Meth (Crystal Meth) Addiction

Written by:

Dale Conlon

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 2nd, 2024

“Breaking Bad” brought meth addiction into homes, showcasing its harsh realities with gripping storytelling. Despite its acclaim, the show glamorised meth, downplaying the true devastation of addiction. The reality of meth addiction is more nuanced, tearing families apart and devastating communities. But while it can seem like an inescapable condition, there is real hope. With thorough understanding, compassionate care and effective treatment, offering hope for a happy, healthy life beyond addiction’s grip.

Crystal meth

What is meth?

Methamphetamine, widely known as meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant that is both highly addictive and dangerous. It exists in two primary forms: crystalline and powder. The crystalline form, often referred to as crystal meth, is a clear crystal resembling ice, which is typically smoked. This form is known for its high purity and potency, delivering a more intense, longer-lasting high. Powder meth is a white, odourless and bitter-tasting substance that can be snorted, swallowed, smoked or dissolved in water and injected.

The primary action of meth is to rapidly increase the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motor function and reward. This flood of dopamine produces the characteristic high associated with meth use. This high can last for up to twelve hours, but when it ceases, strong cravings for more meth emerge, leading to repeated use, escalating doses and a high potential for addiction.

Meth 101

  • Meth was originally developed in the early 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used initially in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.
  • Meth is a Class A drug in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means that meth possession, production and distribution are all illegal and carry severe penalties.
  • Meth production often involves several toxic ingredients, including pseudoephedrine, battery acid, drain cleaner, antifreeze and lantern fuel.
  • Meth is known by various street names, including ice, crystal, crank and speed.
  • The purity of meth has increased in recent years due to advanced lab production, making it even more potent and dangerous.

    • What is meth addiction?

    Meth addiction is a chronic, relapsing form of drug addiction characterised by compulsive meth seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It develops through various pathways, including recreational use, self-medication and, in the few countries where meth is still administered medically, prescription use.

    On a physical level, the intense high from meth leads to repeated use, which alters the brain’s chemistry and functioning over time. Over time, users require more and more meth to get the same effects, a process known as tolerance. This can quickly lead to dependence as the person finds it increasingly difficult to experience pleasure from any other source and causes withdrawal symptoms when they don’t take it.

    Meth addiction also has psychological, social and emotional aspects. Some of the factors that can contribute to addiction include:

    Genetic factors

    If there is a family history of substance abuse, particularly methamphetamine abuse, some users may have a higher genetic predisposition towards addiction. This increased risk is often due to inherited traits that affect the brain’s reward system and how it responds to meth use.

    Mental health disorders

    Individuals suffering from mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety often turn to substances like methamphetamine for temporary relief or self-medication. Meth can initially mask symptoms of these conditions but over time, it exacerbates them and leads to a vicious cycle of addiction and mental health problems.

    Environmental influences

    Growing up in an environment where drug use is normalised or having close associations with meth users increases the risk of trying and subsequently becoming addicted to meth. Environmental factors can also include peer pressure, easily available meth in the community, family dynamics and socioeconomic status.

    Early exposure

    Early exposure to drugs, including meth, can significantly increase the likelihood of developing an addiction later in life. Adolescent brains are more susceptible to the effects of drugs and early use can disrupt normal brain development, leading to a higher risk of substance abuse disorders.

    Stress and trauma

    Individuals who have experienced chronic stress, trauma or adverse childhood experiences are at a higher risk of substance abuse, including meth addiction. They may use meth as a way to cope with or escape from their traumatic experiences, leading to a cycle of addiction as a form of self-medication.

    Lack of awareness

    A lack of awareness about the addictive potential and dangers of meth can lead individuals to experiment with the drug, underestimating its risk. This casual or experimental use can rapidly escalate to regular use and meth addiction.

    Am I addicted to meth?

    Recognising an addiction to meth can be challenging as it is often able to hide in plain sight, at least initially. It can hold enormous sway over a person and convince them and those around them that there is no problem.

