What is Methamphetamine/Crystal Meth?
Methamphetamine is a stimulant that affects a person's nervous system. Crystal meth is a drug that treats patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorder. It was developed from Amphetamine as a part of a treatment for nasal diseases and bronchial inhalers. It was discovered early in the 20th century.
It is a white crystal-like, an odorless drug which can easily dissolve when combined with water. The United States Drug Enforcement has classified Methamphetamine as a Schedule II stimulant and is now legally available in any non-refillable prescription.
How does it work?
Methamphetamine, if used illegally, can be smoked, injected, and ingested in the body. A person can experience false happiness and a rushed feeling for a few minutes after smoking or injecting it. The effects in the body will last for 6 to 24 hours.
Sometimes, a person will not get the effects of Methamphetamine if they use the substance for a long time. This results in them needing higher doses. And if a person stops using meth, they can experience symptoms of withdrawal like severe tiredness, insomnia, and mood swings.
The list below is some of the short and long term effects of using Methamphetamine.
Short Term Effects
- Loss of Appetite
- Faster Breathing and Irregular heartbeat
- Increase of blood pressure and body temperature
- Methamphetamine/Crystal Meth Tolerance
Long Term Effects
Long term usage of methamphetamine experience severe consequences that include:
- Weight loss
- A dental problem called meth mouth
- Skin sores due to itching
- Problem in sleeping
- Memory loss
- Changes in how a person thinks and behaves
What is Methamphetamine/ Crystal Meth abuse?
The normal dosage of Methamphetamine is 60mg a day. Effects can be seen even if it is prescribed by a doctor. There is no such known limit for people who illegally take the drug. A person experiences the difficulty of breathing and many other harmful symptoms when taken habitually.
Habitual use of this substance will always lead to addiction. This is because of the effects of it has on a person; a user experiences a rush of good feeling, resulting in temporary euphoria they normally could not experience. However, due to the toxic nature of this substance, a person could easily overdose, which could lead to death.
Is Methamphetamine/ Crystal Meth Dangerous?
Yes, Methamphetamine/Crystal Meth is dangerous. Having a prescription can lessen the effects, but can still cause some negative effects on a person’s health if used outside of it’s intended use. However, his drug is hardly ever used for medical use, it has become a popular street drug abused by addicts. because this substance is so potent, it is extremely dangerous and strongly advised against for recreational use.
A person can experience fatigue and intense drug cravings when exposing to the drug. Also, it can cause HIV and hepatitis when a person recklessly uses injection to consume the drug.
People who abuse the drug can experience these behavioral and physical signs listed below:
- Hyperactivity: A person tends to behave poorly when under the influence of methamphetamine. It is tough to manage a hyperactive person. A hyperactive person may become anxious or depressed because of how people around them react.
- Jerky Movements: A person suffering from jerky movements often experience fast unintentional actions that can affect their way of living in society. Everything is interrupted when it occurs. Twitching can make the person seem unhinged and unapproachable to most people.
- Weight Loss: A person experiences abrupt weight loss when under the habitual abuse of meth. Sudden weight loss is common to anyone who is an addict, and this is because of the chemicals that are present in the substance used by a person affect their appetite.
- Skin sores: Skin sores are present and visible to people who use it because of chronic itching. When an addict is under the influence, they develop this habitual scratching they cause them to pick at open wounds, or even open up new ones. This can quickly lead to a wide array of different skin infections.
- Weaker Immune System: Due to the lack of nutrition meth addicts usually exhibits, weaker immune systems are very common for these people. Weight loss, lack of hygiene, and general care for anything outside of their substance of choice cause these individuals to develop weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to viral infections and disease.
Should I stop taking it?
Long-term usage of Methamphetamine is not advisable, even with a doctor's prescription. A patient should always ask his or her doctor if they experience a sensation that is new to their body. If a person is using this drug habitually from drug dealers, it is highly advisable to stop use. Street produced meth is very dangerous and can lead to long-term addiction.
If you start to notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, whether, from withdrawal or regular use, it’s time to stop using the substance. Any habitual use of a substance can lead to lethal consequences.
Who abuses Methamphetamine?
Anybody can be a victim. Oftentimes, we see homeless individuals or people who are less fortunate abusing this drug. This substance is often tied to impoverished demographics since it is relatively cheap and highly potent.
Quitting is Possible
There are ways to fight against meth addiction. Since this drug is extremely potent, one of the best ways to fight for recovery is through medical detox. Withdrawal from this substance can last up to a week and symptoms at their peak last for 3 days. Medical detox can allow a person to be in a substance-free environment in order to avoid any sort of temptation to use in an effort to calm withdrawal symptoms. After medical detox, a person can go through a rehabilitation process at a recovery center. Here, they can develop coping mechanisms to avoid any long-term temptations to use. Therapy is also a beneficial aspect of recovery that can help individuals achieve long-term sobriety. There are recovery centers out there that are equipped to help any addict recover from their addictions. Reach out to them today to see what can be done for your recovery.