Teen Crystal Meth Abuse

Crystal meth is one form of methamphetamine. It is a white crystalline drug that is used by people. Just like other drugs, this is a popular source of teen drug abuse.This drug is used by snorting or inhaling, injecting with a needle, and smoking. Crystal meth addiction is very common as the intake of the drug creates a false sense of happiness and well being and this feeling often encourages the user to use the drug again and again. In the beginning the use of crystal meth might give the user some pleasure but even from the start crystal meth begins to destroy the user’s life.

Short Term and Long Term Impact of Crystal Meth Abuse

Crystal meth is known to create a false sense of well-being and energy and this particular quality of the drug makes it highly addictive and abused. The long term use of this drug causes a lot of adverse effects on health and can destroy the normal life of a human being. These effects include loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, as well as confusion or hallucinations.

Let us take a look at the short term and long term effects of crystal meth:

Short term effects

• Loss of appetite
• Extreme weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dilated or shrunken pupils
• Increased blood pressure, heart rate as well as body temperature
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Disturbed bizarre, erratic as well as sometimes violent behavior
• Hallucinations and irritability
• Seizures, convulsions and death from high doses
• Panic and psychosis

Long term impact

• Damage to the lung, kidney, and liver
• Permanent damage to the blood vessels of brain and heart
• Extreme high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes, heart attack and death
• Breathing problem
• Development of infectious diseases and abscesses
• Weight loss and problem of malnutrition
• Depression, confusion, exhaustion and disoriented behavior
• Psychosis

Crystal Meth Abuse Treatment for Teens

Teen crystal meth abuse is rising at an alarming rate in teens and this is very dangerous. In order to get out of this destructive circle of abuse, drug rehab and treatment is mandatory. These days there are specialized drug rehab programs for teens to help them get out of their abuse and addiction problem.

A teen drug rehab and treatment program for crystal meth includes:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling and educational groups
• Family counseling
• 12 step education
• Recreational activities and team building
• Recovery planning for relapse prevention