Use of crystal meth is considered a major epidemic that destroys millions of lives around the world. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that 24.7 people use meth or similar stimulants, totaling a whopping 500 metric tons per year.
However, crystal meth is not merely a “poor man’s drug” as so often thought, and addiction isn’t confined to stereotypical users – wasted junkies in the gutter or unfortunate skid row residents. In reality, the drug is used by people across the socioeconomic spectrum, including middle-class suburban dwellers and people of great power and wealth.
Methamphetamines have been around for a number of years, but production techniques have improved and crystal meth is easy to find in both rural and urban areas. However, newer forms of meth manufactured in clandestine labs aren’t always pure and often contain very toxic, dangerous ingredients such as fingernail polish remover, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, lye, lithium, anhydrous ammonia or brake fluid.
How it Begins
Addiction frequently begins innocently as a way to decrease appetite in an attempt to lose weight, especially for women. For wealthy users, problems often begin as a response to stress and burnout caused by fierce competition and demanding hours associated with high-powered corporate jobs.
Regardless of how it begins, casual use can lead to full blown addiction very quickly, and once addiction occurs, everything else in life takes second place..
Dangers of crystal meth are substantial, regardless of the size of the bank account. Users are prone to a number of severe health problems, including violent behavior, anxiety, confusion and insomnia. Brain damage and heart damage, often permanent, are highly possible with long-term use.
