The Deadly Grip of Crystal Meth, AKA “Shabu”

Imagine a drug so potent that it can smash your sense of reality, offering an escape through the feeling of euphoria and heightened excitement. Well, this drug exists. However, its potential consequences on your health make it extremely dangerous. Crystal meth, also known as Shabu, is a powerful stimulant that delivers intense pleasure and increased alertness to its users. Still, Its sinister grip has affected countless lives by transforming users into shadows of their former selves.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about shabu, including the signs and symptoms of its abuse, potential risks, and essential tips for a successful recovery.

Table Of Contents:

• What is Shabu (Crystal Meth)?
• Shabu Abuse and Addiction
• Dangers and Consequences of Shabu
• Crystal Meth and Shabu: The Road to Recovery
• Conclusion

What is Shabu (Crystal Meth)?

Shabu, also known as crystal methamphetamine or simply meth, is a powerful and highly addictive amphetamine that acts in the central nervous system. Shabu is part of a group of drugs called ¨stimulants¨, similar to cocaine, but its effect lasts longer.

Shabu is a term primarily used in the Philippines and several other Asian countries to refer to crystal meth. It is used primarily in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. It is the number one illicit drug used in the Phillippines. Shabu users consume the drug either by swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting it.

Due to its potent stimulant effect, methamphetamine was extensively used to keep soldiers alert on the battlefield during World War II. After the war, many of these soldiers became addicted, which highlighted the drug’s dangerous and harmful nature.

Methamphetamine is currently accepted for medical use in certain conditions approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is a prescription-controlled substance that can be found in the form of pills or odorless powder. Its current medical indications include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. In contrast, shabu usually refers to a substance manufactured in illegal laboratories as powder, tablet, or crystals that look like ¨shards of glass¨.

Apart from Shabu, other famous names under which Crystal meth can be found on the streets are:

• Crack meth
• Ice
• Crystal meth
• Shabu
• Yaba
• ​​Bathtub crank
• Christina
• Batu
• Bikers coffee
• Poor man’s cocaine
• Yaba
• Redneck cocaine

Shabu Abuse and Addiction

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), East and Southeast Asia are the biggest consumers of shabu (which is the agent of the study) worldwide. Shabu is the most commonly used illegal drug in the Philippines, especially among low-income communities that comprise the majority of the population, which is why it is called “poor man’s cocaine.”

Most drug users in East and Southeast Asia are young adults of working age, though some

countries have older drug-using populations. Crystal methamphetamine remains the main drug of concern in the Philippines, constituting the majority of drug-related arrests and treatment admissions (92.06%).

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health National Survey on Drug Use and Health NSDUH), in 2021, 2.5 million people reported that they were using methamphetamine in the U.S, Making it one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in America and the world.

Signs and Symptoms of Shabu Addiction

Shabu addiction could lead to dangerous consequences for the body and mind. Therefore, recognizing changes in consumers is relevant for avoiding eventual repercussions. Shabu side effects can be divided into short-term and long-term effects:

How to Recognize if Someone is Addicted to Shabu

Shabu addiction could be unpredictable. If you suspect someone you know is a shabu user, you must learn how to recognize it to help them through the recovery process. If you suspect that your loved one is addicted to shabu, you should be aware of some physical signs and behavioral changes:

Dangers and Consequences of Shabu

As we have discussed, using shabu can quickly escalate to a serious addiction. This harmful effect on your body is related to the need to take higher doses of the drug, increase frequency, or change how you take it to get the desired effect. Similarly, prolonged consumption of shabu profound changes in your brain structure and function could be seen.

Shabu can affect your nervous system by provoking deficits in cognition and motor skills. Psychosis, violent behavior, severe dental problems, heart issues, or brain damage are also common from the stress the drug causes in your body. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies have demonstrated alterations in the dopamine system’s activity associated with reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning.

