Crystal Meth has become one of the most popular street drugs among teens today. It is inexpensive and easy to make. Made with over the counter products, crystal Meth is manufactured in street laboratories. Because it is so easy to make and inexpensive, it has the potential for widespread teen abuse. Crystal Meth is extremely dangerous to make. Manufacturing the drug can result in fires and explosions. According to the DEA, in 2004 27 people died in Meth lab accidents. Three of which were children. Crystal Meth has also been referred to as Ice,Meth “glass” and just Crystal. It is an odorless crystalline powder that is bitter-tasting and dissolves in water and alcohol. Side effects for teenagers on Meth can include but are not limited to loss of appetite and increase in activity. The effects can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. After the initial “high” or “rush” coming down from Meth can bring a state of high agitation and in some cases violent behavior. Long term side effects of use cam also include insomnia, seizures, brain damage, uncontrollable anxiety or rage, stroke, twitching, impaired speech, malnutrition and eventually possible death. Research into teen Meth addiction and the process of recovery from Crystal Meth has proved to have many components. Not only does the teen addict need to recover physically, but emotionally, mentally and physically as well. Twelve step recovery programs prove to be key elements in recovering from addiction to teen Crystal Meth addiction.
