In America and perhaps in other areas of the world, what is being considered as the most threatening and most dangerous drug is crystal meth. It is a stimulant that mainly attacks the central nervous system. This drug is extremely addictive. Meth has its profits such as giving the person the ample energy to do anything for the whole day. Moreover, people who wanted to lose weight also use meth as a resort to doing so. Meth had been discovered to decrease one’s weight. These benefits allow methto penetrate into people’s lives and later on slowly damage every aspect of their lives.
The addict finds it very difficult to quit using meth because of the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. Both physical and emotional symptoms are hugely obvious with constant use of crystal meth. The effects of meth are mainly connected
to its action as a potent central nervous system stimulant affecting the body’s mechanisms for regulating heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, appetite, attention, mood, alertness and alarm responses.
There are many ways in taking in meth. It could be through swallowing, snorting, smoking, and injecting. Process which increase the brain’s uptake of the substance have been increasing; snorting is faster than swallowing, smoking is faster than snorting, etc. Depending on way of direction, meth can alter your mood in diverse ways. Immediately after smoking meth intravenously, the user experiences an intense “flash” that lasts only a few minutes and is described as exceptionally pleasurable. Snorting meth resulting in euphoria, described as a high but not a rush. While the effects of smoking and IV injection are instantaneous, smoking meth produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes and oral injection can take up to 20 minutes to produce a high.
The enjoyable effects of crystal meth stops working even before the blood concentration of the drug falls significantly. Thus, more meth and increasing frequency of use are necessary to maintain the high. Meth addicts indulge in binge behavior for days at a time; foregoing food, hygiene, sleep and other necessities. In addition, side effect associated with meth overdose include brain damage, meningitis, neurotoxicity, sensations of flesh crawling with bugs, compulsive picking and infecting sores, severe headache, muscle breakdown and kidney failure.There are currently no medications available to treat methamphetamine overdose.
Communities have now been on the move to preventing meth use among the people. Family-focused prevention efforts have been discovered to have greater impact than strategies that focus on children only.
Moreover, during treatment, detoxification would entail the removal of toxins caused by the drug from the body. With this, withdrawal is also treated through providing certain drug that would copy the effects of meth but not as destructive as meth. Withdrawal from methamphetamine is normally characterized by intense drug cravings, depression, insomnia, and increased appetite.
Several cognitive behavioral interventions designed to help modify the patient’s thinking and behaviors, and to increase coping skills related to various life stressors are considered promising when conducted long term. The support from family and loved ones is still the most important ingredient in treating meth addicts. Knowing that he or she is loved and cared for would give confidence him or her to fight for her life despite the discouraging effects of meth. Realizing that you are important in the family ad in the society could inspire you to move on and turn your back from the darkness for good.
The determination and the will to change will still be one of the most important factor to change the individual regardless of the kind of treatment. Cognitive therapy is hugely helpful in allowing the person realize that life does not revolve around the drug. There is more to life than meth. The person would then be trained coping skills and new perspectives in dealing with temptations and starting a new life as the person recovers form the battle with meth.
One should always be prepared to face crystal meth addiction. Be always ready to call for help.
