Crystal Meth: Symptoms, Effects, and Recovery Options

Crystal meth, while a very oft-heard term, is actually known as methamphetamine. It is a very powerful stimulant that works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS).

Crystal meth has a high potential for dependence and is also highly addictive. In fact, as per the “Methamphetamine Research Report,” nearly 0.9% or 2.5 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using crystal meth. It is a lethal substance as well, as every 1 in 4 overdose related deaths involves the use of a stimulant, including crystal meth.

What is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is known as methamphetamine. It is a very potent form of methamphetamine, which is available as crystals. Hence the name. It also goes by other street names, including glass, ice, Tina, and so on.

Crystal meth can be smoked or injected. As crystal meth is a stimulant, it works by increasing the activity of the CNS. This leads to a high or euphoria, which refers to a rush of pleasurable sensations and feelings. Depending on whether it is smoked or injected, the effects will vary. For instance, when a person smokes the substance, it leads to a shorter albeit more intense high. While this rush is pleasurable, it is also dangerous and can lead to many physical and psychological problems in the long run as crystal meth use can lead to dependence and abuse.

Regardless of its dangers, crystal meth has been in use for a long time. During WWII, soldiers used it to keep awake. It is also used to improve the symptoms of depression, for weight loss, and even in the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Why Crystal Meth is Highly Addictive

Crystal meth stimulates CNS by increasing its activity. It increases the dopamine levels in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. This leads to a high or euphoria, which is characterized by a rush of pleasurable sensations and feelings. However, the high only lasts temporarily (around 6 – 12 hours), one keeps going back to the substance again and again to experience the same pleasurable feelings. Over time, this leads to tolerance, meaning a person will be needing more and more of the substance to achieve the same effects.

Crystal meth has a high potential of dependence and can lead to the development of a stimulant use disorder. Quitting the substance abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which are intense and unpleasant and make quitting it very difficult. Therefore, seeking medical advice and professional help is very necessary when trying to quit crystal meth use.

In extreme cases, crystal meth can be lethal as well. It can lead to overdose, hence, any dependence or stimulant use disorder must be taken seriously and needs to be treated holistically.

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Where Does Crystal Meth Come From?

Some of the common side effects include:

• Weight gain or loss

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Drowsiness, dizziness, or fatigue

• Insomnia or oversleeping

• Dry mouth or increased thirst

• Tremors, muscle spasms, or stiffness

• Headaches or blurred vision

• Sexual problems or changes in libido

• Skin rashes or hair loss

• Memory problems or confusion

• Mood changes or irritability

Physical and Mental Effects of Crystal Meth

Crystal meth can lead to a rush of pleasurable sensations and feelings. However, on the flip side, there are a lot of crystal meth side effects as well, which adversely affect a person physically and mentally. Repeated use of crystal meth can lead to the following effects:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness and irritability
• Hyperactivity
• Sleep difficulties
• Violent behavior
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Paranoia
• Psychosomatic conditions (physical symptoms that do not have underlying biological reasons)
• Rapid weight loss (can even lead to anorexia, an eating disorder)
• Oral decay and gum diseases (especially when consumed orally)
• Dry mouth
• Vision problems
• Facial sores
• Headaches
• Numbness
• Sweating
• Hyperthermia (increased body temperature)
• Convulsions
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart beat and palpitations
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Signs of Crystal Meth Use

Crystal meth use can affect a person in many negative ways. Some signs and symptoms of crystal meth use are as follows:

• Reduced self-care
• Picking skin and hair
• Jerking, twitching, or facial tics
• Over talkativeness and highly animated mannerisms while speaking
• Angry outbursts
• Decreased appetite and unhealthy weight loss
• Oral damage – to the teeth and gums
• Drastic changes in sleep patterns, like staying awake for many days together
• Dilated pupils
• Paranoia and psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions
• The presence of crystal meth use paraphernalia like needles, syringes, surgical tubes, and burnt spoons

If these signs and symptoms are noticed in a loved one, then it is an indication that they may be suffering from a stimulant use disorder, which requires professional help and treatment. Treatment includes rehabilitation and psychotherapeutic interventions.

