Meth is a highly addictive stimulant. Learn more about meth, why it’s such an addictive drug, and how to stop meth addiction here.
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Use of Meth
It is estimated that 5% of the American adult population has used meth at least once. Meth addiction is the uncontrollable use of methamphetamine without a doctor’s prescription. Meth addiction can significantly impact a person’s life, posing threats to their health, wellness, relationships, and financial situation.1
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant, and as a result, many people find themselves suffering from meth use disorder. With that, it is important that we address the problem, recognize signs of abuse, and administer proper treatment when necessary.2
What is Meth Addiction?
Meth addiction is the use of methamphetamine without a doctor’s prescription that leads to its uncontrollable use. Meth addiction does not only affect your mental state but your emotional and physical state as well.
What Does Meth Feel Like?
Meth is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, and it increases activities in specific brain areas. Methamphetamine causes a dopamine rush in the brain, causing feelings of euphoria.2
The relationship between meth and the brain is closely studied, and it’s clear that during meth addiction, dopamine amounts increase. A high amount of dopamine can cause individuals to be alert, energized, and highly decisive.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction?
The signs and symptoms of meth addiction differ because of the different tolerance levels in each person. Therefore, while some may experience the signs and symptoms earlier, others may experience them later. Below are the signs and symptoms of meth addiction:
- Faster breathing and heart rate
- Higher blood pressure and temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations or delusions
How to Stop Meth Addiction
If you or your loved one is experiencing meth addiction, it is vital that you seek help and regain sobriety. Below are the necessary steps to discontinuing meth addiction.
Meth Detox
Meth detox, a short form of methamphetamine detoxification, is the gradual removal of the substance from the body. It is done to reduce meth skin reactions or the withdrawal symptoms experienced during treatment.
Behavior Treatment
Meth behavioral treatment involves teaching patients how to cope with stress without the drug. It essentially involves unlearning unhealthy practices and inculcating healthy practices.
Meth Addiction Rehab
Meth addiction rehab is a clinic with professionals to help people suffering from substance use disorder, and to ensure safe withdrawal from addiction.
Effects of Meth Addiction
Meth effects on the body are a result of meth use, either long-term or short-term. There are physical meth effects and emotional meth effects, but its physical effects are more common. Some meth side effects include:
- Memory loss
- Aggression
- Meth mood swings
- Extreme weight loss
- Hallucinations
- Less focus
- Slower thinking
- Risk of stroke
- Brain damage
Causes of Meth Addiction
Meth addiction can be linked to many different causes; these causes will be detailed below.
Biological and Genetic Factors
Studies show that biological factors can be causes and risk factors for methamphetamine addiction. The study further explains that genetics play a role in causing meth addiction.3
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can cause meth addiction. For instance, exposure to meth use in an environment can cause one to take the substance.
Having Higher Availability of the Drug
Methamphetamine can be used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and obesity. But some patients abuse the substance after experiencing its effect on the body.4
Underlying Mental Issues
Underlying mental issues are another cause of meth addiction. However, if an individual has underlying mental health issues, they can take methamphetamine to cover up the mental issues. And this can lead to meth addiction.
How Do People Use Methamphetamine?
Here are some of the ways individuals utilize meth:
- Smoking: Smoking meth is a common way of using meth. It produces a quick effect because it is introduced faster than the other routes except for injections.
- Swallowing: Swallowing meth is the least common way of taking it. And it takes a longer time for its effect to start kicking in.
- Snorting: Snorting takes longer to kick in. It takes about 3-5 minutes for effects to be felt if snorted.
- Injecting: Taking methamphetamine via injections introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream and quickly causes an intense dopamine rush.
Understanding Meth Withdrawal
Meth withdrawal symptoms are the symptoms individuals experience when trying to quit meth use. They result from a reduction of meth levels in the body. In short, they are responses to reducing meth medication in the body.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
- Suicidal Ideation and Suicide: Suicidal ideation is often the last of the symptoms of meth addiction. This symptom is especially dangerous, and should not be taken lightly.
- Depression: Depression often occurs after long-term use of a meth substance. It creates a feeling of hopelessness in individuals.
- Extreme Anxiety: Extreme anxiety occurs after short abstinence from meth. And it is a clear indication of addiction.
- Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding is an effect and a symptom of meth addiction. It is often accompanied by tooth decay.
- Increased Sleeping: Long-term use of meth can cause distorted sleeping patterns and increased sleep in individuals.
- Decreased Energy: Decreased energy comes after meth has been exhausted in the body. So, individuals take more to restore the lost energy.
- Night Sweats: Night sweats accompany distorted sleep patterns in meth addiction.
Find Help for Meth Addiction at San Diego Detox
Being addicted to meth is not a death sentence. Individuals suffering from meth use disorder can seek medical assistance to alleviate the symptoms of meth addiction.
There is a high meth treatment success rate for people after meth addiction treatment. The procedures are simple and will include meth addiction treatment medication. First but foremost, it will include meth detox. Meth detox helps alleviate the signs of meth use and supports withdrawal from meth during treatment. Reach out to San Diego Detox for more information today.
