Addiction - CRYSTAL METH

Effects

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug, whether injected, snorted or smoked, that affects the brain and central nervous system. Methamphetamine increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement.

Short-Term Effects

When methamphetamine is injected or smoked it immediately produces an intensely pleasurable sensation known as a "rush" or a "flash" by releasing high levels of dopamine in the brain. Snorting methamphetamine produces an euphoric sensation, but not a rush.

Even taken in small amounts, methamphetamine can cause:

Increased wakefulness.
Increased physical activity.
Decreased appetite.
Increased respiration.
Hyperthermia.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Irregular heartbeat.
Cardiovascular collapse.

Other effects of meth use on the central nervous system can produce the following symptoms:

Irritability.
Prolonged insomnia.
Confusion.
Anxiety.
Tremors.
Convulsions.
Paranoia.
Aggressiveness.

Hyperthermia and convulsions can be fatal. Methamphetamine can also cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term methamphetamine abuse results in many damaging effects, including addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug use which is accompanied by functional and molecular changes in the brain.

In addition to being addicted to methamphetamine, chronic methamphetamine abusers exhibit symptoms that can include violent behaviour, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. They also can display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping on the skin, which is called "formication"). The paranoia can result in homicidal as well as suicidal thoughts.

With chronic use, tolerance for methamphetamine can develop. In an effort to intensify the desired effects, users may take higher doses of the drug, take it more frequently, or change their method of drug intake. In some cases, abusers forego food and sleep while indulging in a form of binging known as a "run," injecting as much as a gram of the drug every 2 to 3 hours over several days until the user runs out of the drug or is too disorganized to continue.

Chronic abuse can lead to psychotic behaviour, characterized by intense paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and out-of-control rages that can be coupled with extremely violent behaviour.

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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

Quotes

"That's what made me think of stopping my drug habits - My Blood pressure spiked at 200/110 last week during a Panic Attack."

Maria

"I don't miss the fact that now when my lips move it is more than likely I am actually telling the truth."

Jane S

"I don't miss the fear that arose when I'm driving my car every time a police car hovers into view."

Steven

"My lowest point was when I realised I was stealing money from my daughters Christmas presents to fund my habit."

P. Gomez

"Anyone being faced with the reality that their addiction needs to be conquered and their life will change is going to be scared."

Fatima

"Find out why you use, find out your triggers, and take it day by day. Any day clean is better than any day you’ve been high."

Ivan

"My goal in life wasn't living...it was getting high. I was falling in a downward spiral towards a point of no return"

John

"I ended up homeless and on the streets, living and sleeping in a cardboard box, begging and struggling to find ways to get my next meal."

Ben

"Little did I know that my mom was upstairs crying every night that I came home late, crying because she was scared for my survival."

Nick

"It’s going to take a fight to get out, but if I beat my addiction to crystal meth, you can beat yours."

Eve

"By the time I was done with my addiction to crystal meth, I had racked up 4 arrests, 9 felonies, a $750,000 bail, a year in jail."

Jeff

"Even my fellow users didn't want to touch me. They said I was gross because I was so skinny."

Kristan

"I couldn’t see how dependent I was, and when it was all too late I couldn’t stop."

Carrie

"It destroys the happiness in your brain so eventually the only way to get that happy feeling again is to get high."

Brittney

"It wasn't me when I was using, I was soulless."

Anonymous

"When I was 23, I was introduced to meth. I got so addicted that I loved meth more than my husband."

Irene

"I have to remind myself how bad the come down can be and that just one is too many and a thousand won't be enough."

Anonymous

"I dont' remember being brought into emergency nor do I remember how long I was out for. What I do remember is when I awoke. I had been sleeping for nearly a month! They told me I had slipped into a drug induced coma, and was nearly lost."

Anonymous

"It was a long process but I eventually kicked the habit entirely by the time I was 17, and I have to say I couldn't be happier about it."

Ares

"Everyday is a battle and I don't want to lose. I don't want to ruin my life."

Sandra

"Regardless of how it is looked at, crystal meth addiction is a serious problem, and needs to be treated right away."

Hayes

"Looking back over the past year, it's hard to work out the exact point at which a bit of fun became an addiction."

Simon

"I couldn't stop talking, and my heart was racing. I was restless and so horny. I stayed up till the next afternoon, taking Viagra to keep the sex going non-stop."

Simon

"Friends, my sister, even my ex, tried to help, but I shut them out, literally slamming the door on them if I bothered to answer it at all."

Simon

"I'd be high for days, having sex with so many guys I just lost count."

Simon

"One morning, I woke up bleeding with excruciating pain in my pelvic area."

Simon

"It was bad, but at least it wasn't as bad as could be. I was lucky to be alive"

Simon

"Whether you have a history of drug addiction or not, has no bearing on whether you get addicted to this drug. It is Russian roulette, pure and simple."

Staley

"I have to remind myself how bad the come down can be and that just one is too many and a thousand won't be enough."

Bree

"The crash that comes along with these methamphetmeine type drugs, and the way it takes over your whole being. It's no longer worth it to me."

