Meth Addiction in the UK: A Growing Epidemic

Understanding the facts around meth addiction in the UK is crucial to combating this growing epidemic.

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine is part of the amphetamine class of stimulant drugs. Like cocaine or crack, it speeds up the central nervous system, providing a rush of energy and euphoria along with decreased appetite and increased alertness. Meth has a very high potential for abuse and addiction due to the ruse of dopamine it causes in the brain's reward centre. It comes in the form of a bitter tasting crystalline powder that can be smoked, injected, snorted or swallowed. Crystal meth has a clear, glass-like appearance similar to ice, hence the street names 'crystal' and 'ice'.

What is Crystal Meth Addiction?

Crystal meth addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by the compulsive use of methamphetamine, despite its dangerous and damaging effects on physical and mental health. The appeal of meth lies in the intense euphoria and heightened energy it provides. However, these short-term effects mask a multitude of long-term dangers. Meth addicts often face severe physical and psychological health problems, strained relationships, financial difficulties, and an increased risk of fatal overdose.

How Widespread is Meth Addiction in the UK?

While meth addiction has long been a major issue in the United States, awareness of its presence in the UK has risen dramatically in recent years. Crystal meth users in the UK span various demographics, with statistics showing significant usage among young adults and urban populations. According to a 2019 report, around 6% of adults in England and Wales have tried meth at some point in their lives. This equates to approximately 2.7 million people. Although meth use remains below that of more common drugs like cannabis, cocaine and MDMA, rates of usage have risen sharply. Between 2011 and 2019, the percentage of 16 to 59 year olds reporting lifetime meth use nearly doubled from 3.4% to 6.4%.

Regional usage varies, with higher rates of meth addiction clustered in major cities like London, Manchester and Liverpool. However, no area of the UK remains untouched. Overdose deaths and drug seizures related to meth have increased across Britain over the last decade. With an estimated 55,000 Britons using meth in 2020 alone, health experts describe meth as an escalating crisis requiring urgent action.

Alarming statistics on meth addiction:

- There are now an estimated 56,000 regular meth users in England and Wales alone.

- In the past year, over 15,000 people sought help for a meth addiction through drug treatment programmes.

- The number of drug-related hospital admissions mentioning meth have increased nearly 12-fold since 2011/12.

- Meth-related deaths have risen sharply, up from just 19 deaths in 2015 to 138 deaths in 2020 according to the Office for National Statistics.

What Fuels Meth Addiction?

Why has meth addiction taken hold in the UK despite its illegality and highly destructive effects? Several key factors explain rising usage, including the risk factors and vulnerability that contribute to substance abuse disorders.

- Increased availability –

Globalised drug networks make crystal meth readily available in the UK. Most is smuggled in via European cartels. The dark web has also increased access.

- Affordability –

Meth costs just £5-15 per dose, making it cheaper than many other drugs. This price point entices first time and lower income users.

- Misconceptions –

Myths persist that meth is non-addictive or less dangerous than other stimulants. These misconceptions downplay the risks.

- Desire for productivity –

Meth usage has grown among professionals like long-haul truck drivers seeking to stay alert and productive for long hours.

- Partying enhancement –

Young adults taking meth report using it to increase stamina and intensity when partying at clubs and music festivals.

- Addiction displacement –

Restrictions on precursors have curtailed UK meth labs, but addicts shift to imported crystal meth.

- Psychological factors –

Those with underlying mental health issues like depression may self-medicate with meth for its short term mood elevation.

Consequences of Meth Addiction

Why is meth considered Britain’s most dangerous drug? What happens when recreational use turns into full blown drug addiction? The impacts of chronic and relapsing meth addiction extend far beyond just getting high. Meth addiction can destroy lives through:

- Health deterioration –

Sustained meth use damages the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys while suppressing appetite and sleep. Over time, users develop a tolerance and require more of the drug to achieve the same effects as initially experienced. Users often experience “meth mouth” dental decay. Psychosis, aggression and mood disturbances are common.

- Financial ruin –

Addicts frequently lose jobs, homes and cars while funding their meth habits. 60% of UK meth users are unemployed.

