What is crystal meth? That’s a good question to ask if you’re concerned about someone’s use of this powerful, highly addictive drug. Crystal meth is a highly purified form of methamphetamine (meth) that’s manufactured solely for illicit sale and use. Users of crystal meth can become dependent and addicted before they realize what’s happening. Once that happens, whether for you or someone you care about, meth addiction treatment is the best way to break the cycle and stop the ravages of this devastating drug.
There’s a lot to understand about crystal meth. Let The Right Step Houston staff help you navigate the information as well as the steps toward recovery. The side effects of crystal meth abuse can wreak havoc on day-to-day functioning, mental and physical health, work, school, and relationships. The Right Step Houston is here to help—call 1.844.768.0169 today.
What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is a form of meth that, instead of looking like a powder, comes in the form of small pebbles or shards that look like bits of glass. In this form, meth is most commonly smoked, though it can be crushed and snorted or mixed into water and injected. All methods of ingesting meth are dangerous and come with serious side effects.
Because it’s easy to synthesize in a makeshift lab out of common ingredients, crystal meth can quickly permeate the street market in a given area. Other crystal meth facts include:
- Unlike other types of methamphetamine, its effects can last up to 12 hours due to its high purity.
- Meth disrupts brain chemistry, affecting dopamine and other key neurotransmitters.
- Crystal meth is more commonly used than powdered meth or prescription forms like Desoxyn.
- Crystal meth is also known as ice, chalk, blade, LA glass, no doze, rocket fuel, quartz, shape, and stovetop.
- People of all ages abuse crystal meth.
- Teen use is a growing concern for healthcare professionals and families.
- Those addicted to crystal meth often binge until their body and brain crash.
- Meth can cause lasting, sometimes permanent, changes to brain structures and body systems.
Crystal meth is considered one of the most dangerous drugs in existence.
What to Know about Crystal Meth Side Effects
There are two stages of side effects for those who use crystal meth. The immediate or short-term effects and the long-term, sometimes permanent, effects.
Short-Term Effects of Crystal Meth Use and Addiction
These effects can appear early in meth abuse:
- Nasal damage (for those who snort)
- Meth mouth (tooth decay and broken teeth, common in smokers)
- Track marks (for intravenous users)
- Sores, abscesses, bald patches (from compulsive scratching or picking)
- Violent outbursts
- Mood swings
- Extreme weight loss
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Tweaking (uncontrollable behavior after a meth binge)
Many or most of these reverse themselves when someone stops taking meth.
Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth Use and Addiction
The long-term effects of crystal meth abuse are harder to quantify but carry serious risks as they’re often permanent. Lasting meth addiction effects include:
- Memory loss – The memory centers in the brain are often affected by chronic crystal meth abuse. This damage can cause a loss of memory as well as difficulty creating new memories.
- Other brain effects – In addition to the part of the brain that controls memory, the areas associated with emotional regulation, motor coordination, motor speed, expression, and cognition can also be affected.
- Loss of impulse control – Linked to emotional regulation, impulse control is another, sometimes permanent, effect of crystal meth abuse, also focused within the brain.
- Premature aging – The effects of crystal meth on the cells that control aging lead to a decline in muscle tone, aging skin, and loss of firmness in the face.
If you’re concerned about the harmful, lasting effects of addiction to crystal meth, don’t wait. Get help today from The Right Step Houston.
Call The Right Step Houston Today to Begin Meth Addiction Treatment
The Right Step Houston’s inpatient, intensive outpatient, and dual diagnosis programs offer evidence-based therapies provided by skilled, experienced, and caring professionals.
Call 1.844.768.0169 today or complete our online form. Don’t wait to start the journey toward the balance and wellness you deserve.