    If you are concerned that you have become addicted to meth, here are some questions to consider:

  • Do I feel a strong urge to use meth regularly?
  • Have I increased my meth use over time?
  • Do I spend a lot of time obtaining, using or recovering from meth?
  • Have I tried to cut down or stop using meth but couldn’t?
  • Do I experience withdrawal symptoms when I don’t use meth?
  • Have my relationships suffered because of my meth use?
  • Have I neglected my responsibilities at work, school or home due to meth?
  • Do I continue to use meth despite knowing the harm it causes?

    • If you recognise these meth addiction symptoms, you may need to consider seeking professional drug detox and rehab services.

     

    What are the health effects of meth addiction?

    Meth abuse and addiction can have devastating effects on an individual’s health, impacting nearly every system in the body. These effects range from acute changes to long-term damage.

    Neurological damage
    Meth use can cause significant neurological damage, leading to memory loss, impaired judgement and decreased motor coordination. This can result in significant difficulties in daily functioning and an increased risk of accidents and other dangerous circumstances.
    Cardiovascular issues
    Meth use increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes, especially in chronic users.
    Dental decay
    Known as “meth mouth,” this condition involves severe tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss, often resulting from a combination of poor hygiene, dry mouth and teeth grinding associated with meth use.
    Skin sores
    Meth users often experience skin issues, including severe acne and sores, largely due to the drug’s effects on the skin and compulsive picking behaviours fueled by the drug’s psychological effects.
    Weight loss and malnutrition
    Meth suppresses the appetite, leading users to neglect nutrition often, resulting in significant weight loss, malnutrition and the associated health complications.
    Psychiatric symptoms
    Long-term meth use can exacerbate or lead to psychiatric issues such as paranoia, hallucinations and aggressive behaviour. With chronic use, this can persist even after discontinuation of meth.
    Increased risk of infectious diseases
    Injecting meth increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis due to needle sharing and unsafe practices.
    Death
    Meth addiction can be lethal both due to overdose and the cumulative health effects of chronic use.

    What are the social and personal effects of meth addiction?

    The impact of meth addiction extends far beyond health issues, permeating every aspect of an individual’s life. These include:

    Relationship breakdowns

    Meth addiction often leads to strained or broken relationships with family and friends, as the drug becomes the user’s primary focus.

    Financial problems

    The cost of sustaining a meth habit can lead to significant financial strain, with users often spending their savings or accruing debt to purchase the drug.

    Workplace and education issues

    Meth addiction can result in decreased job and school performance, increased absenteeism expulsion and job loss.

    Legal consequences

    The illegal status of meth can lead to legal issues, including arrests, legal fees and potential imprisonment.

    Social isolation

    Many meth users withdraw from social activities and networks, leading to isolation and exacerbating existing mental health issues.

    What does effective meth addiction treatment involve?

    Effective meth addiction treatment involves a combination of drug detox, drug rehab and ongoing aftercare and support. Meth detox addresses the physical aspects of addiction and involves withdrawal management under medical monitoring. Following this, meth rehab focuses on long-term recovery, addressing psychological aspects, teaching coping strategies and providing support for relapse prevention. Once treatment is complete, comprehensive aftercare helps to prevent relapse and ease reintegration into society.

    How to get help for meth addiction

    If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, reaching out for help is a critical first step. UKAT offers a comprehensive treatment programme which addresses every aspect of meth addiction and provides crucial ongoing support. Don’t let meth control your life any longer; contact UKAT today to begin the journey to recovery.

    Call us now for help
    +44 2039 496 584

    FAQ’s

    How addictive is crystal meth?
    Crystal meth is extremely addictive and users can become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug very quickly. This is why experimentation is extremely dangerous as you only need to use crystal meth a few times (or even once in some cases) to develop an addiction.
    What is the difference between meth and amphetamine?
    Methamphetamine and amphetamine are both central nervous system stimulants, but there are various key differences. Meth is a more potent derivative of amphetamine which means it produces a more intense and longer-lasting high. While both drugs increase levels of dopamine in the brain, meth does so more rapidly and to a greater extent, leading to its higher potential for addiction and more severe side effects. Meth also has more severe neurotoxic effects, leading to greater cognitive and psychological impairments.