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Crystal meth is a deadly substance that causes destruction in its wake. In this blog from Samarpan Recovery, we look at how crystal meth in India is used as manufactured, and look at the signs someone is using meth. We also let you know how you can get help if you or a loved one is using this drug.
Rates of crystal meth use are increasing in India. It is now estimated that there are 1.5 million crystal meth users. Of these users, around 400,000 are aged 10-17. And while statistics indicate that there are still significantly more heroin and cannabis users than meth users, these rising numbers represent a worrying development.
Crystal meth’s highly addictive nature means that users frequently become hooked, falling victim to a life of depravity and despair.
Crystal meth users in India generally fall into one of four categories: recreational use, use to increase work capacity, use to self-medicate, and addiction.
Recreational users tend to be young people who begin taking meth at parties in clubs. They find that using it allows them to party for long periods without getting tired. It is not uncommon for recreational meth users to go to a party on Friday, not getting home until Monday morning.
The second category are those who use meth to increase the amount of work they are able to carry out. The stereotype of this type of crystal meth use is the truck driver who uses the drug to allow him to drive for days at a time. While this dangerous practice does happen, workplace meth use is not limited to truck drivers.
Blue collar workers also use this drug to allow them to stay focused for long periods of time. An office worker might also use meth to give him the confidence he needs to close a deal, or pitch to an important client.
Some meth users in India use it to combat depression. This practice may be effective for a time, as the drug floods their brain with dopamine, which can cause a temporary cessation of depression. This never works in the long term, and addiction usually occurs pretty rapidly with this type of crystal meth user.
The final category are those who started in one of the previous three. Addicted people can come from any socio-economic background, age or religion. Once someone is hooked, they feel compelled to continue using, and are often unable to stop without professional support.
Crystal meth is manufactured illicitly all across India. There is no shortage of industrial estates where clandestine labs may be set up. And while much of India is densely populated, there are many remote regions where it is still possible to set up a crystal meth laboratory away from the prying eyes of law enforcement.
In many countries precursors such as pseudoephedrine are strictly watched, purchasing these precursors is far simpler, meaning the bulk quantities necessary for industrial scale production can be acquired without as much risk from the police.
Methamphetamine manufacturers usually buy these precursors in two ways: either by making bulk orders from pharmaceutical companies, or by organizing individuals to purchase the ingredients in small quantities from pharmacies. The second of these methods is slower, though attracts less police attention.
And while police are actively searching for meth labs, and often bust labs manufacturing 100s of kilos of meth, shutting these labs down is like playing whack-a-mole. As one is discovered, one or more take its place.
These reasons, plus the low cost of labor, mean that the cost of making crystal meth in India is very low, leading to a price of the drug which is far less than other countries.
In India, meth can be bought for as low as 1000 rupees per gram, which is enough meth for a week-long binge. A gram of cocaine in India costs around 7000 rupees per gram, and may only be enough for one day’s use. This low cost of meth means even relatively poor people can use this drug.
If your loved one is using meth, there are some signs that you can look out for. How pronounced these signs are vary from person to person. Typically signs of meth use are not so subtle, but some people develop a knack for hiding their meth use.
If your loved one frequently has enlarged pupils, when in the past they did not, this could be a sign they are using meth. This person may also be using a similar stimulant, such as cocaine.
Most crystal meth users smoke the drug, as it is said to produce the most intense effects without resorting to needles, which many users consider too dangerous or taboo. You should look out for pipes or bongs, as these may indicate crystal meth use.
Some users do snort meth. Indications of this method of administration include rolled up bank notes or pieces of card, bank cards with frayed edges, and surfaces like tables, records or books that are ingrained with a white powder.
If your loved one has begun injecting crystal meth, you may see needles in their living environment, or blood from injections on surfaces in their home.
When someone starts using crystal meth in India, their behavior often changes radically. They may go from being somewhat introverted to being particularly outgoing.
Someone who is taking meth may not sleep for long periods of time, then sleep for several days. It is common for meth users to eat very little.
Your loved one may begin behaving erratically, or become very anxious or paranoid. They may start hanging around with unusual people.
Getting support for crystal meth in India can be challenging. There is a lack of international quality centers, meaning many people with addiction problems in India end up going abroad for treatment.
Treating crystal meth addiction effectively requires evidence-based treatment methods. The most effective of these include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Without these or similar modalities, treatment is likely to be ineffective. But while there are few centers offering excellent long-term treatment outcomes in India, some do exist. At Samarpan Recovery, we treat those who have succumbed to crystal meth addiction, helping them find a new lease of life away from this all-encompassing drug.
For more information on our treatment protocols at Samarpan, or to arrange a visit, contact us today.
Samarpan is a specialized international Substance Use Disorder (De-Addiction) and Process Addiction rehab in Pune, India that accepts a maximum of 26 clients. We only accept clients on a voluntary basis and have a highly structured program that encompasses the most effective approaches to Substance Use Disorder and addiction.
The facility is set in the rolling hills Mulshi, with clients having either individual or shared rooms, in a modern resort like facility, staffed by Internationally Accredited Professionals. Samarpan is fully licensed under The MSMHA and is also an accredited GORSKI-CENAPS Centre of Excellence offering a program from 5 to 13 weeks.
If you or someone you care about is considering treatment for substance use disorder or process addictions, we can help. Contact us now on admissions@samarpan.in or phone/WhatsApp us on +91 81809 19090.
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