EFFECTS OF CRYSTAL METH USE EXPLAINED
Crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine or tik in some quarters, is a stimulant that will be the focus of our discussion today. It is a mostly widely used synthetic drug across the globe.
As noted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the use of methamphetamine has reached unprecedented levels due to increase in production and trafficking. Its widespread use can be attributed to reports of it being “self-manufactured” hence readily available. Botswana has been described as a booming market for methamphetamine use as per the Global Initiative against Transnational
Organised Crime (GITOC) March 2021 report, which draws our attention into addressing this. .
Crystal meth use cause individuals to be ecstatic and can adversely affect cognitive functioning. Individuals who use crystal meth often have challenges with memory, attention and concentration. A 2018 study by Lucidello and colleagues concluded that crystal meth use is associated with changes in brain structure and function; consequently leading to impaired cognitive processing. Use of crystal meth can result in individuals having feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness. Depression
therefore is another common occurrence for those using crystal meth. Additionally, there may be consequences of anxiety disorder which is characterised by feelings of restlessness, agitation and anxiety. It must be noted that prolonged use of the substance can exacerbate to chronic status both anxiety and depression disorders. It has also been widely reported on depression getting worse among those using the drug leading suicidal ideation. Several studies have highlighted that crystal meth use can development of psychotic manifestations. Psychosis is when an individual displays a perceived total loss of reality with individuals having hallucinations and delusions. The risk for psychosis can be experienced at both short and long term but with prolonged use multiplying the risk. Crystal meth can lead to mental health consequences as have been highlighted. The more prolonged the time of use of the drug, the more severe the effects hence the need to address the accessibility to get the drug and also strengthen our prevention efforts. For those that already use the substance, there are addiction services available in both private and government healthcare services.