Crystal Meth Abuse

Information on Crystal Methamphetamine Abuse

If you are currently suffering from crystal meth amphetamine or "crystal meth" abuse, then you need help now. Call 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869), and get help now for crystal meth abuse.

Crystal methamphetamine abuse is very dangerous because of the drug's stimulant properties. It directly effects the brain and spinal cord and interferes with healthy neurotransmitters. Crystal methamphetamine is often called "crystal meth," and it is a synthetic drug which is extremely addictive. Crystal meth abuse can begin shortly after the first use of the drug because of its ability to produce positive feelings and energy. Once the drug begins to wear off, the individual suffering from crystal methamphetamine abuse often feels depressed, anxious, paranoid, and/or irritable.

Other names for crystal methamphetamine include crystal meth, crank, glass, speed, ice, meth, and zip. Those who use crystal meth may snort, inject, or smoke the drug.

The Dangers of Crystal Methamphetamine Abuse

Individuals who suffer from crystal meth abuse may experience adverse physical and mental effects from the drug that can create both short and long-term problems. Some of the dangers facing people who suffer from crystal methamphetamine abuse include:

• Accelerated heart beat
• Aggression
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Decrease in appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Dizziness
• Elevated blood pressure
• Grinding of teeth
• Heart attack
• Hypertension
• Hypothermia
• Incessant conversation
• Increase in alertness and physical activity
• Insomnia
• Irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain
• Irritability
• Jerky movements
• Loss of coordination
• Numbness
• Paranoia
• Respiratory distress
• Slurred speech
• Stroke
• Sweats

Some of the side effects of crystal methamphetamine abuse listed above could result in death.

The Consequences of Crystal Methamphetamine Abuse

Crystal meth abuse turns into an extremely difficult drug addiction for someone to overcome. If you abruptly discontinue your use of crystal methamphetamine, you will experience symptoms associated with withdrawal. These symptoms are extremely uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms managed in an inpatient crystal methamphetamine abuse detox program are:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Loss of energy
• Insomnia
• Sweats
• Hyperventilation
• Convulsions
• Irregular heart beat
• Intense drug cravings
• Nausea

Treatment for Crystal Methamphetamine Abuse

Although crystal meth is not physically addicting, it creates an incredible psychological addiction which results in intense cravings and great depression during withdrawal. An inpatient detox program is designed to manage the cravings and the mood swings that occur during detox from crystal meth abuse.

The detox program for crystal meth abuse should be a medical detox program complete with 24-hour nursing, a 24-hour addiction treatment staff and a physician trained in addiction medicine. Crystal meth detox generally takes between three to five days, not including any medical issues that may require treatment as a result of the crystal methamphetamine abuse.

There is no one perfect inpatient detox program for a person suffering from a crystal methamphetamine abuse problem. When looking for an inpatient detox program, remember that the goals of an inpatient detox program are to provide medical stabilization and to conduct a comprehensive evaluation regarding your need for ongoing addiction treatment or drug rehab. Research shows us that people who complete an inpatient detox program, but who fail to go on to an addiction treatment program or drug rehab, generally end up in relapse. This is not a reflection on the inpatient detox program, but more a testament to the difficulty in recovering from crystal meth abuse.

If you're suffering from crystal methamphetamine abuse, call our toll free helpline at 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869). Our addiction treatment professionals are available to help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Call now.