Cream Addiction And Abuse
What Is Cream?
Cream is a slang term for Methamphetamine. In recent years, Cream has been available in powdered form and flavors mimicking ones found in ice cream, such as chocolate and strawberry, to market it to teens. Having a Cream addiction is very dangerous. The powerful drug has life-threatening short and long-term side effects, including noticeable physical ones, and use of it can lead to fatal overdose.
Making Cream In Labs
In addition to Cream’s ability to create an addiction in its user, it can also be readily available to those seeking the drug. People can make Cream in their home, in their shed, or in labs from everyday ingredients such as battery acid, cat litter, and antifreeze. When people use such hazardous items to make Cream, harmful vapors are released; they attach themselves to mucous membranes in the eyes and nose and respiratory tract. These chemical reactions can cause extreme irritation of the skin, eyes, and nose, as well as cause dizziness.
Not only are these everyday items full of toxins that harm the body, people making Cream in labs run the risk of explosion. Combining volatile substances and adding fire to the mix can be a recipe for disaster. In addition to risking explosions in homes, labs, or cars (where some desperate users prepare Cream), making Cream contributes to environmental waste; vapors can linger long after the lab has been cleaned. Anyone who moves in afterward can still feel impacted by the fumes. Parks and nature reserves have been impacted by the toxic fumes and waste from labs where Cream has been made.
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Behavioral Effects Of Cream Abuse
Cream is popular for the intense feelings of energy, euphoria, confidence, and excitement it produces. These feelings of verve and joy last anywhere from 6 to 20+ hours. Using Cream has both mental and emotional side effects that are easily recognizable. Behaviorally, people can expect to experience high amounts of energy. Because of the strong feelings of euphoria the drug produces, and its highly addictive chemical reactions caused in the brain, people may behave irrationally. Such behaviors can include:
- Hyperactive behavior
- Mania
- Paranoia
- Twitching
- Tics in the face or clenching in the jaw
- Confusion
- Agitation or irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
Long-term side effects can range from depression, to memory loss, to psychosis and poor brain function. If users consume Cream in combination with alcohol or another substance, they can expect to experience different side effects; the risk of a fatal overdose can also be vastly increased.
Physical Effects Of Cream Abuse
Along with short and long-term psychological changes, there are noticeable physical changes that occur when addicted to Cream. Some of the most common symptoms reported include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Sores on skin
- Rotting gums and teeth (also known as “Meth mouth”)
- Burns on lips or fingers
- Dilated pupils
- Poor hygiene
- Rapid aging
- Malnutrition
- Bone damage
- Hepatitis/HIV risk
- Itchy skin or skin sores
- Sweating
Such signs can indicate Cream addiction. Other health problems associated with Cream use include strokes, high blood pressure, liver failure, heart failure, and fatal overdose.
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Signs Of Cream Addiction And Abuse
Since Cream can cause extreme physical and behavioral changes and is highly addictive, it is helpful to know what signs to look for if abuse is suspected. Signs of abuse can include:
- Purchasing syringes
- Spending time away from loved ones to use Cream
- Withdrawal symptoms (nausea, moodiness, cravings)
- Talking about using Cream
- An inability to stop using Cream
- Needing more Cream to feel its effects
- Poor job or school performance
- Needing money to support a Cream habit
Cream Withdrawal
At the point of addiction, the individual may experience a variety of painful withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety
- Extreme depression
- Sweating
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Apathy
In response, some people may even try to go “cold turkey” to fight the addiction; however, going cold turkey alone or at home may not provide the best care for the individual. The anguish resulting from “going it alone” can often set the individual up for a relapse. Detoxing and getting medically treated can provide the monitored support needed, along with the medications best for encouraging recovery.
Treatment For Cream
Although there are no current medications used to treat Cream abuse, patients in a facility can be treated for mental or emotional conditions as a result of Cream addiction. Bupropion, for example, is used to treat ADHD but also works to reduce Cream cravings. Antidepressants are useful in treating depression that can emerge as a result of Cream withdrawal.
In addition to medications, individuals attending inpatient rehab may have access to support groups, nutritional plans for vitality, and one-on-one counseling. Outpatient rehabs also offer medications and support groups and are a great option for patients who have to balance other commitments along with recovery.
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Take Back Control Of Your Life
Realizing the impact of a drug like Cream is the first step in taking back control of your life. You don’t have to face addiction alone. There are multitudes of allies and resources at your disposal if you choose to reach out. If you or a loved one need rehab-related help, contact a treatment provider.
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Author
Krystina Murray
-
Krystina Murray has received a B.A. in English at Georgia State University, has over 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, and over 15 years of overall writing experience. She enjoys traveling, fitness, crafting, and spreading awareness of addiction recovery to help people transform their lives.
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Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional:
Deborah Montross Nagel
Deborah has a Master’s Degree from Lesley University and has been certified as an Addictions Counselor in PA since 1986. She is currently a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor – CAADC. She is nationally certified as a MAC – Master Addictions Counselor – by NAADAC (The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors). Her 37 years of experience and education are in addiction, recovery, and codependency. Addiction affects the entire system around the addict. There is no "bad guy" in the system. Fight the addiction, and help the addict. I help loved ones restore sanity to their lives and hence encourage change. Recovery is possible!
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