Why is Crystal Meth Addictive?

Crystal Meth is an illegal drug that gives the user a significantly intense high for prolonged periods.


Known formally as ‘Crystal Methamphetamine’, this drug is an odourless, colourless form of d-methamphetamine, a synthetic psychostimulant. Informally, this drug has various street names such as ‘meth’, ‘ice’ or ‘glass’ due to the glassy appearance of the rocks.

The reason why crystal meth is so addictive is because the brain registers that experience as a “hard-coded” memory.  The brain tries to recapture those same feelings that were experienced with the first use, which is usually impossible. Your brain readjusts to meth use almost immediately, which means that more and more of the drug is needed each time to obtain that initial high. This leads to severe meth addiction, which has some alarming and distressing effects on your body and mind.

How it feels 

Most crystal meth users feel what they describe as a euphoric ‘flash’, or ‘rush’.

How do people take it?

Depending on the form, meth can be smoked, inhaled, snorted, swallowed, or injected.

References:

  1. Everything you need to know about crystal meth (July 2017) – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/23207