The Growing Problem of Ice Addiction
Puts Many Lives at Risk
By Dr.Fourkan Ali
Methamphetamine is a
very powerful drug that has increased in popularity in recent years. The
crystallised form of this drug is known as crystal meth or Ice, and it gives users
an intense high. Because the powerful high tends to be followed by a severe
comedown, many users are tempted to take more of the drug; this has resulted in
increased incidences of Ice addiction among people across the United Kingdom.
Crystal meth use is on the increase, which is
frightening considering how addictive this drug is and how devastating the
effects can be on a person’s physical appearance and behaviour.
Innocent Victims
With police all over the UK cracking down on
illegal drug use, dealers and users are coming up with innovative ways to hide
their stash, which could have implications for innocent civilians. In fact, a
six-year-old boy from Limavady in Belfast recently found a Kinder Surprise egg
stashed in a bush where he was playing. However, this was not a normal
chocolate egg, as the boy and his brother soon discovered. Inside the egg was a
bag containing a white substance, which tests later showed was Ice.
Thankfully, the boy took the bag of drugs to
his father, who then called the police to inform them of the find. Northern
Ireland Police Service Inspector, Colin Shaw said, “The contents of the bag,
which was found inside a toy egg, is believed to be methamphetamine. This small
quantity of drugs will be disposed of by police. This incident is of the
uppermost concern for all of us. Tackling the use and supply of illegal drugs
is a priority for us, and the possibility that something so potentially
dangerous has been discarded where children could find it is deeply
concerning.”
Lucky
Inspector Shaw said he was thankful that the
child in question took the drugs to his father, and said that locals should be
aware of the disregard criminals have for their safety and the safety of
children in the area.
Councillor Alan Robinson agreed and said, “In
this instance the children are to be commended for passing the contents to
their parents.”
It is not difficult to imagine what could have
happened had these kids taken another course of action.
Drug Scandals
Kinder Eggs have been used to smuggle drugs
before. A seventy-three-year-old woman in Spain apparently hid drugs inside
chocolate eggs, which she then placed inside her vagina before going to see her
son in prison. She was caught and given a suspended jail sentence of twenty-one
months.
In the meantime, police in Belfast are
conducting an investigation into the drugs found by the young boy.
What is Crystal Meth
Crystal meth is typically smoked and will give
the user feelings of pleasure, well-being, and happiness. The user could have
boundless energy and confidence, and some will become hyperactive. The high
experienced by Ice users tends to last for around six to eight hours, but some
users experience the pleasurable effects for up to twenty-four hours.
These feelings of pleasure can be so intense
that users tend to crave the drug as soon as the effects start to wear off.
This means that they may become addicted very quickly. Crystal meth users tend
to lose weight rapidly because the drug decreases their appetite. Many do not
eat at all while on the drug, and they rarely get enough sleep. This means that
their physical appearance can diminish rather quickly.
Health Complications of an Ice Addiction
Those who develop an Ice addiction will find
it very hard to break. The drug is highly addictive, and the crashing comedowns
and intense cravings make it hard for users to stop themselves from taking it
again and again.
This dangerous drug can have serious
implications for physical and mental health, however. Those who become addicted
are at risk of developing memory problems, psychosis, paranoia, depression,
violent tendencies, heart disease, and brain damage.
This destructive substance causes both short
and long term damage and, unfortunately, some of the long-term damage is
irreversible. One of the effects of the drug is increased heart rate and high
blood pressure, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat and heart disease. The
drug can also damage other internal organs including the lungs, liver and kidneys.
Brain damage may be irreversible, with some people unable to remember large
periods of their lives.
Treating Ice Addiction
An Ice addiction is notoriously difficult to
treat because of the intense cravings experienced by the addict. Treatment
typically involves a programme of drug detox followed by counselling and
therapy options, which could include cognitive behavioural therapy,
motivational interviewing, contingency management, individual counselling,
group therapy, and twelve step work.
It may be necessary for the patient’s family
to attend family therapy sessions as well because an Ice addiction can cause
devastation to those close to the addict. Family therapy aims to help all
members of the family overcome the illness and learn how to rebuild their
relationships.
0 comments:
Post a Comment