Crystal Meth Addiction FAQ
Why is Crystal Meth Addictive?
Like all drugs of addiction, crystal meth is addictive because it provides a “high” or euphoric effect with the first use that creates a reason to use it again, and with repeated use, your body becomes physically dependent upon the drug, requiring more and more to achieve that initial high and changing the body chemistry based upon the assumed continued influx of the drug. The unpleasant feelings that follow after you “come down” or “crash” can only be relieved with more crystal meth or crystal meth rehab. Too often, people simply perpetuate the addiction and opt for more crystal meth.
What are the Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction?
There are psychological, behavioral and physical effects of crystal meth addiction. Psychological effects include euphoria followed by depression after the crash, a perpetual awake state that usually creates a crash equal in length. Behavioral effects begin immediately after ingestion with a chatty, happy state and a false sense of confidence which soon fades into agitated state that can mean moody or aggressive behavior and paranoia. Physiologically, a crystal meth users may get cracked lips, sores and “speed bumps” from the toxin buildup in the system, rapid eye movements, twitching and “meth mouth” or rotted teeth and more.
What are the Risks of Crystal Meth Addiction?
The risks of crystal meth are the long-term effects of the drug. Unfortunately, crystal meth is unique in that just six months of regular use can lead to significant physical and mental deterioration. Family members are often shocked at how quickly the drug can take hold and alter their loved ones, turning them into someone barely recognizable. For example, schizophrenia due to drug use and psychosis, loss of coordination and vision, brain damage and organ failure as well as heart disease, brain toxicity, seizures and convulsions, heart failure and even death come after long-term use.
How Can I Tell If Someone Else is Addicted to Crystal Meth?
If someone you love is addicted to crystal meth, the trick is catching it before it’s gone too far. Some things you’ll notice is that your loved one doesn’t sleep for days at a time, tends to focus on one thing for hours on end, loses a dramatic amount of weight in a short period. Her skin and hair may begin to look bad after a few weeks. You’ll notice extreme mood changes, including irritability, panic and paranoia.
Look for paraphernalia include small one inch square glassine bags with white residue and needles for injection, small tubes or straw pieces for snorting, or pipes, light bulb pieces or foil for smoking the drug.
Crystal Meth Rehab at Orchid Recovery Center
At Orchid Recovery Center, we provide women with a crystal meth rehab that speaks to the emotional difficulties and pressures that often lead to crystal meth addiction and are unique to women. Our Master’s level staff are all women and can help you identify how and why you began to use the drug, why you continued with the addiction and what you can do to stop the cycle starting with your first day with us. Contact us at Orchid Recovery Center for more information about our crystal meth rehab today.
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