Mathew

"I sold my car, lost my job, was kicked out of my mother’s house, was $25,000 in credit card debt, and living on the streets of Camden, New Jersey. I lied, I stole, I cheated."

Alison

More Send us your Quotes

Tips & Hints

Keep triggers and cravings in check
While getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process. Once sober, the brain nee...
While getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process. Once sober, the brain needs time to recover and rebuild connections that have changed while addicted. During this time, drug cravings can be intense. You can support your continued sobriety by making a conscious effort to avoid people, places, and situations that trigger the urge to use.
More
Reach out for support
Don’t try to go it alone. Whatever treatment approach you choose, having a solid support system is essential. The more positive influ...
Don’t try to go it alone. Whatever treatment approach you choose, having a solid support system is essential. The more positive influences you have in your life, the better your chances for recovery. Recovering from drug addiction isn’t easy, but with people you can turn to for encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear, it’s a little easier.
More
Make a life change
The first step to fighting addiction is to make a decision that it is time to make a life change. That life change will reflect your de...
The first step to fighting addiction is to make a decision that it is time to make a life change. That life change will reflect your desire to quit your addiction. Your life change may require one or many changes be made to accomplish your goal.
More
Regain Power
Many addictions are undermined because we believe we are powerless to change the situation. This is not true! You do have the power to ...
Many addictions are undermined because we believe we are powerless to change the situation. This is not true! You do have the power to make change. It may be slow and painful. It may result in times where you fall backwards but you have the power to pick yourself up, wipe yourself off, and go forward again. Use your power to take one minute at a time, one hour at a time, and one day at a time. As you move forward use your power to look one week into the future, one month into the future.
More
Look for help
There are many groups and organizations available to help you overcome your addiction. Once you have set your mind to beating your addi...
There are many groups and organizations available to help you overcome your addiction. Once you have set your mind to beating your addiction you can seek help from one of the groups to help you accomplish your goal. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, or Debtors Anonymous are trained to work with you to successfully beat your addiction. They are a mentor, a crutch, and a friend in a time of need.
More

Find a program that meets your needs

It is important to choose a program that meets your specific personal goals and lifestyle. If your crystal meth addiction is severe, th...

Avoid temptation during detox

If you are engaged in an outpatient detox program for a crystal meth addiction, it is important to steer clear of situations where you ...

Understand the withdrawal symptom

Crystal meth withdrawal symptoms can be scary if they come on unexpectedly. Individuals who know about these potential side effects of ...

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you are concerned about the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, or want to know about the challenges that may lurk around the corn...

Maintain a good mental attitude

A lot of your success during crystal meth detox depends upon your mental state; your attitude and desire play a big role in the end res...

Set small goals that are easier to reach

Be realistic about what you can achieve. Avoid thinking in terms of "forever." Think in terms of days, hours or even minutes. Not using...

Get rid of your drugs and drug paraphernalia

This includes all product, baggies, spoons, needles, bleach, mirrors, and any other stuff you use when you get high. Be sure you get ri...

Throw out phone numbers that trigger thoughts about using

Change your phone number. Get rid of your pager. Make it hard for your dealer and acquaintances to reach you. Make it hard for you to r...

Become aware of your using patterns

Like when, why, where and with whom you use most often. Whenever you can, avoid these situations and find other activities to substitut...

Anticipate withdrawal

Symptoms may include severe mood swings, irregular sleep, depression, anxiety, boredom, irritability and feeling completely hopeless ab...

Watch your eating habits

Limit your intake of caffeine, sugar and white flour products like pastries, cookies and white bread. Sugar comes in many forms: white,...

Alternative Therapy

To take your mind off the cravings for meth, try some alternative therapies. You never know, they might work – and failing that, the ...

Exercise and eat well

Getting some exercise has multiple benefits for your body – increasing metabolism, getting the blood flowing, releasing endorphins. E...

Patience!

You didn’t get into this mess in a day, and you won’t get out of it in that short timeframe either. Kicking crystal meth will invol...

Explore your treatment options

If you find it difficult to quit on your own, you may need additional support to reach your goals. There are many types of treatment pr...

Regret versus Shame

Sadness and regret over time lost due to drug addiction can be healthy, but going overboard with feelings of shame and guilt will get i...

Be Safe About Sex

The use of crystal meth is associated with more frequent sexual activity, sex with more partners and an increased risk of unprotected s...

Crystal and the Heart

The heart helps to push blood around the body because this organ is a muscular pump. Crystal meth speeds up the pumping action of the h...

More Tips & Hints

Effects

Downloads

Web Resources

Quotes

Tips & Hints

Keep triggers and cravings in check

Reach out for support

Make a life change

Regain Power

Look for help

Find a program that meets your needs

Avoid temptation during detox

Understand the withdrawal symptom

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Maintain a good mental attitude

Set small goals that are easier to reach

Get rid of your drugs and drug paraphernalia

Throw out phone numbers that trigger thoughts about using

Become aware of your using patterns

Anticipate withdrawal

Watch your eating habits

Alternative Therapy

Exercise and eat well

Patience!

Explore your treatment options

Regret versus Shame

Be Safe About Sex

Crystal and the Heart

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