Is Crystal Meth The Most Addictive Drug?

Many sources name crystal meth as the most addictive drug on the streets while others consider heroin and cocaine as number one. Although the debate continues, one thing is for sure. Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (NSDUH), there are 24.7 million crystal meth abusers worldwide.

When an individual first ingests meth, they experience sensations of artificial euphoria within the brain. This high lasts much longer than crack or cocaine. In fact, the high a user receives off crystal meth can last anywhere from four to sixteen hours.

Once the high begins to wear off, the user will experience extreme tiredness. This usually results in a long period of sleep for the user unless they engage in more crystal meth. The next time that individual uses it, they’ll have to increase their dosage to get the same high. As the process continues, the user will become more and more addicted.

Addiction to crystal meth affects different people in different ways. While one person may become hooked quickly, it may take another a longer period to form an addiction. Crystal meth users can be classified into three groups:

• Casual users: These users ingest their crystal meth by swallowing or snorting it. They are simply seeking a little more energy, so they can either finish a job, a project, or eliminate their appetite as a way to lose weight.

• Heavy users: These individuals usually ingest crystal meth by smoking or shooting it into a vein in their arm, foot, or another part of the body. By smoking or shooting it, the user will receive a stronger and more intense dose.

• High-intensity users: This user’s number one goal is to avoid coming down off the high. The individual will continue to do more and more as their addiction becomes the driving force in their life.

When a user comes down off crystal meth, they’ll begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

• Excessive sleeping
• Profound depression
• Increased anxiety
• Stronger appetite
• Psychosis
• Paranoia

Crystal meth addiction can cause many problems besides damage to your physical and mental well-being. Addiction can create issues in your social life, family life, work environment, and many other areas.

• Social life: When a user is addicted to crystal meth, they may become distant to friends and loved ones who are not also involved with using crystal meth.

• Family life: Many users neglect their children or become distant to their family members when they are addicted to meth.

• Work environment: Users who are addicted to crystal meth will more than likely face problems in their career. These can include poor performance, repeated absences, and the inability to get along with co-workers.

So is crystal meth the most addictive drug? Whether or not crystal meth is ranked as number one may always be a debate. Some sources say it is while others say heroin and cocaine is. Regardless of its exact rank however, it is highly addictive and those with an addiction may not be able to free themselves without professional help.