Crystal Meth Addiction: What You Need to Know
Crystal meth is a highly addictive, very powerful, and extremely toxic chemical compound. It is also one of the most often used drugs in the United States. Millions of people are addicted to crystal meth and the effects of that addiction are devastating to their health, their relationships, and their careers.
At Orchid Recovery Center, we provide treatment and resources to women who are suffering from crystal meth addiction and other co-occurring disorders. Because we provide support only to women, we are uniquely qualified to address the challenges that women addicts face in today’s world.
Crystal Meth Abuse and Addiction: A Few Facts
Crystal meth does not follow the normal pattern of addiction common among other drugs. For example, many people report that the first time they used the drug, they just felt good, not high. Addiction, then, sets in at a mental level at first, with people taking the drug repeatedly so they can experience the same good feelings again and again. Over time, their brain and body become altered by the drug, and once they realize that this has happened, they are addicted physically as well. Because the drug helps people feel good about themselves and what they do, those who suffer from depression are at an even higher risk of developing an addiction. An estimated 42 percent of people who took the drug the first time said that they had an intense desire to take it again, and after the second try, 84 percent of users said that they began taking it regularly.
Types of Crystal Meth
Crystal meth can go by different names and is classified according to different types or by grades of purity. The first, a D-type meth, can be called crystal, ice or sister, and is a glass-like crystalline substance. It is typically smoked, usually in a bong or glass tube, under which is placed a heat source, such as a lighter, stovetop or torch. When the glassy crystals are heated, they melt and the resulting liquid is vaporized and inhaled by the user. Because the inhalation process acts so quickly, users can experience a high within seconds, and it can last several hours.
The second type of meth is an L-type, known commonly as speed or crank. It can vary in color from clear to yellow to pink and is distributed in powder form. It is most commonly inhaled through the nose, but can also be injected or taken orally. It acts within about a half a minute if it is inhaled or injected, and the effects can last for hours.
Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction
There are many effects of crystal meth use, abuse and addiction. Some of the pleasurable effects include euphoria, feelings of pleasure or calm and intense bursts of energy. Some of the negative effects include extreme crashes, sleeping for days, sores, itching, muscle cramping and spasming, dilated pupils and the possibility of a stroke or heart attack.
Crystal Meth Rehab at Orchid Recovery Center
At Orchid Recovery Center, we provide care, treatment and support for women who are suffering from crystal meth addiction. If you or someone you love has a problem with crystal meth abuse or addiction, contact us at Orchid Recovery Center today for more information about how we can help.
Further Reading