Crystal meth use in college has seen a steady increase in recent years. S much that it has become a great deal of concern for universities. Although recent marketing efforts have increased through crystal meth awareness via the internet and television, the trend in use on college campuses seem to be maintaining a steady pace.

The use of amphetamines peaked in the late 80’s and since then there has been studies showing a slight decrease afterwards with a few rise in percentage in the 90’s. But since 2002, the trend has shown an increase at a steady rate. The statistics show that crystal meth use is higher in males than female college students but the gap is continuing to even out.

Before The Fall

Prior to the 80’s, amphetamine use was not too uncommon. During times of war, even dating back to World War II, amphetamine use was heavily used by fighter pilots and bomber pilots to stay awake during long flights and in battle. College students saw the drug as an added benefit as it allowed a student to stay up longer and focus on their studies to prepare for exams and papers. Drugs such as Dexadrine became very popular in the 70’s and 80’s for dieters seeking a quick boost in energy and to increase the body’s metabolism to burn fat. In the trucking community, amphetamine use is rampant as it allows the driver to stay away on the road. Other people in society use amphetamines recreationally for no apparent clear reason. Prior to the 80’s, drugs were not regulated and fairly easy to obtain. Laws were not put into place and not enforced like they are today.

But things began to change during the mid 80’s with the creation of new laws which prohibited the possession of precursor ingredients as well as materials necessary for the manufacture of amphetamines. These new laws or statutes made the purchase of certain ingredients much more difficult to obtain making the amphetamine use to stabilize or slightly decrease. However in the last decade, there has been a huge rise in the form of crystal meth use and production. Nationally, the highest group to abuse crystal meth is between the ages of 18 and 25.

What is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is a crystalline form of amphetamines produced illegally in makeshift labs. These labs run rampant everywhere from small towns to big cities and even Mexico. The production and sales of this illegal and dangerous drug is picking up steam in America. Very common and easily obtained ingredients make up crystal meth. These include household toxic chemicals and solvents as well as over the counter cold medicine. The main ingredient is pseudoephedrine which is found in Sudafed and generic cold medications. With labs set up in warehouses, kitchens, and homes throughout the country, it is a classic example of a ticking time bomb. Historically speaking, amphetamine use was motivated by reasons such as staying awake to study and to party. Meth is known as a party drug and has become very popular within the college community.

Crystal meth causes a heightening of the senses as well as an euphoric feeling. This is a very dangerous effect and can possibly hook a user after just one use. The drug can also affect the behavior of a person permanently. Crystal meth use causes one to experience an extended period of being awake much like a long term adrenaline rush but multiplied and amplified. During this time, engaging in reckless behavior is very common. For college students, it causes one to participate in risky sexual behavior. Many students use crystal meth with erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra to heighten the sexual experience. Crystal meth is a very addictive stimulant with immediate effects demonstrating euphoria and loss of appetite. But the long term effects can be devastating. For long term abusers, crystal meth causes paranoia, psychosis, schizophrenia, and possibly brain damage. Even with the aid of drug treatment and the stop in use, it can take months to years to fully rehabilitate a person mentally and physically.

For a new college student, the benefits appear to outweigh the negatives. With a new found freedom and peer pressure, one’s perception of crystal meth use does not seem as risky as it appears. Due to physical and psychological rewards, crystal meth has a high potential for addiction and abuse. It is commonly used in binges keeping a student awake for days and weeks and a time with a withdrawal phase afterwards. Withdrawals include depression, irritability, profuse sweating, increased appetite, fatigue, and sleepiness. A person often “crashes” for days after a binge. Due to experiencing the withdrawals, it can cause a user to seek the drug again to bring them out of it. Through crystal meth use, physical changes begin appearing. They include anorexia, restlessness, insomnia, issues with the rhythm of the heart, high blood pressure, blurred vision, tremors, dizziness upon standing, numbness, heart attack, stroke, a bevy of gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation, and ultimately death. Psychologically, meth can cause anxiety, unrealistic confidence, irritability, psychotic behaviors, aggression, short temperedness, hallucinations, paranoia, obsessive behavior, and amphetamine psychosis.

Long Term Consequences

Crystal meth is a neurotoxin and is associated with Parkinson’s Disease. This neurotoxin is also linked to memory impairment and the ability to function normally in life. A common thing seen by dentists is “meth mouth” which is causes premature loss of teeth. Also a decrease in hygiene with the use of dirty needles can cause serious health risks. Because of the higher risk in sexual behavior, one is also exposed to contracting and passing sexually transmitted diseases. And if a pregnancy occurs, damage to the fetus is also likely.

These risks and effects from withdrawal clearly outweigh any and all benefits for crystal meth use. Crystal meth addiction is very difficult to treat. One must overcome the strong sense of craving for the drug. And because the drug is readily available, dependency can be very difficult to overcome. The key is to identify when one is using the drug and to get help immediately so that permanent complications do not arise. Narconon Of Georgia has successfully treated drug addicts for 20 years.