Crystal Methamphetamine Effects

Crystal methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, which acts on the central nervous system to induce euphoria and increase mental alertness and concentration. Methamphetamine is basically a drug used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and exogenous obesity. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved this drug for the treatment of these two conditions. It is sold under the trademark name 'Desoxyn'. But, it is known to be a highly abused drug, which is largely made in illegal laboratories. It is commonly known as 'crystal meth' and comes in the form of colorless or bluish white small crystals, that can be injected, smoked using glass pipes, snorted or can be eaten.

Crystal Meth Abuse

It is a highly addictive drug. It is a psychoactive stimulant drug, i.e. it can affect the mood or the mental processes by stimulating the central nervous system. It causes the release of neurotransmitters like, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, and thus activates the 'psychological reward system'. This in turn, enhances mood, mental alertness, self-esteem and confidence. Crystal meth produces euphoria effects, for which it is abused by a large number of people.

Abuse of crystal meth can have numerous adverse effects on the body and the mind. Abuse of methamphetamine can elevate the blood pressure and heart rate, and cause anorexia, anxiety, restlessness, aggression, hyperactivity, tachycardia, suicidal thoughts, palpitations, blurred vision, twitching, arrhythmias, diarrhea or constipation, increased libido, headaches, dizziness and bradycardia. In the case of overdose, the main crystal meth effects can be high body temperature or hyperthermia and convulsions, which can prove fatal at times.

Its use can deteriorate the skin condition, as the users develop an urge to pick the skin constantly. The drug produces a sensation that bugs are crawling on or under the skin, which compels the user to pick the skin. Its main effects on skin are, itchy skin and development of skin sores, due to continuous skin picking. In the long run, its chronic use can cause psychosis, anxiety, insomnia, depression, heart problems, erectile dysfunction, significant weight loss, malnutrition, tooth decay and discoloration, delusions and hallucinations. Its prolonged abuse can damage the brain and increase the risk of stroke by damaging the small blood vessels of the brain. Long term use of methamphetamine can also damage the kidneys and the liver.

Crystal Meth Dangers for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women abusing this drug can experience severe anxiety, depression, decreased cognitive abilities such as, memory, reasoning or judgment, insomnia, increase in blood pressure and heart rate, irritability and paranoia. Dddiction to this drug during pregnancy can have serious effects on the unborn baby. Women abusing this substance usually give birth to premature babies with low birth weight. Apart from these, such babies are more likely to have birth defects such as, cleft lip along with heart defects, respiratory problems and skeletal abnormalities like, clubfoot. Its use in high doses during pregnancy may cause a rapid rise in blood pressure of the unborn baby, which may result in stroke or brain hemorrhage as well.

Crystal meth can cause addiction and serious physical and psychological problems, if abused for a prolonged time period. This highly addictive drug is presently categorized as a 'Schedule II drug' under the 'Controlled Substances Act'. Therefore, several restrictions have been placed on the production, distribution, as well as sale and possession of this psychoactive drug.