The Dangers of Crystal Meth Overdose

Crystal meth not only leads to dependence and stimulant use disorder, it can also lead to overdose. This can be lethal, as nearly 1 in 4 overdose related deaths are related to stimulant use, including crystal meth. Some signs of crystal meth overdose are as follows:

• Agitation
• Aggressive behavior
• Paranoia
• High body temperature
• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain
• Increased heart rate

Crystal meth overdose increases blood pressure, heart rate, and even body temperature, which can lead to organ problems, seizures, and even death. Therefore, if any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms are observed, it is crucial to contact nearby healthcare providers immediately or even call emergency services (like 9-1-1 in the U.S.). This can be a life-saving move and prevent fatality.

Crystal meth overdose is treated by treating organ damage, increasing blood flow to the heart in case of a heart attack, or to the brain in case of a stroke.

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Crystal Meth Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline

Quitting crystal meth becomes complicated because of the withdrawal symptoms. Crystal meth can lead to dependence, which means that in cases of repeated and chronic use, the body adapts to a certain dosage of crystal meth. Over time, it can require increasing amounts of the substance as well. In case this stops, the person will experience crystal meth withdrawal symptoms. They are intense and unpleasant, and are as follows:

• Intense cravings
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Depressed mood
• Psychosis
• Sleep difficulties
• Overall tiredness
• Increase in appetite
• Dehydration
• Chills
• Suicidal thoughts

Crystal meth withdrawal happens in two phases – acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal.

• Acute Withdrawal – This is when the withdrawal symptoms are at their most intense. They can begin within a day of the last dose and last up to 7 or 10 days depending on the severity of the use.
• Protracted Withdrawal – It takes place 2 – 3 weeks after the acute withdrawal. During this time, the symptoms are the same, however, less intense.

How Long Does Crystal Meth Stay In Your System?

Crystal meth has a half-life of 10 hours, meaning it takes 10 hours for the body to eliminate one half of crystal meth, and another 10 hours for another half, and so on. In total, it can take up to 4 days for crystal meth to completely leave the body.

It can be detectable in different drug tests for variable periods of time:

• In a urine test, crystal meth can be detectable up to 3 days after the last dose.
• In a blood test, crystal meth can be detectable up to 1 day after the last dose.
• In a saliva test, crystal meth can be detectable up to 2 days after the last dose.
• In a hair test, crystal meth can be detectable up to 90 days after the last dose.

How to Quit Crystal Meth: Treatment Options

Quitting crystal meth requires treatment. The first step of treatment is detoxification. This is medically supervised, wherein the substance is gradually tapered off to minimize and manage the withdrawal symptoms. While there is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication to treat crystal meth withdrawal, medications can be prescribed to control the symptoms of the withdrawal, like anxiety and depression.

However, while medically-supervised detoxification is only one part of the treatment, to understand and treat the underlying reasons for crystal meth use, behavioral therapies and interventions are required.

Usually, to treat crystal meth use, the Matrix Model is used. This includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, family therapy, and 12-step recovery programs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Identifies and reshapes the maladaptive thinking, emotional, behavioral patterns associated with crystal meth use. It also equips the person with skills and healthy coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and urges for lasting recovery and preventing relapse.

Contingency Management – It works by rewarding and reinforcing positive behaviors like abstinence.

Family Therapy – Involvement of family members is a crucial step toward recovery and sobriety. In family therapy, family members are educated regarding the reasons and dangers of crystal meth use, the likelihood of relapse, and so on. Moreover, any unhealthy family dynamics and communication patterns are identified, challenged, and modified.

12-Step Recovery Programs – These are informal peer groups where people can share their experiences, find encouragement, and take ownership of their recovery. Common 12-step recovery programs for crystal meth use include Crystal Meth Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

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Our dedicated professional staff is here to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, guiding you or your loved one on the journey to lasting recovery.

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Why Choose NuView Treatment Center for Crystal Meth Addiction?

Crystal meth abuse is a very serious condition. It is chronic and leads to a number of physical and psychological problems. While abstinence is important for recovery, getting there on one’s own is very difficult and challenging. Therefore, NuView Treatment Center is here for the care and support required.

At NuView, we provide an evidence-based and supportive path to recovery. We based our interventions on the Matrix Model, combining cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and family therapy. Our compassionate team creates personalized plans for treatment as every person is unique and has a unique set of needs and requirements. We also seek to involve family to rebuild strong connections and for lasting recovery. Moreover, by ensuring ongoing care and community support, NuView ensures long-term sobriety.