- Social isolation –

Family and friend relationships unravel as secrecy, unpredictability and violence tend to accompany meth addiction.

- Risky behaviors –

Meth lowers inhibitions and boosts sexual arousal, fueling unsafe sex and contributing to HIV transmission. Car accidents, falls and burns often occur under the influence.

- Crime and incarceration –

Obtaining money to buy meth drives some addicts to theft, robbery, assault or sex work, resulting in arrests and destroyed futures.

- Overdose and death –

Meth overdose deaths in England and Wales rose from 32 in 2012 to 135 in 2017. Overdose can lead to stroke, heart attack, hyperthermia, seizures and coma.

Short-term effects and withdrawal symptoms of meth addiction

In the short-term, when individuals use meth, it produces a range of euphoric effects that explain its immense appeal and addiction potential:

• A surge of pleasurable dopamine in the brain’s reward pathways
• Feelings of increased confidence, energy and motivation
• Heightened focus and concentration
• Loss of appetite and ability to stay awake for days
• Increased sociability, talkativeness and erratic behaviour
• Euphoria, pleasure and a sense of enhanced well-being and sexuality

However, these effects are accompanied by unpleasant physical crashes and cognitive disruptions like paranoia, anxiety and agitation. Long-term meth addiction escalates into a nightmare.

Long-term dangers of meth addiction

Physical consequences

Prolonged meth use causes damaging effects to mental and physical health, including:

- Severe weight loss and malnutrition

- Teeth grinding and decay

- Increased heart rate and blood pressure often leading to strokes

- Liver, kidney and lung damage

- Risk of contracting diseases like HIV from unsafe drug use

Mental health issues

Regular meth addicts often experience:

- Paranoia and hallucinations

- Depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts

- Memory loss and impaired cognitive abilities

- Difficulty maintaining relationships and holding down a job

Neurological impacts

Meth is also highly neurotoxic, disrupting brain chemistry and structure:

- Damage to dopamine and serotonin neurons involved in reward and pleasure

- Impaired prefrontal cortex regulation of behaviour and decision making

- Altered connectivity between brain regions leading to neurological issues

Meth junkies often describe becoming trapped in a hellish cycle of compulsive use, cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

What can be done for meth addicts in the UK?

Despite its highly addictive nature, meth addiction can be overcome through proper treatment and sustained recovery support. Cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management rewards, motivational enhancement therapy and multidimensional family therapy have shown efficacy in helping meth addicts achieve abstinence. Long term residential rehab providing medical detox, psychosocial support and relapse prevention skills offers addicts the highest chance of gaining lasting sobriety.

Kicking a meth addiction is never easy but it can be done with the right support and treatment plan. Effective options include:

- Detox programmes to safely manage withdrawal symptoms

- Residential and outpatient rehabilitation to address underlying causes

- Counselling and therapy including cognitive behavioural therapy

- 12-step programmes to change lifestyle habits and regain control

- Long-term aftercare and support groups to prevent relapse

Treatment for Meth Addiction

Despite the grim reality of meth addiction, there is hope. Organisations like FindRehab provide resources, support, and treatment options for meth addicts and their families.

Evidence-based meth addiction treatment often involves a combination of medical detoxification, intensive therapy, and comprehensive aftercare. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational incentives have been found particularly effective in treating meth addiction. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends these approaches as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

UK services also provide aftercare support to help meth addicts maintain their recovery and prevent relapse. This may include ongoing therapy, support groups, and skills training.

Despite its highly addictive nature, meth addiction can be overcome through proper treatment and sustained recovery support. Cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management rewards, motivational enhancement therapy and multidimensional family therapy have shown efficacy in helping meth addicts achieve abstinence. Long term residential rehab providing medical detox, psychosocial support and relapse prevention skills offers addicts the highest chance of gaining lasting sobriety.

The meth crisis in the UK demands a stronger public health response encompassing youth prevention programming, education, increased addiction treatment funding, harm reduction outreach and stigma reduction. But lives can be restored even now. For any addict struggling with meth or seeking help for a loved one, many high quality drug rehab options exist throughout Britain. Real recovery is possible.