7 Dangers of Meth Addiction

7 Dangers of Meth Addiction

By Karl Benzio, MD

Stimulants, some with the same effects as methamphetamine, have been used and abused for almost 500 years, starting with nicotine since the early 1500s and progressing to cocaine in the 1800s. Although, knowing the curiosity of mankind and the need for an escape or quick high, stimulants were probably abused even earlier. In fact, Ma Huang, a Chinese herb whose main ingredient was the stimulant ephedra, was used as early as 5000BC, and evidence shows the “medicinal” use in the Middle East at similar time period, if not earlier.

Today, the most common stimulants are caffeine, the most common addiction in the world, nicotine, cocaine and crack cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine, MDMA or Ecstasy, and Pseudoephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine and Ephedrine—commonly used in over-the-counter decongestants and cough syrups and sometimes the precursors for home-brewed Crystal Meth.

There are 7 tragic dangers of Crystal Meth use:

1. Spiritual: the most damaging effect of all
2. Psychological: acute and chronic damaging effects of the stimulant chemical on brain circuitry
3. Physical: acute death to chronic wasting
4. Addiction: Meth is one of the most quickly addicting drugs of all
5. Financial: quickly spiraling out of control
6. Relational: many broken relationships stem from addiction
7. Legal: problems abound with arrests,

Click here for more details of theses tragic consequences…

Utah Woman Who Killed Six Babies

Struggled with Meth Addiction

Lighthouse Network’s Dr. Karl Benzio Says Megan Huntsman is Viewed as a Monster but a Callous Society Accepts Abortion

The story of a Utah mother who killed six of her newborn babies over a decade outraged the world. After killing each of the infants, Megan Huntsman kept the bodies of the infants in her garage, where one was discovered by her ex-husband, leading to the investigation and her arrest.

Just last week, USA Today reported a possible cause for the tragedy—that Huntsman was addicted to methamphetamine and couldn’t cope with caring for the children.

Dr. Karl Benzio of the Lighthouse Network (www.844LifeChange.org) says that addictions combined with postpartum issues and financial stressors can sometimes form a tragic ‘perfect storm’ that leads to desperate behaviors.

“I won’t speculate the exact reason Ms. Huntsman killed her babies,” Benzio said, “but we know that meth addiction causes significant levels of depression and anxiety, lowers frustration tolerance, increases agitation levels and interferes with decision making and problem solving. Add in stimulant-induced decreased appetite, which leads to the brain not getting enough nutrition, and stimulant interference with sleep, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, we often see in the news that those struggling with addictions will do almost anything, regardless of morals or values, to save themselves and preserve their addiction.”

Click here to read more…

Lighthouse Network Radio Feature:

“Life Change with Dr. Karl”

Lighthouse Network is sharing its newest, life-changing radio features with the purpose of bringing scientific expertise and Biblical principles together to examine some common daily struggles to help people successfully navigate life’s obstacles and enjoy fulfilled lives. Lighthouse Network’s “Life Change with Dr. Karl” radio feature airs Monday through Friday on more than 425 radio stations nationwide.

Listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” from July 14: Jesus’ Decisions

Listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” from July 15: Decision-Making: Where Science and Faith Meet

Listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” from July 16: Decision-Making: Pray Without Ceasing

Listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” from July 17: Key to Life

Listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” from July 18: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount