Crystal meth is a type of stimulant drug in the amphetamine class. When a person abuses it, dangerous results often occur. If you have been using this drug recreationally, call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find safe, reliable treatment for substance abuse and addiction.
What is Crystal Meth?
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “A Schedule II drug, methamphetamine is an extremely powerful amphetamine.” It is much more potent than other amphetamine drugs, and because of this, it is very rarely prescribed as a treatment to patients with ADHD or other disorders often treated with stimulants.
The term crystal meth comes from the illicit version of methamphetamine that looks like a shiny rock or crystal. Instead of being taken as a pill like its prescription form, crystal meth is smoked through a glass pipe.
Smoking the drug in this way often makes it even more dangerous because the effects reach the brain much more quickly. As stated by the National Library of Medicine, “Meth at first causes a rush of good feelings, but then users feel edgy, overly excited, angry, or afraid.”
Abusing the drug in this form is exceptionally dangerous when compared with other types of amphetamine abuse, and it is important to understand this distinction as well as the effects these drugs all share.
Can Crystal Meth Be Addictive?
Paranoia and confusion are side effects of crystal meth abuse.
The drug is very addictive, especially when abused in this form and smoked because it goes straight to the brain. After abusing the substance several times, a person will often start to show signs of
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Hostility
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Extremely risky behavior
They will start to seek out the drug even to their own detriment. This same pattern of behavior occurs with the abuse of other types of amphetamines (including the drug amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), but it is likely to happen more quickly in most cases with methamphetamine abuse, specifically in the form of crystal meth.
How is Crystal Meth Addiction Treated?
Similar to other types of stimulant rehab programs, crystal meth addiction is treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications to minimize withdrawal and cravings. While there is no official medication approved by the FDA to treat stimulant addiction, behavioral therapy is usually the most relied upon option for treatment.
Many crystal meth abusers are also users of other dangerous substances and might misuse other amphetamines as well. Therefore, it is important for one’s doctor in treatment to be made aware of any other types of drugs the individual abuses so they can receive the appropriate treatment.
Crystal Meth Addiction and Treatment
Like other amphetamines, crystal meth causes addiction and a number of other physical and psychological side effects. However, these are often very severe and can occur extremely quickly because of the nature of the drug and its method of abuse.
Professional treatment in a rehab center is absolutely necessary for someone who has been smoking or otherwise abusing this drug.
Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to find rehab programs where you can recover from substance abuse and addiction and start your life over. We will help you find the best facility for your needs as well as answer any questions you may have about treatment. Call now.
