The Effects of Crystal Meth Use

Drug Effects

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can have long-lasting effects on your body. This is a man-made substance that, with the advent of other more efficacious prescription stimulants, now has limited therapeutic use and is only very rarely indicated for intractable ADHD and severe obesity.

The illicut drug crystal meth is methamphetamine in the form of a rock-like crystal that is usually a semi-transparent white or blue color. This substance is always illegal and has no other purpose than for abuse.

Crystal meth is mostly heated and then smoked in a glass pipe. Less frequently, the drug is crushed up to be snorted or injected. Smoking it speeds the delivery of the substance into the bloodstream, which further promotes the addictive nature of the substance.

Side Effects

Other side effects of crystal meth include:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Significant weight loss.
  • Change in sleeping patterns.
  • Severe mood swings.
  • Unpredictable behavior.
  • Tremors or convulsions.
  • Hyperthermia.
  • Elevated blood pressure.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Irregular heart rhythm.

Consistent use of crystal meth can result in severe anxiety, paranoid and insomnia. Additionally, thoughts of suicide—or even homicide—have been noted in some meth abusers.

Some people take crystal meth to experience a specific set of stimulant side effects. This includes the decrease in appetite, increased energy levels, and increased metabolism that some users attempt to take advantage of to achieve weight-loss. The drug also tends to increase libido, leading to abuse of the drug for that purpose alone.

It’s safe to say that none of the perceived short-term benefits of a dangerous drug are worth the risk of developing a deadly dependency that comes with them.

Long-Term Effects

Taken over a long period of time, crystal meth can cause severe physical and psychological issues as the short-term effects grow in intensity and complexity. Signs of long-term cystal meth abuseinclude:

  • More persistent psychotic symptoms–including delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.
  • Increased mental health issues like depression, anxiety and social isolation.
  • Confusion and odd behavior.
  • Feeling of bugs crawling on the skin.
  • Body sores from users picking at their skin.
  • Breathing problems associated with smoke inhalation.
  • Irreversible damage to blood vessels throughout the body, including the heart and brain.
  • Stroke.
  • Coma.

Severe crystal meth abuse can also cause outward signs of aging in users. Since the drug destroys tissues and blood vessels and hampers the body’s ability to heal, users often develop acne, and the skin takes on a dull look and loses its elasticity. The teeth can begin to decay and crack, resulting in a condition known as “meth mouth.”One of the most serious long-term side outcomes of crystal meth, however, is sudden death from cardiac arrest or stroke.

Crystal Meth Dependency

Crystal meth signals the brain to fire off an increased amount of dopamine, a chemical that causes a feeling of reward or pleasure.

The increased activity of dopamine is what scientists believe plays a large role in the development of addiction to certain drugs. It is thought that the positive feeling from dopamine is so strong—and intensely rewarding—that it reinforces the behavior that initiated its release.

As users become more tolerant of crystal meth, they will need more of the substance to achieve the desired high and will take ever-increasing amounts, placing themselves at risk for overdose and furthering fueling the body’s dependency on the drug.

Over time – after a period of persistent stimulant intoxication – dopamine receptor activity is severely impaired, which can cause perceptions of decreased happiness and pleasureand even lead to permanent cognitive impairments.

5 Ways to Avoid Addiction Relapse

Drug Effects

Science and research now tell us that addiction is a chronic illness. Like any other chronic disease—asthma, diabetes, hypertension—it must be treated over the long-term, and relapse is always a possibility. Relapse rates for substance use disorders are between 40 and 60 percent, which is comparable to chronic, medical conditions.

Because relapse is common does not mean that you shouldn’t work hard to prevent it. A drug or alcohol relapse not only undoes a lot of hard work, it can also be deadly. Relapsing can lead to a serious binge that causes an overdose. There are steps you, or someone you care about who is struggling, can take to prevent a relapse and its consequences.

1. Engage in Long-Term Addiction Treatment.

As with any chronic disease, recovery from substance use disorder is not a quick fix. One medication or one month of therapy is not enough to guarantee you won’t start using again. For a better long-term outcome and the tools you need to prevent a relapse, you must get involved with intensive treatment for an adequate period of time, followed by ongoing support.

Studies support the idea that engagement and participation in treatment help reduce the risk of relapse. For instance, astudy with over a thousand substance use disorder patients found that sustained recovery from drug use increased for every nine weeks an individual participated in treatment. Relapse rates also decreased in the study for patients who continued treatment with aftercare, including support group participation.

