Like many illegal drugs, crystal meth is shrouded in myth and is thus mysterious to many people who have no experience with the drug.
What cannot be doubted, however, is that crystal meth abuse is a serious problem that almost always warrants treatment.
If someone in your family has been using this drug and cannot seem to stop, make sure they get treatment as soon as possible.
Beyond that, here are some important things you may need to know about the drug and its use.
How is meth made? Most crystal meth is made illicitly in home meth labs.
People who make it use a variety of chemicals and over-the-counter medications to make meth.
The drug is rarely pure and often contains dangerous chemicals.
The process itself is risky.
It emits gasses that can be toxic to humans, and there is a high risk of explosion.
Hence, the drug is dangerous even outside of crystal meth abuse.
What does crystal meth look like? Crystal meth usually take the appearance of small, white, crystal chunks.
It is sometimes colored, and impure forms often have a brownish or off-white appearance.
It is often sold in clear plastic bags.
How is crystal meth used? Crystal meth abuse usually takes the form of either snorting or smoking, although the drug can also be injected.
All forms are equally dangerous in most ways, although injection comes with a greater risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens, and snorting does greater damage to the nasal passages.
What are the drug's effects? Crystal meth is a stimulant, which means that it creates a brief high lasting a few minutes.
Once the high wears off, users often experience a feeling of depression and fatigue.
These post-high feelings last much longer than the high itself.
Long-term crystal meth abuse leads to all sorts of physical problems, including malnourishment, hypertension, acne, digestive problems, pale skin, tooth decay, and heart problems.
Psychologically, the drug can give users depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental disorders.
Most of the effects eventually fade away during treatment, but some may become permanent.
Is meth addictive? Meth is one of the most addictive illicit drugs out there, and regular abuse almost always leads to an intense addiction.
Meanwhile, users develop tolerance and generally have to use more and more of the drug to achieve the same high.
Addiction can develop after just a few days of regular use.
Withdrawal is rarely fatal in and of itself, but it is highly uncomfortable and can cause potentially fatal complications when other health issues are present.
How does crystal meth treatment work? Most drug and alcohol treatment facilities are equipped to handle meth addicts.
People who have engaged in long-term abuse generally undergo a detox period lasting a few days.
After that comes stabilization, which involves one-on-one therapy and support group meetings.
This drug has a high incidence of relapse, so treatment must be intensive and long-term.