Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive drug with potent properties that stimulate the body’s central nervous system. Generally taken through injection, snorting, or swallowing, it boosts chemicals associated with energy and euphoria and provides a sense of pleasure and motivation. Keep reading to get an overview of meth’s characteristics, risk factors, and strategies for overcoming addiction.
Meth and Its Effects on the Brain
Meth is an illicit stimulant that affects the way the human brain functions and communicates with the rest of the body. Neurotransmitters release a large amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, chemicals responsible for reinforcing rewarding and happy feelings. Using meth addiction treatment services becomes necessary to recover the damages of long-term abuse on specific areas of the brain, such as:
- The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning
- The frontal and prefrontal cortex, which regulates reasoning, decision-making, judgment, and impulse control
- The cerebellum, which controls movements and cognitive functions
Meth Health Effects and Risks of Overdose
Someone using meth will experience a high-energy rush and the following feelings:
- Talkativeness
- Increased confidence
- Increased sexual libido
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Increased focus
But once the initial effects begin to subside, you will feel anxious, hungry, depressed, sweaty, tired, and agitated. You may also experience psychological symptoms like sadness, depression, hopelessness, and psychosis, which is a condition where you hear or see things that aren’t there.
The long-term effects depend on how often you do it and your method. Regular consumption changes the dopamine system and hinders coordination or learning. Long-term effects may also include:
- Constantly seeking the drug
- Drastic weight loss due to malnutrition
- Meth sores from skin itching and scratching
- Digestive problems
- Seizures
- Body temperature alterations
- Teeth and gum issues
- Feeling like something is crawling under your skin
- Frequent mood changes
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Trouble focusing and poor judgment
- Aggressiveness
- Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
Harmful additives like lithium metal, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus, and sulfuric acid are found in meth products. Mixing it with alcohol, depressants, cocaine, or other drugs can also cause dangerous physical symptoms, including blood pressure alterations, muscle breakdown, heart rhythm disorders, circulation issues, excessive bleeding, stroke, organ damage, coma, and even lead to death.
Meth Addiction Symptoms
Generally, for addiction recovery, professionals use eleven symptoms to determine the addiction level.
- 2 or 3 symptoms – Mild
- 4 or 5 symptoms – Moderate
- 6 or more symptoms – Severe
The symptoms include:
- Misusing the drug for longer periods
- Inability to resist misusing meth despite repeated efforts
- Spending more time on using or recovering from drug use
- Intense craving for meth
- Being unable to fulfill regular responsibilities
- Continuing to misuse the drug despite health or relationship problems
- Giving up personal or professional priorities due to meth overuse
- Taking extreme decisions or putting yourself in positions to obtain or use meth
- Continuing to misuse meth despite knowing the physical or psychological effects
- Craving more of the drug to maintain the high
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when cutting back on overuse
If you notice six or more symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to get professional help.
Meth Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring is the occurrence of a mental health illness alongside a substance use disorder. Common co-occurring conditions include:
- ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
- Conduct disorder
For many, overusing meth is a way to cope with mental health conditions. Stimulants may make someone happy temporarily, but others may develop mental health disorders, leading to relapse if left untreated.
Treating Meth Addiction
Overcoming meth addiction is a challenging journey, but it is not impossible. There are multiple treatment options available to help you get better.
- Detox programs at the hospital or treatment centre allow patients to get medically treated through the withdrawal process.
- Rehab at the treatment centre usually lasts about 30 days, but the timeline can vary.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), where talk therapy is used to change how you perceive and act around the drug
- Support groups where you can share your struggles with others on the same journey.
Effective treatment is about addressing the physical and personal challenges that result from excessive meth use. Seek professional help to start your treatment as soon as possible.