Crystal meth is a common name for the illegal street drug crystal methamphetamine. It is a very strong and very addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. According to the NCBI:
An estimated 12.3 million Americans, or 5% of the adult population, have used methamphetamine at least once, claims a US expert on substance misuse. He also says an estimated 600 000 people are weekly users of the drug.
A meth user will become addicted in a short period of time and begin chasing their first high. This addictive drug increases levels of dopamine in the brain, causing a very euphoric and awake feeling.
Crystal meth is generally created in illegal labs and made with ingredients that are highly toxic, explosive, and lead to a wide variety of complications and risks. These toxic ingredients include:
- Battery acid
- Brake fluid
- Lighter fluid
- Engine cleaner
- Iodine
- Paint thinner
- Rubbing alcohol
Looking at the ingredients list for making meth, its easy to see that this drug is very dangerous to the body. When a user ingests meth, they are slowly but surely poisoning themselves. Getting help with meth addiction as soon as possible is crucial.
Health Risks of Crystal Meth
When crystal meth is used, it tends to give users a false sense of well being and energy, so a person will tend to push the limits of their body pushing it further and further. After this extreme heightened amount of energy, a user will experience a crash. This causes a physical and mental breakdown after the drugs wear off. There are many short terms and long term health risks involved with smoking crystal meth.
The short term risks include:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Heightened body temperature
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Bizarre, erratic, and even violent behavior
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Panic and anxiety
- Drug-induced psychosis
- Convulsions and seizures
- Death from overdose
The long term health risks include:
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
- High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
- Liver, lung, and kidney damage
- Breathing problems
- Infectious diseases
- Severe weight loss
- Severe tooth decay
- Disorientation/exhaustion
- Long term psychosis
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Loss of cognitive function
Stop Using Crystal Meth
The best and safest option to getting off Methamphetamines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling in Boynton Beach, Florida. We offer partial care and outpatient treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual in order to help them reintegrate into society in a safe way. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.
Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face and the health risks are not worth a short high. Getting sober can be hard, but the rewards you will get in life are worth it. For your sake, you do not have to face getting off crystal meth on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it!