What Is Crystal Methamphetamine
Crystal Methamphetamine is a colorless, odorless form of d-methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive synthetic (man-made) stimulant. Crystal Methamphetamine typically resembles small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes. Like powdered Methamphetamine (another form of d-methamphetamine), Crystal Methamphetamine is used because of the long-lasting euphoric effects it produces. Crystal Methamphetamine, however, typically has a higher purity level and may produce even longer-lasting and more intense physiological effects than the powdered form of the drug.
Crystal Methamphetamine typically is smoked using glass pipes similar to pipes used to smoke Crack Cocaine. Crystal Methamphetamine also may be injected. A user who smokes or injects the drug immediately experiences an intense sensation followed by a high that may last 12 hours or more depending on dose and how the drug is administered.
Effects And Risks Of Crystal Methamphetamine
Crystal Methamphetamine increases arousal in the central nervous system by pumping up levels of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. At low doses, it boosts alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue. At higher doses, it causes exhilaration and euphoria. At very high doses, the drug can cause agitation, paranoia, and bizarre behavior.
Crystal Methamphetamine use is associated with numerous serious physical problems. The drug can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain–which can lead to a stroke.
Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining. Overdoses can cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsions, and death.
Individuals who use Crystal Methamphetamine also may have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. The drug can produce psychotic symptoms that persist for months or years after an individual has stopped using the drug.
Crystal Methamphetamine users who inject the drug expose themselves to additional risks, including contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B and C. Chronic users who inject Methamphetamine also risk scarred or collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver or kidney disease.
Is Crystal Methamphetamine Addictive
Crystal Methamphetamine is very addictive, like Methamphetamine (powder) 95% of those who are hooked on meth became hooked after the first time.