It is estimated that 2.5 million people in the United States aged 12 years or older use methamphetamine. According to the CDC, more than 32,500 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential other than cocaine in 2021, with methamphetamine being the primary drug.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly dangerous and addictive drug, which has the potential to destroy lives. In this blog post, we will highlight everything you need to know about meth, including what the signs of addiction are and how meth rehab can help you or a loved one overcome their addiction. Let’s get started.
Meth is a synthetic psychostimulant drug. It is deemed a Schedule II drug by the U.S. government, which means that while it is legal in certain contexts, it has a high potential for misuse.
A person who takes meth will typically experience a rush of pleasurable feelings. They may feel more alert, confident, and energized than they normally would. Depending on how often a person takes the drug and how they take it, the effects can last from between a few minutes to several hours.
While meth is present in certain medications, including Desoxyn, an ADHD medication, the majority of meth use in the U.S. is illegal. There are a number of dangerous physical and psychological effects of abusing meth, and, as we have seen, it can be deadly.
In terms of the psychological effects of meth, these can include increased energy, attention, and feelings of intense happiness. Other effects may include paranoia, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Common physical effects of taking meth include:
The initial feeling of euphoria after taking meth may only last for a few short minutes. However, the other effects, such as higher body temperature and increased energy, can last for several hours.
Yes, meth does pose an addiction risk. It’s important here to note the difference between addiction and dependence. In the case of dependence, a person’s body is physically dependent on a drug and requires an ever-greater amount to achieve the same initial effect. Both physical and mental effects may be experienced if a person stops taking the drug, known as withdrawal.
On the other hand, a person has an addiction if they are unable to stop using a drug, even if it results in negative consequences. Note that dependence is a common feature of an addiction, though addiction can also occur without a physical dependence.
One of the most common signs that you are addicted to meth is that you desire to use meth on a regular basis. This urge to use meth can become incredibly overpowering, to the point that thinking about anything else is difficult. In order to achieve the same initial effect, you may also need to take more and more meth.
Other signs of meth addiction can include:
You may also experience withdrawal symptoms once you stop using meth.
In the case where a loved one, such as a family member or a friend, has a meth addiction, they may attempt to hide their addiction from you. However, there are a number of signs to help you spot an addiction.
For example, you may notice changes in the person’s mood, such as depression or mood swings. Changes in behavior are also common, such as acting paranoid or aggressive or developing secrecy.
Health issues, such as a lack of energy or not getting enough sleep, poor work performance, social withdrawal, or money problems are also common. If you suspect that a loved one has an addiction, it is important to remember that it can result in changes to their brain’s chemistry and structure, which makes it difficult for them to simply stop.
The good news is that meth addiction is treatable and people can go on to live full and rewarding lives. Support is available and professional treatment programs do work. There are a number of different types of treatment for meth addiction, which include:
In the case of residential treatment, patients receive round-the-clock meth detox support and benefit from being in an environment where they have access to professional support and resources. Outpatient support is also available, helping people to continue their progress and avoid slipping back into addiction.
The bottom line is that meth is a serious and addictive drug that kills thousands of people each year in the U.S. Treatment is available, whether for you or a loved one. Here in South Florida, your premier choice for meth addiction treatment is Comprehensive Wellness Centers.
We offer residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment. We pride ourselves in offering personalized care and support, rather than following a “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan.
If you would like to learn more about meth rehab, don’t hesitate to speak to a representative today. Click here to get started.
