Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine or more commonly known as crystal meth is a widely used stimulant.
Common street names include; ice, crystal, glass, tweak and Tina. Although it is primarily used on the west coast, it is rapidly increasing in use across the nation. Methamphetamine has dramatically increased in popularity over the past decade due to its potency and attractive price. When in comparison to ¼ g. cocaine, which holds an approximate street value of $90, the same amount of methamphetamine is street valued at approximately $25. In addition, methamphetamines are fast acting and have euphoric effects lasting up to 8 hours.
Methamphetamine is also very cheap to produce as ingredients include many ordinary household cleaning supplies as well as Pseudoephedrine, an ingredient used in cold medicines. Crystal meth can be smoked, snorted, taken orally or injected intravenously. Common signs and symptoms of persons using crystal meth include: excessive talking, increased heart rate, increased sweating, weight loss, appetite suppression, feelings of bugs crawling on or under the skin, open sores on their hands and face, and insomnia. Changes in behavior include: aggression, angry outburst, paranoia, isolation, hostility and increased promiscuity.
This drug has a particularly addicting quality as tolerance starts to build up the moment one starts using it. Often users quit because either because they run out of money or pass out from fatigue. In addition, crystal meth can cause both long-term physical and psychological problems. Long-term physical problems include: depression, gum damage and dental problems, erectile dysfunction, heart attack, stroke, liver, kidney and lung damage. Long-term psychological effects include: insomnia, delusions, psychosis, paranoia and depression. Depressive symptoms can last up to two years once a person has discontinued their use of crystal meth. Individuals need both medical and psychological treatment in order to overcome this dangerous addiction.
|
