Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine which you probably know by one of its many nicknames: ice, speed, crank, chalk, Tina, glass, etc. Methamphetamines, no matter the form – powder or crystal – are wildly addictive stimulants.

Seeing as how methamphetamine comes in so many forms, the methods of intake run the gamut. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed and injected and the accompanying high varying in intensity depending on the method.

It acts on the central nervous system and works by flooding the brain with an absolute torrent of dopamine, the naturally occurring “feel good” chemical we all have in our brains. That potent release leads to immense feelings of euphoria and pleasure which act as a reward to reinforce the need to keep taking it once the high wears off.

Because the high produced is so intense and lasts for a long time compared to other drugs, people end up falling into a “binge/crash” pattern of usage where immense pleasure gives way to feelings of depression and severe cravings. It’s a devastating cycle.

It’s worth noting that meth is manmade and needs to be “cooked”, the process of which is incredibly dangerous in its own right. The volatile chemicals that go into making it create a substantial risk for deadly explosions.