What Is Meth?
Meth, also known as Crystal Meth, is a powerful stimulant that can create an intense euphoric and energetic high. Crystal Meth is derived from Methamphetamines, which has a long history of being one of the most addictive substances in the history of mankind. Not only is Crystal Meth more addictive than crack cocaine, PCP, marijuana, even heroin, but it is equally, if not more destructive. Crystal Meth is responsible for thousands of overdose deaths and drug related crimes every year, and can permanently alter someone’s personality causing violent, bizarre, sometimes dangerous behavior.
How Does Crystal Meth Work?
Crystal Meth works by releasing high levels of neurotransmitter dopamine into the body, which stimulates brain cells, drastically enhancing mood and body movement. While a high from cocaine can last for as little as 15-20 minutes, a high on Crystal Meth can last anywhere from 2-14 hours. Crystal Meth can have multiple effects on the immune system including inducing irritability, confusion, paranoia, bizarre violent outbursts, and insomnia.
Because Meth robs the body of much needed calcium and appears to have multiple neurotoxic effects, it can devastate brain cells with long term use, which can lead to Parkinson’s disease and type-two schizophrenia. Meth can also cause increased heart rate and blood pressure in the short term, and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain.
On the street, Crystal Meth is also known as Crank, Speed, Crystal or Ice. It can be pale yellow to whitish in color and can be chewed, injected, snorted or smoked.
How Crystal Meth Is Made
One of the most dangerous things about Crystal Meth is that it is fairly easy to make and only takes a small of investment of a few hundred dollars to produce. Crystal Meth is usually made in a make-shift lab, which can even be small enough to fit into a suitcase. All of the information on how to make Meth is readily available on the internet and primarily consists of a variety of over the counter medications and easy to find chemicals. Crystal Meth is primarily made from over-the-counter cold and asthma medications that contain pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, red phosphorous, hydrochloric acid, battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, and anti-freeze.
Crystal Meth Addiction and Meth Rehab
Addiction to Crystal Meth is a wide spread problem in many parts of the United States. Because of the widespread availability of this dangerous drug, millions of Americans are currently addicted to Crystal Meth, with this number growing every year. Primarily, young adults and teens are the most likely group to use Crystal Meth, with more teens being exposed to Crystal Meth every day.
If you, or someone you love, are currently struggling with an addiction to Crystal Meth, do not hesitate to seek help right away. Crystal Meth is by far one of the most dangerous and destructive drugs ever invented, and without the proper meth rehab and detox program, it can be very difficult to overcome. Do not throw your life away; it’s not too late to get the treatment you need to get your life back on track. But you have to make the first step.