An Australian journalist who moved in with two friends suffering from amphetamine addiction in order to research for a book has spoken out about his own descent into drug addiction. Some would question Luke William’s research methods considering he already had a drug dependency problem during his teenage years, having to complete a programme of rehabilitation to overcome his illness. However, while writing a book about amphetamines, he decided to move in with his drug-addicted friends and, after three months, he was regularly using the highly addictive crystal meth known as ‘ice’.


Luke describes how the drug caused him to experience intense pornographic delusions, which he has named ‘the Vortex’. As he continued to abuse the drug, he lost the ability to differentiate between real life and ‘the Vortex’. This was described in as ‘a highly individualised and usually compulsive experience; fantasies rage through your head without the slightest bit of effort — but often these fantasies are not about yourself, your fears, or your desires, although they can be’.

Luke said, “The Vortex, it seemed, had grown a libido, and the images even had a Fantasia-like quality, featuring me performing as a sexual champion with various lost and unrequited lovers.”

He recalled one time when he locked himself in his room to masturbate for what he felt was about an hour. Nevertheless, his flatmate told him he had been locked away in the room for sixteen hours. Luke’s story has been documented in his book THE ICE AGE: A Journey into Crystal-Meth Addiction.

Is Crystal Meth the Same as Amphetamines?

Crystal meth, short for crystal methamphetamine, is similar to amphetamines but not exactly the same. Both are stimulant drugs and have many similar characteristics, but there are a number of differences between the two.

The main one is that methamphetamine is a recreational drug only and is not used for medicinal purposes. Amphetamines, on the other hand, are used in the treatment of conditions such as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Both drugs are highly addictive and are dangerous when abused. There are a number of side effects of amphetamines and crystal meth, including rapid heartbeat, increased metabolism, high blood pressure, paranoia, raised body temperature, nausea, change in libido, increase in confidence, arrogance, and agitation.

Long Term Effects

Long term abuse of substances such as amphetamines and crystal meth can bring on the following symptoms:

  • seizures
  • mood swings
  • trouble breathing
  • behavioural disorders
  • delusions
  • psychosis
  • loss of co-ordination
  • malnutrition
  • rotting teeth
  • pale skin with ulcers and sores
  • weakness
  • coma

Consequences of Addiction

Addiction is an illness, and drug addiction is one of the most devastating in terms of the consequences for mental and physical health. Crystal meth can have a dramatic effect on the physical appearance of those affected. One of the side effects of crystal meth use is a loss of appetite. Users tend to neglect to eat and very rarely get a proper sleep. This has a devastating effect on their general health and wellbeing. Crystal meth addicts often suffer from extreme weight loss, malnutrition, and sunken cheeks. They also tend to suffer from severe dental health problems, which has led to the condition being known as meth mouth.

It is not just crystal meth addiction that causes serious consequences. Those who suffer from other drug addictions such as amphetamine addiction will experience a number of serious side effects. Addiction tends to take over a person’s life to the point where he or she will neglect everything else. Things that were once important take second place to the user’s need for the drug, and they will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.

Families have been torn apart by one member’s addiction to drugs such as amphetamines, with children often affected for a long time. It is not uncommon for kids of addicts to suffer from neglect, abuse, and malnutrition. Many children living with addicts will end up in care, and the subsequent long-term effects can be devastating. Some kids will struggle to form healthy relationships when they are older while others will go on to become addicts themselves.

Treating Addiction

Treating drug addictions such as crystal meth or amphetamine addictions is tough, but not impossible. There are a number of organisations around the UK that specialise in treating the most severe cases of addiction. These are staffed by dedicated professionals who work around the clock to ensure that patients get the help and support they need to overcome their addictions.

If your life has been affected by addiction, either directly or indirectly, give us a call here at Addiction Helper. We offer a free, confidential service to addicts and their families, and we have a team on standby waiting to take your call and to help you take the next step towards recovery. Call today for more information.

Source: The Sun

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