Crystal meth is short-hand for the street drug crystallized methamphetamine. Crystal meth is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that increases the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Methamphetamines are prescribed for the treatment of attention disorders and obesity, but illicit use of crystal meth sees a much larger prevalence. In the August 2006 issue of Pharmacotherapy, Dr. Frank Romanelli and Dr. Kelli Smith reported that there are 35 million methamphetamine abusers worldwide and roughly 600,000 Americans that use regularly. Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug, and dependence can result in several clinical symptoms.
Psychiatric Symptoms
There are several psychiatric symptoms of crystal meth addiction. There are several psychiatric-related criteria in the text-revised fourth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." These include anxiety, agitation and auditory and visual hallucinations. Users also often experience learning impairments, psychotic features such as mania, aggression and feelings invincibility. Crystal meth addicts may also display eccentric and strange behavior with wide-ranging mood swings. When users try to stop, they may experience withdrawal symptoms including depression, anxiety, severe fatigue and extended sleep periods. The International Programme on Chemical Safety states that the euphoria and excitement are the primary reasons for abuse. The agency also states that the negative psychiatric symptoms of chronic abuse are indistinguishable from the features of schizophrenia.
Social and Behavioral Symptoms
People addicted to crystal meth also often show social and behavioral symptoms. The criteria in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" provides several key features. Regular users may use larger amounts than intended and for longer than intended. They may also be unsuccessful in trying to limit use or quit entirely. Long periods of time may be spent recovering from crystal meth binges. Users often experience problems with social, legal, family and work relationships. Users may also continue to use despite negative consequences caused by and made worse by crystal meth use. According to Romanelli and Smith, methamphetamine abuse can also increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, most likely due to impaired judgment combined with an increased sex drive. The study also states that children of crystal meth abusers often experience a high rate of neglect and emotional trauma due to the parents' preoccupation with using and acquiring more drugs.
Physical Symptoms
Crystal meth dependence also results in several physical symptoms. The International Programme on Chemical Safety states that there are several physical effects of heavy crystal meth use and dependence. Crystal meth can cause severe damage to the heart, including stroke, tissue death and spasms. Users also often experience major gastrointestinal problems, primarily anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, tooth decay and abdominal cramps. Kidney and liver failure are also potential physical outcomes of crystal meth dependence. Another feature that crystal meth users display is a scratching or picking behavior, believing that something is directly under the skin. Users may have open sores on the face, abdomen or limbs.
References
- Pharamacotherapy: Clinical Effects and Management of Methamphetamine Abuse
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition-Text Revised"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- International Programme on Chemical Safety: Methamphetamine
