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The drug known as "crystal" is a highly addictive methamphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), causing euphoria and excitement.
It takes the name "Crystal" due to the shape it usually presents, which looks like small pieces of semitransparent white or blue crystal, although it can also be found as a white or yellow powder.
Other names by which methamphetamine is known are: "speed", "met", "chalk", "ice", or "glass". It is also known as "Day of Birthday" because, they say, causes intense pleasure reminiscent of the day of birth.
In recent years, this drug has become very popular and has become one of the most addictive, since its consumption increases dopamine levels in the body between 1000% and 7000% (crack increases it by 350%).
To consume Cristal, it is heated and then smoked in a glass tube. Less commonly, this drug is crushed to be snorted or injected. Methamphetamine when smoked reaches the bloodstream earlier, further promoting the addictive nature of the substance.
People who use methamphetamine are looking for an immediate and long-lasting feeling of euphoria. This substance acts as a stimulant throughout the brain and body, causing an almost instant euphoria, followed by increased energy and alertness. The effects of consumption last between 6 and 12 hours.
Unfortunately, the desirable effects of methamphetamine quickly give way to the undesirable effects of the substance. For example, even short-term use of methamphetamine can lead to erratic or violent behavior when taken in large doses..
Other side effects of methamphetamine are:
Regular use of crystal methamphetamine can lead to severe anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia. Additionally, thoughts of suicide, or even homicide have been observed in some methamphetamine addicts..
All of these long-term effects often lead to crime, rape, murder, arrest, and even death from violent acts, attempted robbery, or simply from prolonged use..
Methamphetamine crystal "tells" the brain to secrete more dopamine, a chemical that causes a sensation of reward or pleasure..
Increased dopamine activity is what scientists believe plays an important role in the development of addiction to certain drugs. The positive feeling of dopamine is believed to be so strong and intensely rewarding that it reinforces addictive behavior.
As users become more tolerant of methamphetamine, they will need more of Cristal to achieve the desired effects, thus taking in increasing amounts, putting themselves in danger of overdosing and fueling the body's dependence on the drug..
Over time, after a period of stimulant intoxication, dopamine receptor activity becomes severely impaired, which can cause perceived happiness and pleasure to decline and even lead to permanent cognitive impairments..
When the Crystal no longer produces the same euphoric effect, the user enters a stage called "adjustment." During this time, you often feel intense anxiety and despair. It is at this point that psychotic symptoms, delusions and other altered perceptions of reality appear. Many start looking for a career when they get to this point.
When in recovery, after long-term insomnia and loss of appetite are over, most people tend to do little more than sleep for the next few days. After this, comes a period when the person dependent on methamphetamine will be hungry, thirsty and fatigued due to the effects of the substance. This period can last up to 2 weeks, and is sometimes accompanied by the onset of clinically significant depression..
Symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal may include:
Crystal methamphetamine withdrawal can be truly harsh and can easily lead users to relapse in an attempt to alleviate symptoms. This is why it is necessary to be on a medically supervised detox program that can ensure symptom management and help prevent relapse..
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