Although it is always risky to experiment with any sort of illegal drug, some substances are definitely more dangerous than others - especially in terms of their addictive properties. The majority of people are well aware of drugs like cocaine and heroin, but nowadays, there is another substance that has been wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals all around the globe.
Crystal meth is the common name for crystal methamphetamine, a strong and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. There is no legal use for it. It comes in clear crystal chunks or shiny blue-white rocks. Also called “ice” or “glass,” it's a popular party drug. [1]
Crystal methamphetamine, otherwise known as crystal meth, is a drug that many people across the world use. It can be smoked, snorted, or injected and gives the user an intense feeling of happiness and euphoria. However, it is highly addictive and those who develop a physical dependence on it may find it incredibly difficult to quit and in such cases support from a rehab centre in India, helps.
What is crystal meth addiction and how does it affect the individual? Crystal meth is a powerful drug that makes users feel confident and happy. It is similar to cocaine in that respect. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular party drugs, taken by those who want to feel good and have the energy to party for hours.
However, what makes crystal meth so addictive is that it also has dangerous side effects. These include psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, and depression. When people become addicted to crystal meth, they may experience these side effects more often and more intensely. This can lead to a spiral of addiction, as people take the drug to try to escape the negative feelings it causes.
However, the initial high experienced from this drug is only temporary and, like other illegal substances, users will feel an intense urge to take it again once the effects have worn off. This can quickly lead to addiction.
While an individual won’t necessarily become addicted to crystal meth after a single use, they may feel the drug’s potently rewarding effects—feeling more awake and energized, less hungry, and with a briskly paced heartbeat and breathing. [2]
Crystal meth is an incredibly powerful and addictive drug. The more an individual takes, the more likely they are to build up a tolerance to it. This means that users will be tempted to take more of the drug in an effort to recreate that first-time buzz. The effects of crystal meth are so powerful and intense that many users have reported being hooked after just one use thus requiring professional help at best rehab centres in India.
What Is Tweaking? [3]
When the crystal meth no longer yields a high, the user enters a stage sometimes referred to as “tweaking.” During this time, they may feel intense cravings and despair. It is at this point where psychotic symptoms present—with users sometimes struggling with delusions and other altered perceptions of reality. Experiencing this unsettling development signals a point in time where many will seek and enter treatment programs. With the presenting symptoms, they may begin sobriety in an inpatient mental health facility before being transferred to detoxification or rehabilitation services.After long-term insomnia and loss of appetite that active users experience ends, most people tend to do little more than sleep during the days after “tweaking.” After this crash, comes a period where the person dependent on crystal meth will be hungry, thirsty, and fatigued due to the effects of the substance. This period can last up to 2 weeks and is sometimes accompanied by the onset of clinically significant depression. [3]
Immediate Effects of Crystal Meth
Some people try drugs like crystal meth once, telling themselves that they just want to see what all the fuss is about. Many will convince themselves that they won't like it and that they'll never try it again. While this may be the case for some, those who enjoy the immediate effects of the drug might be tempted to try it once more. And this is when a cycle of addiction can quickly take hold for which treatment at drug rehabs in India might be required.
Crystal meth first produces an intense rush of happiness or pleasure when smoked or injected, however these effects are lessened when the drug is snorted. Some say that the first time users try crystal meth is the most intense, but those who continue to use it often unsuccessfully try to recreate that feeling. With each additional use, the effects of the drug diminish.
Crystal meth addiction occurs much more rapidly than any other drug, and it's important to remember that addiction is not the same thing as simply liking something. An addiction to crystal meth begins to take over the user's life, and starts to have negative consequences for them and their family members. Those who continue to take crystal meth despite these negative consequences already have a major problem for which they then need to approach the best de-addiction centre in India.
Who Is Affected by Crystal Meth Addiction?
While not everyone who tries crystal meth will become addicted to it, the drug is highly addictive and those who continue to use it are at a high risk for developing an addiction. The rate of addiction for crystal meth users depends on several factors, including how the drug is used.
People who smoke or inject will experience an immediate and intense high that can lead to overindulging, which in turn raises the risk for developing an addiction quickly. Addictive tendencies also increase for those who snort as they look to recreate the initial euphoric feeling experienced when first using the drug.
Other than genes, there are several other factors that play a role in addiction, including environment, quality of life, friendships, and relationships. Those with a family history of addiction are more likely to be affected than those who don't have such a history. Additionally, those who try drugs at a young age are more likely to be affected by addiction in later life than those who don't try drugs early on.
Although it's important to keep in mind that not everyone who is at a high risk of developing an addiction will go on to actually have the illness, studies have shown that having the aforementioned risk factors does make it more likely for a person to be affected. However, this does not mean that it is a guarantee. There are some individuals who have none of the risk factors and will still be affected by addiction, and there are also some people who have every single risk factor but will never suffer from addiction.
The Danger of a Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth is an addictive and deadly drug. It has the potential to destroy lives, causing short- and long-term consequences for users. Additionally, as crystal meth is difficult to treat, many addicts will die from using the drug and thus require assistance and professional treatment from the best rehab centres in India. The immediate effects of crystal meth are intense and powerful, resulting in a crashing comedown when they wear off.
One of the long-term effects of crystal meth use is decreased appetite, weight loss, and malnutrition. The drug also affects sleep patterns, causing insomnia due to the feeling of alertness it induces. It's not uncommon for crystal meth addicts to experience confusion, agitation, and aggressiveness in addition to the aforementioned insomnia.
Some long-term negative side effects of this addiction include damage to blood vessels in the brain, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, cardiovascular disease, liver damage, lung damage, and premature death.
Overcoming a Crystal Meth Addiction
A crystal meth addiction is notoriously difficult to overcome due to the powerful effects of the drug. Users can quickly become hooked and will almost certainly need professional help to get better from preferably the top luxury rehabs in India. If you or someone you love is struggling with this type of addiction, it's important to act fast and get professional help from top rehabilitation centers in India.
If you're struggling with crystal meth addiction, know that you're not alone. With the right help and support from the top 10 rehabilitation centers in India, it is entirely possible to turn your back on crystal meth for good. Doing nothing now will mean your situation will quickly deteriorate and you may be at risk of irreversible damage. We urge you to get in touch with us right now so that we can help you find the right treatment program for you and your needs from the list of rehabilitation centers in India.
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AUTHOR- Dr. Danish Hussain (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, MIPS)
Dr. Danish received his M.D. Psychiatry and M.B.B.S. degrees from Rajiv Gandhi University of Medical Sciences (Bangalore, Karnataka). He has worked at the Manipal Multispecialty Hospitals Bangalore, following which has continued to undergo regular training from prestigious institutes from all over the world. Dr. Danish serves as Assistant Professor and Head of Department of Psychiatry at AFSMS & RC and is a member of Indian Psychiatric Society. Dr. Danish uses a holistic approach with his patients and brings his expertise at practice to treat varied behavioral health problems from Addiction disorders to Depression, Anxiety, Personality disorders and OCD. Dr. Danish’s goal is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
REVIEWED BY- Gauri Kapoor (Addiction Recovery Counselor)
Gauri Kapoor embarked on her journey into sobriety 7 years ago, which led her to her current career path as a Certified Professional Addiction Recovery Coach in Delhi, India. She works closely with facilities that provide residential addiction treatment such as 12-Step programs and other nonprofits to help individuals deal with their addiction.