What is Crystal Meth?

This is the street name for a drug consisting of METHAMPHETAMINE: a synthetic amphetamine (or stimulant) that has adrenaline-like properties and is produced and sold illegally in the form of crystal-like chunks.

In appearance, Crystal Meth often resembles frozen ice water. However, it may also have a brown, yellow or pink tinge to it, with the consistency of a paste or earwax.

Like Amphetamines, Crystal Meth acts directly on the Central Nervous System (C.N.S.) with the same effects as two of our Neuro-transmitters: Norepinephrine & Dopamine. This results in a chronic depletion of brain Serotonin levels and Endorphin production.

What is Methamphetamine-induced brain damage?

Hours after you’ve taken Crystal Meth the receptors in your brain start to turn off the natural production of dopamine. But unlike other stimulants like cocaine that allow the brain cells to re-capture & package dopamine, Crystal Meth does not!  Instead the brain receptor cells respond by releasing an enzyme that destroys any extra dopamine. With repeated use over time these enzymes permanently destroy dopamine cells. This leads to chemical changes in the brain that affect the way it works. This condition is known as METHAMPHETAMINE-INDUCED BRAIN DAMAGE. And this is why CRYSTAL METH IS NEURO-TOXIC!

EVEN AS THE CRYSTAL METH DOES ITS DAMAGE,

THE BRAIN STARTS TO CRAVE EVEN MORE AS IT INCREASINGLY SHUTS OFF THE EFFECTS!

ONCE THE CRYSTAL METH HAS WORN OFF, THE DAMAGE TO THE BRAIN & CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOUR EMOTIONAL STABILITY, LEAVING YOU CRAVING MORE & FEELING MOODY, DEPRESSED, ANGRY & IRRITABLE!

CRYSTAL METH & SPEED: what is the difference?

Methamphetamines (Crystal Meth and Ice) are more concentrated and produce a  stronger more intense reaction than Speed. FOR THIS REASON, CRYSTAL METH IS WELL KNOWN FOR BEING A POWERFULLY ADDICTIVE DRUG - BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.

What are the immediate effects of Methamphetamines?

Increased alertness

A sense of well-being

Increased talkativeness

Increased aggressiveness and violent behavior

Increased breathing and heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Reduced appetite or complete loss of appetite Dilated pupils

Insomnia

Visual hallucinations

Impaired speech

Twitching and jerking

What are the short term side effects of crystal meth?

Dry, itchy skin

Facial acne and sores

Numbness

Aggressive and often violent behavior

Increased disinterest in friends, sex, work and food

Introverted

Irritable, anxious and restless

With continued use of crystal meth a persons actions become:

Compulsive, repetitive & obsessive in nature, less organized and more irrational, Self-conscious, nervous, introverted, irritable, anxious and restless.

What are the long term side effects of Methamphetamine use?

Confusion – due to disturbed / lack of sleep

Excessive excitation

Moodiness and irritability

Panic

Anxiousness

Nervousness

Paranoia

False sense of confidence and power

Grandeur delusions leading to aggressive and often violent behavior

Disinterest in friends, sex, work & food

introverted & agoraphobic

Irritable, anxious and restless

Crystal Meth induced brain damage

FACT: ONE THIRD OF HEAVY CRYSTAL METH USERS WILL DEVELOP BIZARRE, PARANOID BEHAVIOR & SUFFER FROM VISUAL AND AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS.

Larger or repetitive doses of crystal meth can cause:

Constant cravings for more of the drug

Emotional instability (particularly with anger)

Headaches

Dry mouth and persistent thirst

Fever and sweating

Pale appearance

Blurred vision

Irregular heart rate

Tremors and Seizures

Loss of co-ordination

Collapse and Stroke

TOO MUCH CRYSTAL METH CAN CAUSE FEELINGS OF CONFIDENCE & WELL-BEING TO TRANSFORM INTO AGITATION, PANIC, PARANOIA & RAGE!

Crystal meth speeds up the aging process!

As we get older we naturally lose neurons as part of the aging process. Therefore, by the time a person (who used Crystal Meth for a number of years when they were younger) reaches the age of 65 and their remaining neurons start to drop off, they are highly likely to develop early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and suffer problems with memory recall.

The withdrawal symptoms from crystal meth include:

Continuous cravings

Severe exhaustion & Depression   

Disturbed sleep (insomnia & nightmares)

Deep sleep lasting up to 48hours 

Anxiety reactions such as panic, fearfulness, agitation, irritability, frustration & restlessness

Psychotic behavior (bizarre & repetitive in nature)

Extreme hunger & nausea

Heart palpitations

Hyperventilation

Sweating

FACT:

USING CRYSTAL METH WHILST PREGNANT CAN CAUSE:

Miscarriage of the pregnancy (termination of the foetus).

Your baby could also be born with:

Cardiac defects

Birth defects such as a cleft palate

An addiction to Methamphetamines.

AND ONCE YOUR BABY IS BORN HE / SHE WILL

GO THROUGH CRYSTAL METH WITHDRAWALS!