Meth Addiction Meth addiction
(psychological dependence) is a developed pattern of
thoughts, feelings and actions that centers the user’s
attention on acquiring and using crystal meth.
Crystal meth addiction
has reached epidemic levels throughout the continents
of North America and Asia. It looks as if Asian populations
across the globe are especially susceptible to the allure
of methamphetamine. Consequently, some Asian areas have
very high rates of crystal meth addiction. In the U.S.,
crystal meth addiction is devastating Filipino and Polynesian
neighborhoods throughout Hawaii. It is worth noting
that methamphetamine addiction is a pernicious problem
in many gay and lesbian neighborhoods.
Meth addiction starts
long before the first use of crystal methamphetamine.
Addiction begins during childhood when pre-adolescents
or adolescents drink their first alcoholic drink or
smoke their first joint. The younger a person begins
experimenting with drugs or alcohol, the more engrained
the behavior. The fact is that alcoholism and drug addiction
are pediatric problems.
The risk of developing
crystal meth addiction problems are much greater for
anyone who experimented with drugs or alcohol before
the age of ten. The risks are less but similar for anyone
who experiments with drugs or alcohol before the age
of 14. Meth users who become full blown addicts can
usually retrace their first drug or alcohol use to an
occurrence before the age of 18.
What is the allure?
Meth addicts like the effects of crystal meth.
Common
addictive crystal meth effects include:
• Euphoria
• Sexual stimulation
• Energy
• Elimination of negative emotions.
Crystal
meth addiction is at epidemic levels throughout
the United States. The result of long-term crystal meth
addiction is physical, psychological, social
and financial ruin.
