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What causes ice addiction?

After using the drug several times, a user begins developing a physical and psychological reliance on it. A user will experience strong cravings for the drug. Over time, the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, meaning that a user's body now needs the drug in order to function properly and that larger and larger doses will be needed to achieve a high.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is ice?

'Ice' (also known as 'Crystal meth' and by many other names) is a common name given to the crystalline form of the illicit drug methamphetamine. Ice can be smoked or injected. Other forms of methamphetamine are known as 'speed' and 'base'.

What happens to a person when they take ice?

Methamphetamine increases the level of substances such as dopamine, adrenaline and serotonin in the brain and body. The rush of dopamine and serotonin gives a user an intense feeling of pleasure and well-being, while adrenaline activates the …

Who uses ice?

Though it is more commonly used by younger people, ice use is not limited to a particular sector of society; people from all walks of life use it.

How is ice addiction treated?

There are currently no medications that can help a user to avoid withdrawals or stop cravings. Some approaches to counteract the effects of methamphetamine on the brain are currently in clinical trials. At present, successful rehabilitation involves …

Can ice addiction be cured? Will it keep coming back?

Ice addiction can be treated successfully. However, once overcome, a former user can relapse and go back to the drug, especially if their personal circumstances change for the worse.

What is the outcome for ice use?

Many people will use ice only once, a few times or for a limited period, and will then be able to stop. For many others, however, ice use can develop into an addiction.

Is ice addiction serious?

Ice addiction is a serious problem that can have disastrous effects on a person's physical, mental and personal life.

What increases the chances of developing an ice addiction?

Many factors contribute to the development of an addiction. Using the drug is obviously one of them. In addition, people are often drawn to the drug because of difficult personal or social circumstances.

How common is use of ice?

Ice use is increasingly common; tens of millions of people worldwide use the drug.

What happens if ice addiction develops during pregnancy?

Newborn babies born to mothers using ice can sustain damage from the drug and suffer from a number of problems, including withdrawal symptoms in the weeks after birth, lower birth weight and smaller head size, poor growth and poor …

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Votes: 448 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Smoking cessation