2. Identify and Know How to Manage Triggers.

A good treatment plan will teach you how to recognize triggers. These are the things that make you think about, crave, and ultimately use drugs or alcohol. Triggers can be very general, such as being around people who are using; this is one of the most common factors that trigger almost all people in recovery. Triggers are also specific and may include certain people or places. Emotions can be triggers, especially if you once used a substance as a coping mechanism for uncomfortable feelings or moods.

Therapy sessions can help you identify your exact triggers. A therapist can also train you in ways to better cope with these factors so that you don’t turn to drugs or alcohol if faced with something or someone that triggers a craving.

3. Build a New, Healthier Lifestyle.

The modern model of relapse prevention was developed in the 1980s by psychologists G. Alan Marlatt and Judith Gordon. Since then, there has been plenty of evidence from research to back up its basic ideas, including managing triggers to prevent relapse. The model also includes what are called global strategies, making big changes over the long-term in order to live a life that is healthier and free of substance use.

This is a long-term process, but when you work toward making big lifestyle changes, you reduce the risk of relapse. Positive changes include learning and using healthy coping strategies for stress and other negative emotions, identifying and managing mental illnesses, and developing positive activities such as exercise, meditation, or art.

4. Use Medications When Appropriate.

As addiction research evolves, medications have been developed that can help some patients manage cravings and avoid relapse. This is especially true for those struggling with opioid use disorder. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine, when used with supervision, can reduce cravings and urges to relapse. Naltrexone can be used to make taking an opioid pointless, as it blocks the effects of these drugs. For some people medications play an important role in recovery and relapse prevention.

5. Rely on Others for Support and Care.

Finally, it is important to recognize that going through it alone does not produce the best outcomes in recovery. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, people who do not use drugs or alcohol, and those who really care about you. Take advantage of support groups for people in recovery, aftercare programs offered by the facility that provided you treatment, and even rehab alumni programs. Social support is a crucial factor that helps people resist relapsing and in recovering faster if a relapse does occur.

If you are in treatment or recovery from a substance use disorder, be realistic and know that a relapse may occur but also that you can take concrete steps to prevent it. In addition to these steps, make sure you have worked with your therapist or counselor to develop a relapse plan. This will tell you what to do if you do experience a relapse, so you can minimize the negative consequences.

Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

Treatment of Drug Addiction

Finding Effective Treatment for Drug Addiction

Finding effective treatment for drug addiction is often elusive for addicts and their family members. Some individuals attempt to find the right treatment for years, moving from one program to another while frequently relapsing. What began as a choice to first take a illicit drug or use a prescription drug for non-medical purposes becomes an uncontrollable craving for the individual, and treatment may only be sought after the person experiences consequences stemming from the drug abuse and subsequent behavior related to that abuse.

Addicts attempting to manage their drug use alone face innumerable challenges to overcome the compulsion. Abuse of certain drugs can cause  the untreated addict to suffer permanent physical damage to the brain and other organs and even death. But awareness of these consequences may not be enough to alter the compulsive behavior due to the impact of addiction on brain function, especially in areas involving learning and memory, the pleasure center, and inhibitory control over behavior.

involved in each individual disallow one treatment approach as a means to recovery for all drug addicts. Instead, effective treatment programs carefully consider individual traits and needs of each drug addict. Following the evaluation of the type of drug addiction and level of severity, a treatment plan aims to help an individual stop drug use, remain drug-free following treatment, function at a high level in both personal and professional settings.

Chronic Relapse and Long Term Drug Treatment

The chronic aspect of drug addiction increases the threat of its return, even if an addict is able to stop using drugs for a few days due to voluntarily quitting, entering detox or being incarcerated. Failure to treat the addiction is a common occurrence in American society, based on figures made available by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows more than 9 percent of the U.S. population age 12 and up required treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol problem in 2007. Of that roughly of just over 23 million people, a mere fraction (10.4%) received treatment at a hospital, mental health center or drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility while nearly 21 million did not receive treatment.

More than 30 years have passed since research began showing a direct link of treatment to ending drug use, avoiding relapse and helping addicts recover. During that time, researchers have developed a better understanding of how addiction affects the brain, and treatment programs have been created to more effectively respond to addiction.

Some of the notable changes along the way include: recognition that no single treatment is effective for all addicts, addressing all needs of the addict, remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is more advantageous, counseling is a vital part of overcoming addiction and its related behaviors, medications can be useful in treating certain addictions, a treatment plan can change to fit the changing needs of the individual, many drugs users experience a concurrent mental illness, detoxification alone is inconsequential related to long-term recovery, and monitoring drug use after treatment begins is necessary due to common relapses.

One of the aforementioned changes, addressing all needs of the addict, is evident in the dual diagnosis approach used by addiction specialists aiming to simultaneously treat drug addiction and mental disorders. Additional health threats related to either condition, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other infectious diseases, are typically discussed within treatment to educate the individual about the risk of contracting or spreading these diseases.

Integrated Treatment Programs

An integrated treatment program, which may combine medication and behavior modification, is best applied as part of a long-term plan to achieve recovery. Individuals may opt to receive treatment in a long-term residential setting that provides time for easing withdrawal, learning and employing relapse prevention strategies, and selecting follow-up options for continued care, including community programs that support and encourage an individual to live a drug-free lifestyle.

Medications for Drug Detox and Treatment

Medications can play one of two roles during detox and treatment: as a tool to help suppress withdrawal symptoms and as a means of preventing relapse and reducing drug cravings. For example, effective medications for treating opioids, such as heroine, include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, although the latter option is less accepted. These medications suppress withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings by targeting the same area of the brain affected by the drugs. Individuals with severe addiction to multiple drugs will require treatment for all drugs abused.

Among the FDA–approved medications for treating alcohol dependence are naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Naltrexone blocks brain receptors related to pleasure and cravings, and reduces relapse to heavy drinking. Acamprosate may be used to reduce symptoms of long-lasting withdrawal, including insomnia, and anxiety. Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism and creates highly unpleasant effects, ranging from nausea and vomiting to headaches and blurred vision.

One primary purpose of medications is to help patients cease drug-seeking behavior and more willingly accept behavioral treatments. Once actively participating in these treatments, individuals can learn how to manage their own behavior, change their attitude towards drug use, and make healthier choices. Treatment options include outpatient programs comprised of individual or group drug counseling, as well as residential treatment programs.

Long Term Treatment Programs

These residential treatment programs tend to differ in their approach based on a few key elements. First, they are longer in duration, typically providing a program that lasts 6-12 months for an individual. Also, residential programs use a regimented routine with specific times designated for particular activities as part of a mission of teaching self-discipline. Finally, the community setting becomes an influential factor as individuals interact with addiction specialists, staff and peers on a daily basis. This community, with its shared mission of a drug-free life for all, can be a highly supportive part of long-term treatment for an addict who has experienced chronic relapse,  incarceration and separation from friends and loved ones.

 

What are the treatments for addiction?

Drug Addiction in Pakistan

Ist step :The first step towards recovery is acknowledging that substance use has become a problem in the person’s life which is disrupting the quality of their life. This can result from impairment in school, work, social, recreational or other important areas of function.

Once an individual recognizes the negative impact of a substance on their life, a wide range of treatment options is available.

A person with an addictive disorder requires access to treatment. For most people, treatment may last for the rest of their life. They will need to abstain from the substance on a life-long basis, which can be difficult. Treatment plans for addictive disorders will often change to meet the needs of the patient.

Treatment options for addiction depend on several factors, including the type of addictive disorder, the length and severity of use, and its effects on the individual. A doctor will also treat or refer for treatment any physical complications that have developed, such as liver disease in a person with alcohol use disorder or respiratory issues in people with an addiction to substances which have been smoked.

Several treatment options are available, and most people experiencing addiction will receive a combination of approaches. None of the treatments for addictive disorders work for every person.

Common interventions might involve a combination of inpatient and outpatient programs, psychological counseling, self-help groups, and medication.

Detoxification:Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions.

In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

If a person is addicted to more than one substance, they will often need medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms for each.

In 2017, an electronic device called the NSS-2 Bridge became available to reduce opiate withdrawal. The device sits behind the ear and gives off electrical pulses to trigger certain nerves that might provide relief from withdrawal symptoms.

counseling and behavioral therapies:This is the most common form of treatment following detoxification.

Therapy might occur on a one-to-one, group, or family basis depending on the needs of the individual. It is usually intensive at the outset of treatment with the number of sessions gradually reducing over time as symptoms improve.

Different types of therapy include:

  • cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps people recognize and change ways of thinking that have associations with substance use.
  • multi-dimensional family therapy, designed to help improve family function around an adolescent or teen with a substance-related disorder
  • motivational interviewing, which maximizes an individuals willingness to change and make adjustments to behaviors
  • motivational incentives that encourage abstinence through positive reinforcement

Counseling for addiction aims to help people change behaviors and attitudes around using a substance, as well as strengthening life skills and supporting other treatments.

