Meth Help

Crystal Meth is one of the most popular growing illegal substances throughout the United States. However, many users and potential users do not understand the dangers of Crystal Meth before they begin using it. After that it is too late and recovery from the drug is a difficult path to follow.

Because of the harmful list of ingredients found in Crystal Meth, it is easy to see why the drug can be so harmful to a person's body both inside and outside. Researchers are unclear why Crystal Meth is such a powerfully addictive drug and what the appeal of using it in the first place is. However, many users have reported feeling and experiencing a rush of pleasure and a prolonged sense of euphoria. These feelings are what draw users into the pit of Crystal Meth use. However, in order to continue achieving these same levels of pleasure, increased amounts of the drug must be smoked or consumed. This is what leads to the feelings of addiction and withdrawal if the user does not ingest the meth on a regular basis. Over time, Crystal Meth takes its toll on both the mind and the boy. The effects include damage to not only the brain and a person's mental capabilities, but it also causes degenerative effects on the person's physical appearance including the teeth, face, weight, hair and other features. Sores begin forming on surface of the skin on the person's arms, legs and face. The teeth begin to rot and lips also develop severe sores. The use of Crystal Meth inhibits a person's ability to feel pleasure, which is why it requires more usage in order to feel the high. The meth use destroys dopamine receptors, which is what makes it impossible to feel any sort of physical and mental pleasures. These pleasure centers can in fact be repaired over time, continued use of Crystal Meth will not allow this to happen. Recovery from Crystal Meth addiction is one of the most difficult recovery paths to take when trying to get away from a drug addiction. 

How it is used:

Traditionally Crystal Meth is smoked by the user. However, in some cases it is instead snorted or injected. 

Other side effects of Crystal Meth use:

• Chronic abuse of Crystal Meth can cause severe psychological issues including psychotic behavior
• Paranoid behavior
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Extreme aggression and anger management issues
• Delusional behavior 
• Hallucinations 
• Loss of sexual libido
• Erratic behavior
• Suppressed appetite
• Tremors and convulsions
• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heart rate
• Homicidal or suicidal thoughts
• Birth defects in pregnant women
• Brain damage similar to the effects of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease
• Stroke or coma
• Death

The visible signs of meth abuse causes more than just psychological effects. Some of the physical side effects of meth use are often the largest indicators that someone is a meth addict. These sores can produce all over the body because Crystal Meth abuse can cause the destruction of tissues an blood vessels, which inhibits the body's ability to repair itself. Acne and topical sores take longer to heal. The skin loses it luster and elasticity, which makes the user appear years and even decades older than they really are. Poor diet, tooth grinding and other poor dental hygiene results from continued meth use result in decay and loss. 

Crystal Meth Treatment and Recovery:

Crystal Meth use is one of the most difficult addictions to recover from, which is why prevention efforts against this type of drug use is incredibly important. Many meth users are becoming younger and younger teens, which means parents and the educational system need to ensure teens and students understand the complete dangers of using meth. It is difficult for Crystal Meth to simply be a one-time use drug. Many might be interested in the high that is achieved through meth, yet they do not understand that they will not only be able to try meth just once. Once they try it just one time the likelihood that they will become addicted is incredibly likely. It is also a good idea for youth and adults to know and understand the kinds of harmful chemicals that are used to create meth including ammonia, propane, household cleaners, drain-o and other household cleaners. Treatment typically requires the user to be treated in a hospital or drug treatment facility, Otherwise it is too difficult to keep the user away from using the drug until they have made it through the withdrawal period, which can be incredibly painful and even life threatening. This is why it is important to have a health care professional on hand during the withdrawal process to make sure the patient doesn't enter a life threatening situation. Counseling and support groups are also essential aspects to the recovery process for Crystal Meth users.

Sources: drugfree.org, pbs.org