Crystal meth addiction has ruined thousands of families and lives. Also known as methamphetamine or meth, this drug is an addictive and powerful stimulant drug that can easily make a person lose control of one’s own life. This article will discuss what crystal meth addiction is and zone in on its negative effects on one’s mental and emotional health. Whether you want to know what does crystal meth look like or you’re just interested in the risks involved, this post should definitely help you out.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a dysfunction in the brain. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, it does not mean that you or that person is weak or is choosing to ruin their life. It simply means that you or that person’s brain needs help. Addiction stems from the incapacity of the brain to balance its stress, reward, and self-control circuits.
What is crystal meth?
Crystal meth, also known as “glass” or “ice” is a highly addictive drug that is popularly used during parties. It affects the central nervous system by giving people who use it a quick rush of euphoria. Methamphetamine is a man-made drug that has been around for years. It was even used during World War II to keep soldiers awake during battle. It has also been taken to help people deal with depression and to lose weight.
What is crystal meth addiction?
Crystal meth addiction is a brain disorder that involves the failure of an individual to lose control of his or her use of crystal meth. When someone is suffering from crystal meth addiction, one cannot control one’s self from using meth. Prolonged and consistent use of meth leads to negative effects on one’s mental and emotional health.
10 Negative Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction on Mental and Emotional Health:
- Poor Sleep Hygiene
People who suffer from crystal meth addiction experience difficulties in managing their sleep. This in turn results in an imbalanced physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This is one of the most common long-term effects of crystal meth addiction.
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Aggression
Aggression is heightened when one is addicted to crystal meth. This leads people to be becoming violent and argumentative. This is the case because crystal meth addiction makes one more irritable and easily agitated.
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Anxiety
As the brain is imbalanced and functioning poorly when it comes to rewards, stress, and self-control, one who is suffering from crystal meth addiction will also be anxious. This is the case because the brain’s stress response system is not working well. This is why all the slightest matters can easily make one addicted to crystal meth feel anxious.
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Social Isolation
As one is more aggressive, violent, and anxious, social isolation becomes the most natural thing. This leads to one feeling alienated and alone. This is not good for one’s mental and emotional health as humans are social creatures. Everyone needs a support system and people with crystal meth addiction find ways to remove themselves from such.
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Moodiness or Emotional Instability
A person who is having a hard time with crystal meth addiction will be moody. There will be emotional instability because the drug has tinkered with the brain’s capacity to handle moods. This is the case because crystal meth use can give one a rush of euphoric feelings. Crystal meth addicts doing this often tamper the brain’s normal responses because feeling euphoric all the time is not a regular human experience.
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Impaired Social Functioning
As one is emotionally unstable and more violent when addicted to crystal meth, one loses the capacity to interact well with other people. They also end up neglecting their responsibilities and obligations.
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Depression
The use of crystal meth depletes the brain’s capacity to handle hormones that help in regulating one’s mood. This is why people who are addicted to crystal meth can feel hopeless, sad, and lack interest in living.
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Poor Impulse Control
Crystal meth addicts end up acting poorly and choosing risky lifestyles because their impulse control gets impaired. The part of their brains that help in determining if a thing is dangerous or risky gets impaired. This is why crystal meth users often get involved in criminal acts or unprotected sex. The state of their brain fails to allow them to consider consequences.
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Psychosis
As the brain’s function is compromised, crystal meth addicts experience delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Their brain gets out of touch with reality and makes them see and hear things that don’t even exist. This is because the brain is no longer functioning well. This leads to psychological distress and impairment.
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Cognitive Impairment
As the brain suffers from prolonged imbalance and dysfunction, the brain loses its capacity to work well. This can lead someone suffering from crystal meth addiction to have a hard time processing memory, concentrating, and making decisions. This is because the brain is overwhelmed with disruptions. The brain cannot function well if it is not balanced and healthy. Crystal meth addiction causes this kind of brain damage.
Reach Out for Help
Living a full life simply involves full awareness of one’s self. One can be fully aware of one’s self if one is balanced. It’s impossible to be balanced though if one is suffering from addiction. If you fear that you or your loved could be suffering from crystal meth addiction, the time to act is now. Reach out for help. It’s never too late.
References:
Drug Misuse and Addiction
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
Crystal Meth: What You Should Know
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/crystal-meth-what-you-should_know
Meth Addiction: Facts, Statistics & How Meth Changes You