The Short And Long Term Effects Of Crystal Meth Use

Crystal meth is a highly addictive illegal street drug that stimulates the central nervous system. Crank is the street name for crystallized methamphetamine of low purity. Other street names for crystal meth include ice, glass, chalk, shards, speed and crystal. A high from crystal meth use can last between two and twenty four hours and is often followed by a crash period.

Crystal meth can ingested orally, intravenously injected, snorted or smoked. Despite popular believe, all administration methods are equally dangerous. Meth damages nerve endings reducing the effectiveness of pain relieving neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Many believe that methamphetamine withdrawal is up there with the most painful experiences any human being can experience.

Crystal meth is a synthesized drug and is most commonly manufactured in makeshift laboratories. Synthesizing the drug requires only a few pieces of equipment, which are normally very easy to acquire. However, manufacturing crystal meth in a makeshift laboratory is very dangerous and explosions and major injuries are commonplace.

It is possible to get a medical prescription for methamphetamine if you suffer from certain conditions. The drug is commonly prescribed to those suffering from ADHD. Some doctors prescribe methamphetamines for narcolepsy, severe clinical depression and obesity, but they do so very rarely due to the highly addictive properties of the drugs.

The short-term effects of crystal meth use can include acne, paranoia, sweating, headaches, bad breath, depression, anxiety, vomiting, dry mouth, nausea, heavy breathing and high blood pressure. Long-term use of crystal meth can cause liver damage, kidney damage, severe tooth decay, psychotic behavior, permanent brain damage, suicidal thought and death.

A methamphetamine addiction is very difficult to overcome with professional help. Fortunately, there are now hundreds of very effective drug rehabilitation programs available up and down the country. The 12 step addiction recovery model has worked wonders for many former crystal meth addicts by teaching them to take their sobriety one day at a time. Not only is crystal meth highly addictive, but it comes with a certain lifestyle as well. The 12 step method can effectively treat both the addiction and empower a former addict to stay sober and reject the former lifestyle and circles that created the addiction.

Looking for a 12 step addiction treatment program? Mountain Village offers 12 step programs for methamphetamine addicts in California. Learn more about Mountain Village's treatment services that are available: