Crystal Meth in brief

Crystal meth, produced on the streets, is a more toxic form of pure meth and it has a blue color, glass like appearance.

It is far more addictive than the powered meth, thus crystal meth addiction is the most prominent form of the meth addiction.

The crystals are heated in a class tube and smoked, or melted and injected into the veins. Crystal meth activates the central nervous system and stimulates the production of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine.

At low doses, it boosts alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue. At high doses it produces a "rush" feeling of euphoria that can last for more than twelve hours.

Crystal meth is produced by meth cooks in clandestine labs. These labs can be found anywhere from apartment complex to the back seat of a motor vehicle.

Some of the common ingredients used to make crystal meth can be found at the over the counter drug store.

These ingredients includes cold medication containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, lye, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorous, drain cleaner, battery acid, , lantern fuel, and antifreeze.

These ingredients cost a few hundred dollars and can produce products worth thousands of dollars.

Crystal meth effects depends on a variety of factors that include, the age, dosage, body weight, how  long the drug has been taken, the method of administering, and so forth. 

Crystal meth effects are similar to that of cocaine, except the effects last much longer. The euphoria may last as long as 12 hours as compared to cocaine effects that last only a few minutes.

Moreover some of the major side effects may last as long as 24 hours after the drug has being administered. Tolerance to this stimulant can develop with long term use of it; this means that the user will require a larger dosage of the drug to achieve the desired effects. 

High dose use can result in sadistic behavior, insomnia, anxiety, weight loss and confusion.  Other crystal meth effects include tachycardia and hypertension, which can lead to damage of blood vessels in the brain and this resulting in strokes and eventually death.

With long-term use, psychosis can build up including paranoia, mood swings, delusion and hallucination. A major physical feature of Crystal Meth addicts is Meth mouth and dry sores.

These addicts have rotting teeth and dry mouth due to decrease saliva production. The decrease in oxygen circulation to extremities also results in body sores. 

Many crystal meth users who have receive treatment find it very difficult to remain sober. Researchers have suggested that only about ten percent of crystal meth addicts remain clear of the drug after treatment.

This is because abstaining from crystal meth produces feeling of depression and loss of self worth. Life without the drug is seen as dull and insufferable.

Thus self will alone is not the only means for abstaining from the use of crystal meth.