Another devastating complication is shabu overdose. Its potency and addiction rates make overdoses a frequent and alarming issue, as 30% of drug-related deaths in the US are attributed to crystal meth. Severe cases of shabu overdose can lead to heart attack, cardiac arrest, seizures, and even strokes. Thus, people with underlying cardiovascular diseases have an increased risk of serious complications.

Crystal Meth and Shabu: The Road to Recovery

Some of the neurobiological effects of chronic methamphetamine misuse appear to be, at least, partially reversible. Hence, it is essential to highlight the recovery pathway for people using shabu.

Treatment Options for Recovery

There are currently no medications that counteract the specific effects of methamphetamine, or that prolong abstinence from and reduce the use of methamphetamine by an individual addicted to the drug. However, some drug treatments to treat methamphetamine use disorder are currently under investigation.

Some nonpharmacological treatments are also in investigation, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, using neurofeedback by electroencephalography, and methamphetamine vaccines are in clinical trials.

Since there is no specific treatment for treating shabu addiction, the recovery process is very challenging. However, various treatment options are available to help individuals overcome their dependence and rebuild their lives:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Individual or Group Counseling
• Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs
• Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs
• 12-Step Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Prevention and Education Programs

Prevention and education programs raise awareness about the addiction and abuse of methamphetamine. You must know everyone is vulnerable to developing these addictions once consumed. However, for several populations like the Philippines, these programs aim to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and mitigate its devastating consequences. These programs can help individuals attempt early intervention, reducing the stigma, increasing community engagement, and reducing long-term impact.

Examples of Programs: 

• Drug Abuse Resistance Education: It will help you build strong self-esteem and manage decision-making. Also, it will allow you to learn how to resist peer pressure and learn the consequences of consuming meth.
• Meth project: It uses public service messaging, public policy initiatives, and community outreach.
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA): supports local coalitions, and provides training by resources and strategies to the specific needs of each person.
• Project ALERT: helps prevent young adults in middle school with videos and activities to educate them about the risks and harmful effects of drugs.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): educates teens, parents, and teachers in healthy lifestyles and decision-making.

Support for Individuals Affected by Crystal Meth and Shabu Use

Don’t feel alone if you or a loved one or friend are struggling with addiction. Remember you are not alone, and you’re not the only one going through it. In case you are looking for support, here are some organizations that could provide valuable  information and assistance:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
3. Rehabilitation programs: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, The Recovery Village. 
4. 12 Step programs: Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
5. Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
6. Meth project
7. Faith-Based Organizations: Celebrate Recovery or local church-based support groups.

Counseling and support groups are valuable tools for quick help and are accessible to everyone. These resources offered by organizations or professionals give emotional support, advice, and a sense of belonging to society, which is helpful when facing addiction challenges. Addiction can make finding a path to recovery complex. Therefore, finding support from counselors or peer-led groups can create a good atmosphere for sharing struggles and meeting different needs.

Conclusion

Shabu consumption has been on the rise globally in recent years. While methamphetamine can temporarily increase feelings of pleasure, mood, and energy, it carries severe risks for both physical and mental health. It is crucial to recognize and support those who may be using meth, as rehabilitation and prevention are always possible. With the right help and resources, individuals can overcome addiction and lead healthier lives in the journey of recovery.

Addiction Resource is here to help you. If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with shabu, don´t hesitate to contact our 24/7 helpline at 800-913-1755. In case of overdoses or emergencies, please call 911 immediately.

Page Sources

1. Human Services: Origins of Meth
2. National Institute of Drug Abuse: How is methamphetamine misused?
3. National Drug Intelligence Center: Methamphetamine, Fast Facts
4. National Library of Medicine: The Manila Declaration on the Drug Problem in the Philippines
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Learn About Methamphetamine
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Patterns and Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use Among Adults — United States, 2015–2018
7. Drug Enforcement Administration: DEA Releases 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment
8. National Library of Medicine: Methamphetamine
9. American Addiction Centers: Meth Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment