Am I Addicted to Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant drug that has the potential to be one of the most harmful and addictive substances anyone could try. In the United States, methamphetamine is classified by the DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act with limited safety in medical use and a high potential for abuse which can lead to severe physical or psychological dependence. Crystal meth is a more potent form of methamphetamine that has its primary sources originating in illegal and clandestine labs. It doesn’t take long to become addicted as it exerts its effects for hours on end.

About Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth abuse can cause depression.

The “rush” and the “high” that crystal meth produces is believed to be a result of abnormally high levels of dopamine flooding the brain and acting as reinforcement to repeat the “reward” behavior, a key indicator of its addictive potentials. Unlike cocaine, another powerfully addictive stimulant, methamphetamine, according to the NIDA,” has a much longer duration of action, and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body.”

Crystal meth addiction is more than compromised brain systems however, it becomes a virtual nightmare of trying to manage daily life stressors while trying to find, make, or use the drug. Those who think they can occasionally snort crystal meth after crushing what looks like broken shards of glass or ice, soon find this painful method too much to bear and resort to injection or smoking which raises the addiction risks as well as the harm potentials.

Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction

Continued, uncontrollable use, in the face of negative consequences, is the hallmark sign of crystal meth addiction. From the occasional pleasure-seeking phase to the next, it takes a balancing act to control cravings in lieu of the negative consequences including physical and psychological distress. According to the NIDA,” Chronic methamphetamine abusers may develop difficulty feeling any pleasure other than that provided by the drug, fueling further abuse.” Feeling compelled to use the drug even when you really don’t want to and repeat relapses after trying to quit are obvious, but, there are many more ways you can tell if you are addicted.

Other Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction

Some other signs of crystal meth addiction may include:

• Changing associations to be with those who have access to crystal meth and/or encourage its abuse
• Withdrawals when ceasing use – generally characterized by depression, fatigue, anxiety, and/or an intense cravings
• Continued abuse despite negative psychological effects – depression, aggression, violence, suicidal tendencies, paranoia or psychotic behaviors, and other emotional instabilities
• Continued abuse despite interference with your normal functioning in the family, workplace, and broader community including; neglecting responsibilities, disregarding the welfare of others, or engaging in criminal, immoral, or unethical behaviors
• Continued abuse despite deteriorations in your physical health including neglect of good sleep, hygiene, and dietary habits