In 2017, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever mobile application, reSET®, as effective for use alongside outpatient management for marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, and stimulant use disorders.

Some forms of treatment for addictive disorders focuses on the underlying cause of the addictive disorder in addition to behaviors characteristic of the addiction.

Rehabilitation programs:Longer-term treatment programs for substance-related and addictive disorders can be highly effective and typically focus on remaining drug-free and resuming function within social, professional, and family responsibilities.

Fully licensed residential facilities are available to structure a 24-hour care program, provide a safe housing environment, and supply any necessary medical interventions or assistance.

A few types of facility can provide a therapeutic environment, including:

  • Short-term residential treatment: This focuses on detoxification and preparing an individual for a longer period within a therapeutic community through intensive counseling.
  • Therapeutic communities: A person seeking long-term treatment for severe forms of addictive disorder would live in a residence for between 6 and 12 months with on-site staff and others in recovery. The community and staff serve as key factors in recovery from and changes in attitudes and behaviors toward drug use.
  • Recovery housing: This provides a supervised, short-term stay in housing to help people engage with responsibilities and adapt to a new, independent life without on-going substance use. Recovery housing includes advice on handling finances and finding work, as well as providing the connection between a person during the final stages of recovery and community support services.

      Self-help groups

These may help the recovering individual meet others with the same addictive disorder which often boosts motivation and reduces feelings of isolation. They can also serve as a useful source of education, community, and information.

Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

People who are struggle with other types of addiction can find out about self-help groups in their community either by an internet search or by asking a doctor or nurse for information.

Medications

A person might take medication on a continuous basis when recovering from a substance-related disorder and its related complications.

However, people most commonly use medications during detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms. The medication will vary depending on the substance that the person is addicted to.

Longer-term use of medications helps to reduce cravings and prevent relapse, or a return to using the substance after having recovered from addiction.

Medication is not a standalone treatment for addiction and should accompany other management methods such as psychotherapy.

Addiction to the following substances requires specific medications.

Alcohol

People with alcohol use disorder can take the following medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Naltrexone: This prevents the action of opioid receptors in the brain that produce rewarding and euphoric effects when a person consumes alcohol and reduces the risk of relapse. While not effective for all people in recovery, it has a considerable impact on abstinence in some people.
  • Acamprosate, or Campral: This might reduce long-term withdrawal symptoms, including sleeplessness, anxiety, and a general feeling of unhappiness known as dysphoria. This has a more beneficial effect in people with severe substance-related and addictive disorders.
  • Disulfiram, or Antabuse: This is a medication that disrupts the breakdown of alcohol, leading to adverse effects including facial redness, feeling sick, and an irregular heartbeat should the person in recovery attempt to consume alcohol. It acts as a deterrent for people who have high motivation levels toward recovery.

Doctors and rehabilitation specialists may prescribe other medication to address other possible mental health conditions, including depressionand anxiety, that may be a cause or result of substance-related disorders.

People in treatment programs should also receive testing for infectious diseases that might have resulted from certain high-risk situations associated with their addictive disorders such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.

 

 

 

ICE AND THE BRAIN

Drug Effects

Ice (crystal methamphetamine) triggers the release of two chemicals in the brain, called dopamine and noradrenaline. These chemicals are also released during pleasant activities – like eating and sex – and they are responsible for making us feel alert and excited. But flooding the brain with these chemicals can cause an ‘overload’ in the system which is why some people can’t sleep for days or experience symptoms of psychosisafter taking ice.

Ice also stops the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals which lowers their supply in the brain. This is why people often feel low or irritable for 2-3 days after taking ice.

Over the long term, regular use of ice can damage or destroy dopamine receptors in the brain — sometimes to a point where users no longer feel normal without having ice in their system. Even after people have stopped using ice it can take up to a year before these brain changes return to normal.

The initial effects of ice often last for between 4 and 12 hours depending on how much ice is consumed. Although the effects of ice are usually felt quickly (within minutes if it is smoked or injected, or about 30 minutes if snorted or swallowed), it can take 1 to 2 days to entirely leave the body.

A ‘comedown’ phase or ‘crash’ is often experienced by ice users as the drug starts to wear off. These feelings can last a few days and symptoms can include:

  • Feeling down or depressed
  • Decreased appetite
  • Exhaustion
  • Increased need for sleep
  • Irritability
  • Feeling anxious.

Withdrawals refer to unpleasant symptoms experienced by users who are dependenton ice. These symptoms can last for several days or many weeks, depending on the severity of use. With drawal symptoms can include:

  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Restlessness
  • Cramps
  • Vomiting.
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