Meth (methamphetamine) is a highly addictive drug that can impact your life in numerous ways. Not only can meth abuse affect your physical and mental health, but it can ruin your life - your relationships, finances, family, and career can all be destroyed by methamphetamine use.
Crystal meth - a more potent, crystallised form of methamphetamine - has been destroying the lives of people and impacting communities around the world. But just how addictive is crystal meth? And what makes crystal meth so addictive? That’s what we’ll be exploring today.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It was initially developed for medical purposes, such as treating narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, its recreational use has escalated dramatically over the years.
Meth belongs to a class of drugs known as amphetamines. Methamphetamine typically comes in the form of a white, odourless crystalline powder. Meth can be consumed in several ways - it can be:
- ingested orally
- Snorted
- Smoked
- Injected
Some street names for meth include crystal, ice, crank, and glass. Due to its highly addictive nature and harmful effects, methamphetamine use is associated with a host of social, legal, and economic problems in communities worldwide.
Meth vs Crystal Meth
Meth is a term that encompasses various forms of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine and crystal meth are two forms of the same drug, but they differ in their appearance, potency, and methods of use.
Methamphetamine, often called "meth" for short, refers to the chemical compound itself. It usually comes as a white, odourless powder that can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Methamphetamine affects the central nervous system, producing feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness.
Crystal meth, on the other hand, is a more potent and crystallised form of methamphetamine. It appears as clear, chunky crystals that resemble pieces of glass or ice, hence its nickname "crystal."
Crystal meth is typically smoked in a pipe, although it can also be snorted or injected. Because of its purity and rapid onset of effects, crystal meth tends to produce a more intense and longer-lasting high compared to other forms of methamphetamine.
Both methamphetamine and crystal meth are highly addictive substances that can pose severe health risks and mental health issues.
The Effects of Crystal Meth
Many people take crystal methamphetamine because it has a high purity level and produces long-lasting effects. The effects of methamphetamine can last for up to 12 hours, ultimately depending on the method of consumption.
Some of the immediate effects of crystal meth include:
- Intense rush of euphoria
- Increased energy
- Heightened alertness
It may make you feel ‘good’ in the short term, but long-term meth abuse can have devastating effects on your physical and mental health. It can increase the risk of developing a range of health issues.
For example, meth can lead to increased blood pressure - and high blood pressure is linked to poor heart health. It can put a strain on the heart, and lead to strokes.
Another effect of meth is decreased appetite, which can lead to severe weight loss. You may have heard the term ‘meth mouth’ - a term that describes the severe dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that crystal meth can cause.
There are many other negative effects of meth, from changes in the brain and mental health issues such as mood swings to HIV/ AIDS due to risky behaviours associated with drug use.
How Addictive is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is undeniably one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Its ability to rapidly increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain contributes to its highly addictive nature.
Statistics from the UNODC World Drug Report (2021) highlighted the prevalence of methamphetamine around the world, with methamphetamine accounting for 72% of all amphetamine-type stimulants being seized globally between 2015 and 2019.
What Makes Crystal Meth So Addictive?
Meth affects the ‘feel good’ chemicals in your brain - serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation - so when you take meth, you’ll notice a surge in these levels which can lead to euphoria.
Serotonin is a chemical in your brain associated with memory, appetite, and mood regulation. When you abuse meth, your body will struggle to regulate these chemicals, which can lead to you feeling miserable, anxious, depressed, and generally lethargic when you don’t take meth.
Many people will continue to take the drug to stop these negative sensations and to feel ‘normal’.
Meth is a Potent Substance
Crystal meth is highly potent. This means that even small doses can produce profound effects that last a long time. This potency, alongside its rapid onset of effects, makes it incredibly addictive and difficult to resist for those who have tried it.
Psychological Addiction
Crystal meth not only produces intense feelings of euphoria but also enhances confidence, focus, and sociability. These psychological effects make it particularly attractive for people looking to escape from reality, or looking to relieve symptoms of mental health issues.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Once you have developed a physical dependence on the drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. This can be excruciating, both physically and psychologically. When you stop taking meth, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Intense cravings
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Profound dysphoria
This can make it difficult to discontinue use - and is a key reason why many people continue to take crystal meth despite the horrible effects it can have.
Is Crystal Meth More Addictive Than Heroin?
Heroin is the fastest-acting opioid and is also the most abused opioid, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Approximately 13.5 million people in the world take opioids, and out of this figure, 9.2 million people are heroin users.
Regarding methamphetamine, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that almost 500 metric tonnes per year of methamphetamine were produced, with over 24.7 million meth abusers.
Both heroin and meth use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, but it’s difficult to determine which is the most addictive. Drugs affect everybody differently, and both meth and heroin can result in severe dependence.
That being said, meth is becoming more and more available and becoming more prevalent on the party scene for its long-lasting highs. Methamphetamine overdoses are rising, with more than 16,500 people having a fatal meth overdose back in 2019.
While both crystal meth and heroin are extremely addictive substances, they affect the brain in different ways.
Crystal meth primarily targets the brain's dopamine system, whereas heroin acts on the brain's opioid receptors. Addiction can vary from person to person, but both drugs can lead people down a path of dependence.
Signs of Meth Addiction
Drug addiction can be difficult to detect in the early stages. However, there are several mental, behavioural and physical symptoms to look out for that indicate crystal meth addiction, such as:
- Sudden or rapid weight loss
- Severe tooth decay (often referred to as “meth mouth")
- Erratic sleep patterns
- Agitation or irritability
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Financial difficulties
- Neglect of personal hygiene
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, seek help immediately. This is something we can help with at Help4Addiction.
Get Help for Meth Addiction With Help4Addiction
Admitting that you have a problem with drug abuse is the first step to recovery. Once you understand that you have an addiction to crystal meth, heroin, or other drugs, you can seek treatment and attend drug rehab.
Addiction can be difficult to recover from without the right support, which is why our friendly team of experts at Help4Addiction can work to match you with the right treatment plan at the right drug rehab facility.
Whether you’re looking for inpatient rehab/ residential rehab, outpatient addiction treatment, private rehab, luxury rehab or NHS-operated rehab, we can connect you with the right rehab clinic that matches your requirements, preferences, budget and circumstances.
