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Mthandazo Ndlovu
THIS week we’ll look into some of the contributions and questions brought up by our readers mainly on the subject of crystal meth. The inboxes that have been coming through have enlightened me on the high levels of crystal meth abusers within our nation from the young to the old.
One inquired as to how they can help their child who they suspect has reached the tweaking stage of addiction as they noted that he has scratched himself so much on his arms , his neck and back. The child alleges that he feels like there are ants crawling under his skin, at times he gets delusional and you find him having a conversation with himself and another person who is non-existent. There are times when he cannot sleep and you find his eyes open, staring into an empty space for days. We have sought treatment from doctors and he gets some medication to make him sleep and also some to ease his itching but this does not last as within a few days he’s back to that state.
Withdrawal stage is one of the stages of crystal meth abuse overtime, the above situations are evidence of addiction, and this can be said to be crystal meth hangover, where the abusers find themselves in deteriorating states, starved, dehydrated and totally exhausted emotionally, mentally and physically and this leads to enforced addiction as they try to get rid of these feelings. Without proper help they find themselves taking more crystal meth.
Proper rehabilitation will involve the handling of the mental, emotional and physical effects of crystal meth without using any substitute that is even the medicinal drugs. By having the person receive medicinal drugs as a way of handling you are only dealing with the symptoms which overtime exposes one to poly drugging. For such cases seek the help of a professional accredited drug prevention and rehabilitation specialist who will design a personalised programme for the affected to come off drugs and substances of abuse without depending on any other drug.
Another inquired as to how long it takes one to realise that they are addicted to crystal meth. The length of time varies but within the window period of 30 to 90 days one can realise that they are now having compulsive use of the substance, observing the different effects that are happening to them as the drug fades out of their system. They find themselves depressed, losing energy and the ability to experience pleasure and craving for more of the crystal meth and some become suicidal.
The withdrawal of crystal meth is extremely painful and difficult, specialised help is necessary, otherwise the abuser will revert back to use.
–Mthandazo Ndlovu an Accredited -Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation Specialist, Addictions Counsellor, Adolescent Counsellor, Professional Counsellor. For help and more information call or WhatsApp +263772399734 or email [email protected] and join the Rechabites in creating a drug free society.
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