Meth Addiction

CEBU, Philippines – Meth/Shabu addiction is dangerous not only because of the physical and emotional problems it causes for abusers, but because psychotic episodes may occur for years after discontinuing use. Due to its appetite suppressing properties, young women are using it more and more for weight loss or simply because they enjoy the rush or high they get.

Methamphetamines/Shabu get into the hands of our youngsters fairly easily. Because shabu is made from many common household ingredients, small labs are popping up in backyards, garages, basements, and abandoned buildings across the country. Due to this problem, some countries have laws limiting sales of certain ingredients. The ingredients in meth include over-the-counter cold and asthma medications (containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine), hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, antifreeze, lye, and more

Immediate Side Effects of Meth Addiction Shabu is addicting because it causes the release of dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain. Shabu can be snorted, injected, smoked, or swallowed. Smoking and injection create the most immediate effects, but snorting or swallowing creates a more euphoric high.

After the initial rush or high, abusers often are in an extreme state of agitation. This may cause aggressive or violent behavior. Other immediate effects include:

Increased wakefulness; Insomnia; Decreased appetite; Irritability; Anxiety; High body temperature; Stomach cramps; Nervousness; Convulsions; Heart attack; Shaking

Chronic and Long Term Effects

Because tolerance to meth is built quickly, addicts must begin using more and more of it to achieve the high. This can lead to shabu addiction. Chronic and long term use can lead to:

Paranoia; Hallucinations; "Meth mouth" (teeth rotting from inside out); Repetitive behavior; Full blown toxic psychosis; Irregular heartbeat; "Crank bugs" (feeling of insects crawling under skin); Blood vessel damage in brain, leading to stroke; Anorexia; Damage to dopamine-producing and serotonin-containing cells

Some chronic users will occasionally go on the "run (binge)," that can last for days, where the abuser does not sleep or eat, but uses meth every few hours. The binge only ends when the addict runs out of drugs or becomes so disoriented that she/he can no longer function well enough to administer the drug. Overdosing on meth can sometimes cause death due to hyperthermia and convulsions.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Shabu withdrawal has fewer physical effects than some other drug withdrawals. However, due to the psychological and neurological changes that occur with drug use, some psychotic symptoms occur for years after treatment. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Depression; Paranoia; Aggression; Drug cravings; Anxiety; and Fatigue.

One of the best treatments for meth addiction is cognitive behavior therapy, which changes the way an addict thinks and behaves. For persons with depression, prescription anti-depressants may help with the problem. Other options include group and individual therapy. The group Narcotics Anonymous offers resources to help overcome shabu addiction. For more information please call 32-2315229 or 32-2389143 or 09189379851. (FREEMAN)