing during drug detox.

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment for meth is similar to the approach for other mind-altering or hallucinogenic drugs. Even though crystal meth effects can include 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 sober living are possible.

Crystal Meth Effects – Short Term & Long Term Effects of Meth – The Deadly Crystal Meth Effects and The Truth about Crystal Meth That You Need to Know – Thanks for Reading

About the author:

Greg Doss, CATCI

Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment, including a 90-day inpatient drug and alcohol rehab program which has a significant history of long-term success.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.