Methamphetamine or Crystal Meth has its roots in some unexpected places. Military pilots used amphetamines to stay awake during the long flights to their bombing targets during the wartime. College students used them to stay awake all night to study for exams. In the 1960's people used amphetamines for entertainment. Then, in the 1970's as laws made getting amphetamines more difficult, their use all but disappeared. But now the use of amphetamines has returned in full force, primarily in the form of the supercharged version called methamphetamine. Manufactured in makeshift "meth labs" in apartment complexes. houses, and garages, Crystal Meth use is booming, and in its wake people are dying.

Methamphetamine abusers do not necessarily need specialized treatment but do need more time in intensive outpatient or residential drug treatment programs than they normally receive under current practices.

University of Iowa researchers made the recommendation for longer treatment times for meth abusers and identified areas of research that could help improve treatment, including retention and new drug therapies.

"In reviewing studies we found that treatment does work if you can give people sufficient access to treatment," said James Hall, Ph.D., UI associate professor of pediatrics, social work, public health and nursing and one of the review authors. "We were worried that you need a special care ward or other special setting, but at least based on the data we reviewed, that doesn't seem to be the case."

The Time Factor

"What seems to make a difference is time. Meth effects can last up to six months for just one use, and the drug can do greater damage to a person's physical, behavioral and thinking functions than many other illicit drugs or alcohol," Hall wrote. "For this reason, it takes much longer to treat a person with a meth addiction than it does to treat someone with a cocaine or heroin problem. This time factor is also one reason why so many meth treatments currently fail."

Most adult residential drug treatment programs have been shortened in recent years from 45 or 30 days to only 10 to 14 because of changes in the insurance industry. "The problem is even worse for adolescents. Residential treatment programs for that age group have "dried up" due to budget cuts," Hall said.

Two Weeks Not Enough

"If you are a regular meth user, you will need more time to detox before you can accept the treatments, which are very cognitive," he said. "We don't know exactly how long you need, but we do know the current two-week time isn't sufficient. Likely, a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment allows the meth abuser to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills."

Hall said researchers should determine what residential treatment length would be effective for meth users before using outpatient care.

Treatment Instead of Imprisonment

"Most state and insurance programs will not pay for treatment beyond two weeks, so even if a medical need is confirmed, funding needs also must be addressed," Hall said.

"The emphasis on dealing with meth has been punishment and imprisonment, but we may do well as a society to reserve prison for those who are involved in illegal drug sales or violence and support treatment for abusers," Hall said.

SOURCE: Hall's review article appeared in the April 2003 issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

Crystal meth can be addictive both physically and psychologically.

Crystal Meth and Blood Borne Disease

If the drug is injected on a regular basis it can result in the spread of blood borne diseases. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and AIDS are all risks. Because of the disinhibition that comes with crystal meth use a users judgement on health issues is often affected. People using crystal meth may risk themselves and others with behaviors such as needle sharing, unprotected sex and behavioral problems such as violence and aggression.

Drug Strength, Health and Crystal Meth

Users of crystal meth can only guess at its strength so the risk of overdosing, even with seemingly small quantities, is always an issue. Overdosing can lead to convulsions, respiratory and circulatory collapse, coma and death.

Psychological Effects of Crystal Meth

Mood can become unpredictable. Mood swings, paranoia, anger and depression are risks frequent crystal meth use. Relationships and general social interactions are negatively affected.

Recent research is showing that some gay men are putting themselves at risk from unprotected anal sex when they use crystal meth.

Crystal Meth Addiction

Any form of drug misuse and addiction comes at a cost and crystal meth is no different. Crystal meth addiction can sometimes cause permanent life-altering changes. Work, relationships, and the ability to live day to day are affected. Crime, drug busts, restricted job prospects, visa denials, jail, serious healthcare issues are just some of the things that may take up your time.