Risks of Crystal Methamphetamine Use When You Have PTSD

Risks of Crystal Methamphetamine Use When You Have PTSD PTSD Coping Print Risks of Crystal Methamphetamine Use When You Have PTSD Meth Use Could Make Symptoms Worse By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 24, 2019 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Aisha Thomas / EyeEm / Getty Images If youve been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, you should know that crystal methamphetamine use can result in serious health problems. Its also a serious public health issue. Crystal methamphetamine (also called crystal meth or ice) is a stimulant with a high risk for addiction and abuse. If you use it, you may feel a sense of euphoria (joyousness) along with increased confidence and alertness. However, you may also feel paranoid and agitated or even become aggressive with others. Long-Term Use of Crystal Meth Whatever the cause of your emotional distress related to PTSD, you should know that crystal methamphetamine use is only a short-term fix. With longer-term use, it may: Make your PTSD symptoms worse--which could increase your desire to abuse crystal methamphetamine or other substancesHave a serious impact on your overall physical and mental health or even lead to deathIncrease your risk of tobacco and alcohol use, depression, suicide attempts, interpersonal problems, legal problems, medical problems, and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization? Many people with a history of crystal methamphetamine use also have a history of traumatic exposure. In addition, a clinical study showed that people with PTSD: Are more likely to have used crystal methamphetamine compared to people exposed to a traumatic event who did not have PTSDHad longer crystal methamphetamine use than study participants who did not have PTSD Why Would Someone With PTSD Use Crystal Methamphetamine? At first, it may not seem to make sense that people with PTSD would use stimulant drugs, which may worsen such PTSD symptoms as: High levels of anxiety, tension, and hypervigilance (constant on-guard alertness)Problems sleeping or constant irritability So, given those risks, why do some people with PTSD turn to crystal methamphetamine use? Its important to remember that people with PTSD feel a kind of emotional numbness. This makes it hard for them to feel positive emotions or find pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. They may turn to crystal methamphetamine use to ?self-medicate  their PTSD symptoms. In fact, one study of people with PTSD who abused cocaine (another stimulant drug) found that most of them believed that their PTSD and substance use were related. They reported that: As their PTSD symptoms got worse, their drug use increased.On the other hand, as their PTSD symptoms got better, their drug use decreased. Something like this may also be occurring among people with PTSD who also use crystal methamphetamine. Getting Help As you can see, although its natural that people with PTSD want relief from their symptoms, crystal methamphetamine use is definitely not the answer. Fortunately, effective treatment is available. For example, if you have PTSD and are using crystal methamphetamine or another illegal drug, you may want to learn more about Seeking Safety. This popular, well-supported, and well-established treatment is designed to help you: Understand the relationship between your PTSD and your crystal methamphetamine useManage distressing PTSD symptoms so you feel less need to abuse the drug Ready to seek treatment? A number of websites can help you locate a PTSD therapist in your area.