Crystal Drug: 7 Signs of Abuse

Familiarize Yourself with Crystal Drug Abuse and Addiction

Do you know someone who is addicted to the crystal drug? Crystal meth effects vary by the individual. However, the effects are usually brutal. To review your treatment options and discuss meth addiction facts, call White Sands Treatment Center at (877) 855-3470. Addiction does not need to ruin your life. A rehab center can help you get your life together and become sober. Recovery is a long road but can be easier with the help of professionals.

Stages of the Crystal Drug Experience

Crystal meth effects occur in stages:

1. The Rush. When one uses crystal meth, they will experience an initial rush of feelings such as racing heartbeat, high blood pressure, and fast pulse. The rush may last for up to thirty minutes.
2. The High. The high, or the “shoulder” is the period during which the user may experience aggression and argumentative. This person may interrupt other people and try to finish their sentences. During this delusional time, the individual may become obsessively focused on one task such as cleaning a window for multiple hours. The high can last up to sixteen hours.
3. The Binge. Binging is a period of uncontrollable drug use where the individual maintains the high by continually injecting or smoking meth. Binging episodes may last from three to fifteen days. Mental and physical hyperactivity characterize the binge. The person will continue doing the drugs, each time becoming high for shorter amounts of time until there is no rush or high.
4. Once the user no longer experiences a high after binging, they will experience what is known as “tweaking.” This person can no longer get high and experience intense cravings, emptiness, and a loss of sense of identity. The individual may feel as though bugs are crawling under their skin and become “itchy.” Trouble sleeping for days at a time is common. The person is, in a sense, in a completely psychotic state and exist in their own world. Hallucinations are to be expected and seem very real to those experiencing them. Self- harm is a major concern during this phase.
5. The Crash. This period lasts from one to three days. The crash occurs when the body can no longer cope and shuts down. Long periods of sleep are common during this time.
6. Meth Hangover. Post-crash, the user is in a horrific state; utterly exhausted both physically and mentally, they are starved, dehydrated, and emotionally worn out. Unfortunately, this stage can last for up to two weeks. The quick solution to their problem is to source more meth. In turn, the addiction continues and the cycle repeats.
7. Crystal drug withdrawal can last for up to three months. Sometimes, the addict does not even realize they are in withdrawal. Depression hits hard at first and the addict will experience extreme lethargy. Once the cravings for meth hit, they hit hard and the addict may become suicidal. The withdrawal from crystal meth is so intense that many will return to using in order to ease the pain. For this reason, one should check into a detox facility for support.

Meth Addiction Facts

• Meth can be smoked (or inhaled), snorted, swallowed, or injected.
• Slang for crystal drug include crank, chalk, speed, ice, and meth.
• Meth works by increasing dopamine in the brain. This causes the “rush” users describe feeling after taking the drug. Dopamine is involved with pleasure, motivation, reward, and body movement.
• Crystal meth appears glassy – like crystal rock fragments and may look bluish or white.
• Amphetamine is a drug prescribed to patients who suffer from ADHD or narcolepsy. Meth is a stimulant and is chemically similar to amphetamines.
• Meth overdose is possible. Meth use can lead to heart attack, organs issues, and stroke.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.