Facts About Shabu Addiction

Meth or methamphetamine is commonly known here in the Philippines as shabu. It’s one of the most widely abused drug here. That’s why shabu addiction is a big problem across the country. This has also prompted the government to wage a war on drugs and double down on its efforts to catch drug lords, traffickers, and pushers, as well as rehabilitate those who are struggling with addiction.

Still, there are many widespread misconceptions about shabu and shabu addiction. This article aims to spread facts about shabu and meth.

What is shabu or meth?

Meth is a stimulant drug and is highly addictive. It’s a white powder or crystalline powder that looks like glass fragments or small white rocks.

Shabu here in the country are often used by inhaling or smoking, usually through makeshift straw or pipes. Others also swallow or snort it, and there are those who inject in into their veins after dissolving it in water or alcohol.

The high from shabu is short-lived, making people want to take it more often and in repeated doses over the span of several hours or days.

Effects of Meth Use and Shabu Addiction

In the brain, meth increases the amount of dopamine by flooding the brain with it. Dopamine is a neurochemical that is involved in the body’s motivation, reward center, movement, and reinforcement. This is why using shabu associates the drug with good feelings and reward so the user would want to repeat the experience. Eventually, this may cause them to develop dependence and addiction.

Short-term effects of meth use and shabu addiction include:

• increased wakefulness
• Increased and erratic physical activity to the point of hyperactivity
• compulsion or obsession to do things repeatedly
• decreased appetite
• increased breathing rate
• rapid and irregular heart beat
• increased body temperature
• increased blood pressure

Long-term effects of meth use and shabu addiction include:

• extreme weight loss
• anxiety
• confusion
• memory loss
• aggression
• dental problems
• intense itching and skin sores from picking on the skin
• sleeping problems
• paranoia
• hallucinations

Over time, your brain chemistry changes, allowing you to experience happiness only when you use. So you don’t do anything else and don’t find satisfaction on things you used to like before.

If you or someone you know may be addicted to meth or shabu, seek help. Call or text us at Bridges of Hope: 09175098826.