Ice, glass, speed, hot ice, quartz, blade,cristy, batu crank,chalk… heard of these names? they are all street names for Methamphetamine/ crystal meth .
Methamphetamine is an old drug which has come back with a bang with easier methods of manufacture.
History of Crystal Meth
It was first manufactured in Germany in 1888. During the second world war, it was discovered that the crystalline form was water-soluble to make it injectable. it was given to soldiers on both sides of the war to stay awake ad focused. Large quantities were given by the Japanese to their Kamikaze soldiers before their suicide bombing missions. In the 1950s it was used to treat depression and as an aid to dieting as it kills the appetite; students began using it to focus on studies and by the 1960s easy availability of the injectable form then made the abuse more rampant and has reached alarming proportions globally. in 1970 the US declared it an illegal substance. in the 1990s the Mexican mafia established huge meth labs in California then spread to Europe and across the world.
In India crystal meth has entered the drug scene for 2 years and addictions to it have increased by leaps and bounds. In Asia, it is now produced mainly in Thailand, China, and Myanmar.
Crystal methamphetamine is methamphetamine in a crystalline form. It is consumed orally, or as an injectable drug or chased.
It is highly addictive in nature probably from the very first use and has become a cheap substitute to cocaine.
Long term use and addictive use results in several changes physically and psychologically.
Physical Effects of Crystal Meth
Acute effects
It gives a rush a strong sense of happiness euphoria confidence hyperactivity and energy. The effects last for 6-8 hours Upto 24hours
The physical effects of methamphetamine can include loss of appetite, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, excessive sweating, restlessness, dry mouth and teeth grinding (leading to “meth mouth”), headache, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, high body temperature, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, twitching, numbness, tremors, dry skin, acne, and pale appearance.
Chronic physical effects
Premature aging, wrinkles, skin ulcers, tooth and gum decay, alopecia areata, rapid weight loss, insomnia, brain damage, stroke, heart ailments, chronic fatigue, muscle wasting, it is toxic to the nerves, sensations as if something is biting from within, crawling under the skin resulting in the picking of skin, etc.
Psychological Effects of Crystal Meth
Acute – paranoia, aggression, suicidal thoughts and ideations, hallucinations, increased libido resulting in risky sexual behaviors resulting in sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, obsessive behaviors, restlessness, methamphetamine psychosis, etc.
Crystal Meth Rehab
We at Anatta have had consecutive crystal meth users coming into treatment in the past several months from the younger age group of early 20s . For us, that is a very somber indication that addiction to this drug is on the rise and also in combination with alcohol at times with other drugs. Some users drink alcohol to cut the high meth but due to the euphoria of meth the alcohol consumed is much more in quantity and the polydrug addiction makes things worse.
Internationally it is known as a very difficult addiction to treat.
The treatment of meth addicts takes longer, the detoxification period is longer due to the severe physical and psychological withdrawals. Following that the emotional swings the person undergo take longer to settle down. we have however found meditation to be a fantastic tool along with counseling and homeopathic medications to enable a faster healing process.