Crystal Meth is another name for Crystal Methamphetamine, a potent and highly addictive stimulant drug. It has no legal use, and it is a Schedule II substance and illegal to possess. It comes as a powder and clear crystal chunks or shiny white rocks. This drug is commonly referred to as meth, crystal, ice, glass, crank, or speed. Crystal Meth is usually smoked with a small glass pipe, but it can also be swallowed, snorted, or injected. Immediately following its use, it produces a rush of euphoria. However, using Crystal Meth will harm your body and lead to severe mental problems. Addiction to Crystal Meth is often long-term and usually involves other drugs and alcohol.
Why Do People Get Addicted To Meth?
Taking methamphetamine makes a person feel good because it releases large amounts of dopamine. Methamphetamine also stimulates the release of norepinephrine from the central nervous system, which is why users of the drug are hyper and alert. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that causes dramatic weight loss and violent behavior. Meth addicts are also likely to develop mental illnesses. When using Crystal Meth, they will experience hallucinations and lose their sense of reality. Many addicts struggle with their thoughts and beliefs for years after quitting meth. Overcoming an addiction to meth is physically quicker than mentally and emotionally.
How Is Crystal Meth Made?
Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) is created from a common cold medicine ingredient, pseudoephedrine. Today, the federal government closely regulates this ingredient since it makes meth. Mexican drug cartels also produce massive illegal batches of Crystal Meth in underground labs. Making meth is hazardous as it involves flammable chemicals that often explode or cause fires. Meth labs do not require a lot of space, which means people can cook meth in their apartment or other small enclosures. Many meth labs appear in remote land spaces such as deserts or forests. People and innocent bystanders often get injured when the meth process fails and ignites.
Abandoned meth labs are basically time bombs, waiting for the single spark that can ignite the contents of the lab. (USForestService)
Who Discovered Meth Abuse?
The origin of Crystal Meth or methamphetamine dates back to the mid-1800s, and it wasn’t until WWII, it was found useful. German soldiers were provided meth to keep them awake during the war. Later the use of methamphetamine grew into a product known as Benzedrine in the United States. Methamphetamine only grew popular among drug-seeking cultures in the ’60s, and in the 70s, the US government made it illegal for most uses. The ’80s and ’90s were when the drug trend surrounding meth started, and the addiction rate to Crystal Meth increased.
Among people aged 12 or older in 2020, 0.9 percent (or 2.5 million people) used methamphetamine in the past year. (SAMHSA)
Can Someone Quit This Drug Alone?
An individual who suffers from a chronic, serious addiction to Crystal Meth will need treatment in an inpatient program. It is essential for anyone who has been using meth to have in-depth therapy and counseling. The mental withdrawals are severe, and most Crystal Meth addicts will have developed a mental health disorder. It is never recommended to try and quit Crystal Meth without professional treatment; people who try to stop the drug alone have difficulty recovering from it. Crystal Meth damages the person’s reward center in the brain. Years of abstinence will reset the reward center, but evidence-based therapy methods must be available to help sustain recovery.
What Treatments Work For Crystal Meth Addiction?
Treatment for Meth addiction involves detoxification, one-on-one counseling, and evidence-based therapy. In detox, users will require emotional support and attention. Meth detox allows the person to sleep, eat, and take medications for mental health disturbances. In addition to treating the psychological damage caused by Crystal Meth, cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling will help the person maintain long-term sobriety. We provide comprehensive Crystal Meth treatment that begins in detox.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar Provides Same Day Admission to Crystal Meth Inpatient Treatment
Taking methamphetamine causes intense crashes and depression, often lasting months after quitting. Inpatient treatment and an aftercare program are essential to ending Crystal Meth addiction for good. Evoke Wellness at Miramar has decades of experience helping chronic and newer meth addicts get free of their addiction with the help of evidence-based treatments, long-term counseling, and ongoing support from us. Call now to be admitted directly.