On its own, crystal meth is a destructive drug. Crystal meth addiction destroys one’s health, it rends families and friendships, and it gets people into serious legal trouble. These are bad enough, but it is also well documented that crystal meth addicts are much more likely than the average non-addict to engage in other risky behaviors above and beyond drug use. This is partly due to the uninhibited mental state brought on by the drug, and partly due to addicts’ desperation to get more of the drug. In any case, here are some of the most common risky behaviors associated with crystal meth abuse.

Reckless driving: Meth gives users a sense of overconfidence and indestructability. When you combine this with the drug’s stimulant effects, it makes for a very risky situation when the user gets behind the wheel of an automobile. Drunk driving justifiably gets a lot of attention for its dangers, but drinking while high on meth is equally bad, if not worse. Excessive speed, poor control, and erratic behaviors are all common among meth-using drivers.

Reckless sexual behavior: Meth lowers inhibitions and increases the sex drive. Combined, these factors cause people with crystal meth addiction to do all sorts of things that they would never do if they were sober. This leads to high rates of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy among meth users.

Negligent parenting: Crystal meth addiction makes people incapable of taking care of young children. This comes about in several ways. Some users are simply too high to properly care for their kids. Others are too preoccupied with supporting their crystal meth addiction to give their kids the attention they need. Still others allow seedy elements of the meth world into their homes, thus endangering their children and exposing them to things kids should not be exposed to. All in all, using meth is one of the most irresponsible things a parent can do. » Read more: Crystal Meth Addiction and Risky Behavior