Ice is a popular and dangerous central nervous system stimulant, also known as crystal methamphetamine. It comes in small clear crystals that led to its street name ‘ice’. We’ll describe what ice is, and the signs and symptoms of ice addiction.
What is Ice?
Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug that contains either the active ingredient pseudoephedrine or ephedrine. The former is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medications, while the latter is a stimulant medication used to treat and prevent low blood pressure.
Manufacturing ice can consume up to 32 different chemicals, and ice is responsible for toxic gases and residues that can leave land contaminated and uninhabitable, as well as causing addiction and medical harm to users.
Why is Ice Addictive?
Ice stimulates the central nervous system, which causes the body to produce excessive amounts of dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. This affects the limbic system in the brain and can initially make the user feel like their senses have been heightened.
Ice becomes addictive when the level of dopamine released by the ingestion of ice begins to diminish with repeated use. Because the user isn’t experiencing the same high as before, they must increase their dose. This continues until it impacts the brain’s ability to create dopamine naturally. Ice users can begin to suffer bouts of severe depression and despair unless under the influence of ice. This can have an impact on their actions when they’re sober, as well as when they undergo detox and withdrawal.
What Are the Signs of Ice Addiction?
Some of the most prominent signs of ice addiction are evidence of the paraphernalia used to transport and ingest the drug. Bags of crystalline powder and aluminium foil used to heat the drug until it smokes are both telltale signs of ice use. The casings of ballpoint pens are also often used as a straw to inhale the smoke from a heated piece of ice. Cans with punctures in them are also used to heat up pieces of ice, and then the smoke is inhaled through the pull-tab opening of the can.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Ice Addiction
Some of the emotional, physical and behavioural signs that a loved one may be addicted to ice include:
- Noticeable overconfidence and inappropriate pleasure and happiness
- Unusual alertness and sleeplessness
- Scratching, itching and scabs appearing on the body. Ice users pick at their skin as a nervous habit from ice use
- Rapid weight loss and loss of interest in food and eating
- Sweating profusely and a lack of personal hygiene
- Teeth grinding and tooth decay. Ice use inhibits the production of saliva. Long-term users suffer from rotting teeth and bad breath caused by the absence of the coating properties of saliva
- Continual twitching around the eyes and dilated pupils
- Altered sleeping patterns
When the drug wears off, users may exhibit cravings for more of the drug and irritability, anxiety and depression. They also may become lethargic and want to sleep for an unusually long time.
One of the most dangerous symptoms of long-term ice use is the increased potential for drug-induced psychosis, which can cause aggressive, strange, violent, delusional and paranoid behaviour.
Addiction Treatment Programme at The Cabin Chiang Mai
The Cabin Chiang Mai is a comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab facility in the hills of northern Thailand. We offer effective and experienced help for addiction to ice and other stimulants.
Detox
Our highly-trained and experienced staff provides effective detox services for those who require it. We have medical staff and a doctor available 24/7 to monitor patients and prescribe medication to ease symptoms and address other health issues.
Changing Pathways Rehab Programme
The drug addiction treatment programme we offer at The Cabin Chiang Mai is called Changing Pathways. It’s a programme designed to treat addiction holistically. It provides cognitive behavioural therapy, group and individual counselling, physical exercise, mindfulness therapy and healthy nutrition, as well as aftercare support.
The Cabin Chiang Mai is the ideal place for addiction treatment. Our highly qualified team of counsellors and therapists, luxurious accommodation, and tranquil environment are conducive to healing and recovery. Our location in the beautiful hills of northern Thailand is free of the triggers and temptations of home life.
Learn how to overcome ice addiction with The Cabin’s renowned addiction treatment programme and rehab centre. Contact us today for help.
