Crystal Meth is a formulation of the drug methamphetamine, which is a stimulant that can be ingested nasally, smoked, or injected. Initial effects of the drug include increased energy, a sense of euphoria, and increased libido. These initial effects are usually experienced as pleasurable and set the stage for the development of future addictive behavior as its users attempt to recreate that initial pleasurable “high” by continuing to use the drug.
Over a short period of time, crystal meth’s negative effect on brain chemistry begins to be seen. Common negative effects begin as depression and anxiety. Anxiety soon becomes associated with panic attacks and eventually delusional paranoia. Compulsive sexual activity often accompanies crystal meth use because of the drug’s effect of increasing libido and decreasing inhibitions. This deadly combination results in compulsive sexual behavior characterized by a impaired decision making regarding safer sex behaviors. The result is often the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B/C, and syphyllis.
Crystal Meth is most commonly seen as a rural concern in the non-gay community. In the LGBT community, however, crystal meth is an urban issue that has increased dramatically in recent years.
Indications of problem Crystal Meth use may include:
- Increased feelings of anxiety and agitation
- The development of extreme paranoia, often accompanied by delusional beliefs
- Inability to sleep, going for days on little or no sleep
- Increasing tolerance that requires higher doses and/or more frequent use to achieve the desired effect
- “Slamming” (injecting) the drug
- Noticeable increase of risky behaviors, sexual promiscuity, unsafe sexual practices
- Physical signs that include deteriorating oral health (“Meth Mouth”), high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and skin itching (or a sense that there are insects crawling on the skin surface)
Crystal Meth abuse and its accompanying risky behaviors can be successfully treated. Education, therapy, and social support grounded in the tradition of 12-Step philosophy are a few of the methods shown to be successful in combating crystal meth addiction. PRIDE Institute has been helping LGBT people recover from drug abuse and dependence since 1986.
Depressive and bipolar disorders can be treated with medication, talk therapy and other methods. PRIDE Institute has been helping LGBT people with these disorders since 1986.
For More Information:
Complete the Crystal Meth Use Self-Assessment
Call PRIDE Institute Information & Admissions: 800-54-PRIDE or email us at support@pride-institute.com.
Self-Assessment
Crystal Meth abuse can lead very quickly to dependence, often without the realization that it is occurring.
Do you wonder whether or not you have a problem with crystal meth? Here are four questions that may help you look at your using behavior.
Note: This self assessment is for information purposes only. It does not replace a formal evaluation by a medical or mental health professional.
- Have you noticed feelings of increased anxiety or paranoia?
- Is your drug use associated with risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex?
- Are you losing weight? Have friends expressed concern about your appearance?
- Are you finding yourself distant from your non-using friends?
- Have you noticed problems with your teeth, gums or other aspects of oral health?
If you use Crystal Meth and can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from taking a closer look at your use. We can help.
Call PRIDE Institute Information and Admissions at 800-54-PRIDE or email us at support@pride-institute.com.
How PRIDE Can Help
Crystal Meth addiction is a special problem for the LGBT community.
PRIDE Institute can help you recover from dependence on crystal meth and become the person you were always meant to be. It all begins by picking up the phone and asking for help.
Call us at 800-54-PRIDE to speak with an Information and Admissions counselor or email us at support@pride-institute.com.
Resources
The following links provide useful information on Crystal Meth:*
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Methamphetamine FAQ
- Article: Crystal Meth, HIV and the Gay Community
- Entry: Methamphetamine and Sex from Wilkipedia.org
- Article: Crystal Methamphetamine from About.com Gay Life
Call 800-54-PRIDE for a free assessment and for further information.
*Information on these sites is deemed reliable but is outside the control of PRIDE Institute.
