Crystal
Meth
Contact Us
Please contact us for further information.
Centre for Student Development and Counselling
416-979-5195
www.ryerson.ca/counselling
Authors: Isabela Zedzian, Elizabeth Ng, Ellen Leung, Joseph Malunay,
Bojana Radosavljevic, Arlene Tedjo
Series Editors: Kelly McShane, Amy Brown-Bowers, Amelia Usher
Consultants: Reena Tandon, Diana Brecher
Community Engaged
Learning & Teaching
Student Experience Centre
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Arts
Photo credits: www.freeimages.co.uk
Faculty of Arts
Department of Psychology
What is Crystal
Meth ?
Common reasons for use
What’s with the name?
• The availability
• Females: rapid weight loss (short-term, regain weight back
approximately after 6 weeks). Therefore women more likely
than men to use the drug.
• Long lasting high (12 hours to several days).
• Increases concentration, energy, alertness & decrease
appetite, fatigue.
• Taken when people feel depressed but ironically it can
cause depression.
•Street youth report using crystal meth as a coping strategy
to stay awake to protect their possessions, suppress their
appetite so they do not feel the need to eat and helps cope
with negative emotions.
Street names: speed, crank, crystal, ice, meth, chalk,
chicken powder, peanut butter crank, go fast, crystal
Can crystal meth be misused?
Crystal meth belongs to the methamphetamine drug
category and classified as a central nervous system
(CNS) stimulant, when smoked/used, can rapidly
achieve high concentrations in the brain. Meth is a
synthesized substance that cannot be produced in
nature on its own.
meth, shabu shabu, glass, go qip, chris, and christy.
Tolerance to the effects of crystal meth builds quickly. In order
to keep the same high, a larger amount of the drug is required.
When dependence for the drug has developed, users find
themselves suffering withdrawal effects and cravings within
several days. The potential for overdose also exists.
Who uses crystal meth?
According to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent
Health, 2.8 percent of adults between the ages of 18 to 26 had
reported methamphetamine use within the past year (2007).
Historically, use was linked with biker gangs and hippies.
Availability has increased largely in part to easier production
and the low cost of the drug. Increased use has been found
in nightclubs, young people at raves, and parties. The risks
for HIV transmission among methamphetamine users who
choose to inject and have unprotected sex is high.
What is the impact of Crystal Meth?
• Users say it feels like “heart is pounding out of my chest”
• Increase pulse and blood pressure, seizure, cardiovascular
failure
• Malnourishment, chest pain, and shortness of breath
• Depression, suicide and death
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Permanent brain damage
• Serious teeth damage
Short-term effects include the release of dopamine,
which increases feelings of euphoria, confidence, energy,
productivity, and reduced appetite for 10-12 hours. Once
symptoms of the drug elapse, users may experience
symptoms of depression, headaches, tiredness, and
mental confusion coupled with the risk for seizures, cardiac
arrhythmias, and myocardial infarctions (heart problems).
Long-term effects include significant weight loss, psychosis in
the form of violence and flashbacks, dental decay commonly
known as “meth mouth”, and “tweaking” – consistently
picking at the skin and forming scabs in the belief that
something is crawling on or under the skin. The potential for
stroke and death are also dramatically increased.
Withdrawal symptoms also occur with the use of
methamphetamine. These include classic depression
symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, an inability to focus,
psychomotor retardation, as well as an increased appetite.
Other symptoms include sleepiness and paranoia.
Treatment
Contingency management:
Based on the idea that behavior such as abstinence is more
likely to be continued when given positive reinforcement.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: Understands the role
substance abuse plays in one’s life and promotes coping
skills to avoid relapse.The focus is to make sure the individual
understands and recognizes that they are dealing with
substance abuse while encouraging development of coping
skills to avoid addiction relapse.
Matrix model: structured approach that uses that cognitive
behavioural therapy education for the addicted person and
their family on addiction and relapse prevention, inclusion of
self-help programs, and urine monitoring on a weekly basis
for drug use.
- Principles from CBT
- Individual and family education about addiction and
relapse prevention
- Participation in 12-step and/or self-help programs
- Weekly urine monitoring for drug use