Know about Crystal Meth....

Crystal meth (crystal d-methamphetamine hydrochloride) is the crystalline form of methamphetamine, an intensive addictive stimulant drug, often used recreationally as a party drug. It is commonly used by young people at parties to enhance the energy level for dancing and clubbing.

Crystal meth is a crystal like powdered substance that sometimes comes in large rock-like chunks. When the powder flakes off the rock, the shards look like glass, which is another nickname for meth. It is usually white or slightly yellow, depending on the purity. It is made of highly volatile, toxic substances (based on such chemical "precursors" as methylamine and amyl amine) that are melded in differing combinations. The mixes are never exactly the same, but basic types are a rough yellow substance called Hydro and a smooth white blend called Glass.

Chalk, Crank, Croak, Crypto, Crystal, Fire, Glass, Meth, Speed, White cross; are the street names for this dangerous drug. A more recent form of smokable meth is known as “ice”.

The drug can either be snorted or injected, or in its crystal form 'ice' smoked in a pipe, and brings on a feeling of exhilaration and a sharpening of focus. Meth promises euphoria and a loss of inhibitions. Smoking ice results in an instantaneous dose of almost pure drug to the brain, giving a huge rush followed by a feeling of euphoria for anything from 2-16 hours.

For some this could result in obsessive cleaning or tidying, but for many the biggest bonus is the sense of sexual liberation which can result in mad, abandoned sex for hours - sometimes days - on end. Among the effects reported by crystal users (known as "tweakers") meth increases the need and urgency for sex, the ability to have sex for extended periods (hours or even days), and an inability to ejaculate or reach orgasm or physical release.

In addition to increasing the need for sex and enabling the user to engage in marathon sex sessions, crystal lowers inhibitions and causes users to behave recklessly or to become forgetful.

Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant that increases wakefulness and physical activity but decreases appetite. Methamphetamine addicts go days without sleeping or eating and get what is known as "a drug-induced anorexia." Malnourished, the body starts eating itself. First fat, then it starts eating muscles. Smoking ice results in body temperature rises, rapid cardiac and respiratory rates developing as the blood pressure increases. The drug can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, and bizarre, aggressive and psychotic behavior. High dose of the drug can bring on full blown toxic psychosis (often exhibited as violent, aggressive behavior). Overdosing can also lead to severe convulsions followed by circulatory and respiratory collapse, coma and death. Some people have died after taking small doses. Long-term exposure to methamphetamine has toxic affects on the brain. The toxic chemicals in crystal methamphetamine literally eat away brain tissue. It puts holes in your brain. Recent research suggests that long-term exposure may cause cell death in the frontal cortex, the area of the brain that governs important executive functions such as control of behavior and personality.

As meth is addictive, users can develop a tolerance quickly, needing higher amount to get high and going on longer binges. "The brain develops a desperate need for this substance, which makes the road to recovery long, very painful, and filled with relapses."

So say NO to crystal meth.

The Dangers Of Crystal Meth

You should talk to your kids about the horrible scourge of “Crystal Meth”.How else are they to know? Or if the information they receive from friends or the street is watered down or plain wrong and misinformed?

Methamphetamine or commonly called “Crystal Meth” is a dangerous, highly addictive drug. It is cheap, widely available and making inroads among young people. Sooner or late your kids may you asked or encouraged by peer pressure to try it. “It is great and a little bit cannot hurt”. Now is the time to get the facts and dangers of Crystal Meth on the table for your kids.

When this terrible day occurs you want your kids to be able to say a firm “no” to this very dangerous villain. Believe it or not your opinion can make a big difference to your kids. Knowing where you stand can give them the confidence - and the facts – they need to make this choice of saying “no” which should be their only choice.

The important thing is to be honest about how you feel and communicate the message that “Crystal Meth is a dangerous, addictive drug that can do major permanent damage “. The second message to clearly expound is “I do not want you using Crystal Meth because I love you and I am concerned and care what happens to you.”

This can be the first of many ongoing conversations you can have with your kids about Crystal Meth and other drugs over the coming months and years.

What are the facts about Crystal Meth? Firstly that Crystal Meth is highly addictive and that the addiction takes hold very quickly. Addicts begin to “binge and crash” taking more of the drug more often. You should be aware that Crystal Meth is known by other names including jib, crank, meth, crystal ice, glass, chalk or speed.

Users can swallow, inhale, smoke or inject the drug. It should be made clear that while a person is high on Crystal Meth that their judgment is beyond severely impaired. The person is a lot more likely to make very bad decisions – including taking other dangerous drugs or encouraging in unprotected sex.

You can ask your child or teen if they have heard of Crystal Meth and what do they think of it. Listen carefully to the answers and take a moment before responding. Again let them know the damage that Crystal Meth causes.’

Do not feel uncomfortable about a few moments of silence in your conversation, especially after you have asked a question (or received a short answer). Your son or daughter may be working up the courage to tell you something important.

Remember that it is okay if your child does not agree with everything you say.Make sure that they understand where you sand and what you expect. On the other foot be prepared to have an open discussion.

Lastly help your child learn to say “no” by rehearsing situations where they might be offered Crystal Meth at a party, a Rave or before a big exam. Remember the most important message that Crystal Meth is a dangerous, addictive drug that can do permanent addictive damage.

By: Margaret Mathew