Crystal methamphetamine or crystal meth is a drug that people take by inhaling through the nose, smoking, oral method, or injecting by use of a needle. People refer to the drug as crystal meth when the drug is in its crystal form. This drug creates a false sense of excitement, confidence, hyperactive and energy (Buxton & Dove, 2008). Consequently, the drug can cause rapid weight loss experienced after consuming the drug six weeks continuously. This paper examines the history of crystal meth, the history of addiction treatment options and explains the evolution of withdrawal symptoms of drug.
Iritani (2007) traces the use of the drug during the Second World War. The soldiers used the drug to enable them withstand the fight for many hours. Buxton & Dove (2008) says the drug boosted the soldier’s confidence and morale during the war. After the war, the drug got to the streets and students could consume to ensure they remain awake and study for many hours.
Kish (2008) explains that methamphetamine stops the uptake of dopamine and gives the addict a sense of euphoria experienced soon after taking the drug. Wood et al. (2008) says that abusers who take methamphetamine risk becoming addicts when there is a chemical and molecular change in the brain.
The withdrawal symptoms of crystal meth can last for many days and weeks depending on the period of addiction. Drugs can change the chemistry of the user brain as does the other drugs. The only difference is that crystal meth does it more than any other drug. Withdrawal symptoms are psychological in nature (Iritani, 2007). A person whom withdrawals from crystal meth have the following symptoms: anxiety, fatigue, hunger, and mood swings.
One can join an addiction treatment program once the withdrawal symptoms are severe (Kish, 2008). Drug rehabilitation programs can assist the addict through the withdrawal process towards a drug-free life. The rehabilitation can involve talk therapy, exercise, nutritional guidance, and vitamin supplements.
In conclusion, crystal meth can cause violent behavior among the users as well as suicidal thoughts due to prolonged anxiety. It is crucial for an addict to stop taking the drug and going into withdrawal. Family members have to support the addict to withstand the withdrawal symptoms to stop taking the drug again.
References
Buxton, J. A., & Dove, N. A. (2008). The Burden And Management Of Crystal Meth Use. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 178(12), 1537-1539.
Wood, E., Stoltz, J., Zhang, R., Strathdee, S. A., Montaner, J. G., & Kerr, T. (2008). Circumstances of first crystal methamphetamine use and initiation of injection drug use among high-risk youth. Drug & Alcohol Review, 27(3), 270-276
Iritani, B. J., Hallfors, D., & Bauer, D. J. (2007). Crystal methamphetamine use among young adults in the USA. Addiction, 102(7), 1102-1113.
Kish, S. (2008). Limiting production of crystal meth. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 179(6), 558-558.
