Methamphetamine is one of the fastest-spreading drug dangers in the United States, distributed by street gangs and Mexican drug cartels. As of 2006, there were 1.5 million crystal meth addicts in the U.S. and admissions for meth treatment had outpaced those for cocaine and heroin in 14 states. In some states, disturbingly high percentages of high school students (6% or more) had tried meth in some form, and the fastest-growing age group requiring treatment for crystal meth was under 25. Women are especially at risk because meth is touted as an effective way to lose weight.

Methamphetamine is one of the most highly addictive of all drugs, with damaging and permanent long-term effects. The white, crystalline substance left after distilling meth from ephedrine and pseudoephedrine  is known as “crystal meth.” It is popular because it is can be smoked or inhaled for a high that can last up to 12 hours, or injected for a short but extremely intense “rush.” Its rapid spread and terrible effects prompted crackdowns on the means of production starting in 2004 in states throughout the West and Midwest, where it is especially prevalent, second only to alcohol and marijuana as the drug most frequently abused. Despite this, it is still spreading.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reports that even one-time use can produce permanent toxic effects in the brain due to the extremely high levels of dopamine released by a “hit.” Crystal meth addiction is both highly probable following methamphetamine experimentation, and very difficult to treat. Its long-term effects, in addition to physical and emotional dependency, include compulsive behavior related to seeking and using the drug, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, and sometimes violent behavior. Addiction to crystal meth can also cause paranoia, mood swings, delusions, and hallucinations. Some people become suicidal or even homicidal as a result of the paranoia.

Signs of crystal meth addiction are easy to spot. Aside from the obsessive need to obtain the drug, meth itself has a drying effect on the skin, inducing itching and picking at the skin among addicts to find imagined “meth lice”. This inflicts easily identifiable wounds, especially on the face. Meth rots the teeth, so “meth mouth” shows up as bad teeth and a collapsed jaw. Meth addiction can also manifest in severe weight loss, frantic energy, excessive sweating and flushed appearance, and very deep sleep. Meth addicts will neglect children as well as themselves in pursuit of their habit, destroying relationships, health, and careers.

Treatment for crystal meth addiction is a long process. It cannot be approached with the single goal of detoxification to rid the body of toxins. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “the most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction are behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral and contingency management interventions.” Contingency management interventions provide incentives to addicts to seek treatment and abstain from using meth. A combination of behavioral treatment, family education, counseling, continuing support and encouragement toward drug-free activities has been proven effective in fighting crystal meth addiction. A coordinated meth treatment program through an experienced drug treatment center is best.