Meth Addiction Resource Center

• Aug
  04

  What is Meth?

  

  Methamphetamine or meth is one of the most commonly abused drugs of the times. Meth is a psychostimulant that is referred to on the streets as crystal meth, meth, crystal, ice or glass. The use of meth causes increased alertness, energy, heightened concentration and even an increased level of self-esteem, libido and euphoria. Because of the psychological rewards provided by meth it is extremely addictive. Meth is approved by the FDA for the treatment of such disorders as exogenous obesity and ADHD.

  Long term abuse to meth can result in withdrawals that last far longer than the standard withdrawal period of time even so far as to last up to a year.

  Physical Results from Meth Use

  • Dizziness
  • Twitching
  • Insomnia
  • Numbness in the Limbs
  • Arrhythmias
  • Palpitations
  • Tremors
  • Severe Acne
  • Dry Skin

  • Hyperactivity
  • Restlessness
  • Anorexia
  • Headaches
  • Hypertension
  • Tachycardia
  • Diaphoresis
  • Constipation
  • Hyperthermia

  Extended use can result in convulsions, stroke, heart attack and even death. Severe withdrawals symptoms make it difficult for those addicted to meth to break away from it. Severe depression and anxiety can result from discontinuing use of the meth without help and continued medical treatment.

  How is Meth Abused

  Meth is the slang term for Methamphetamine and is available in various forms. It can be used through snorting, smoking, injecting or taken orally. The preferred method of abuse depends on the geographical region and it constantly changes. Smoking Meth causes it to take effect more quickly and is more common now than in the past.

  Meth is a mood-altering drug that works in different ways, depending on the method chosen to take it. Immediately following an injection of Meth or smoking it, there's an intense rush that lasts only a matter of minutes, but is described as being highly pleasurable. If Meth is snorted or taken orally, there's a feeling of euphoria, which is a good high but not the intense rush as from smoking or injecting it. Snorting takes effect in 3 to 5 minutes while taking it orally takes 15 to 20 minutes for effects to be noticed.

  Like other similar stimulants, Meth is generally used in a pattern of "binge and crash." The pleasurable feeling of Meth dissipates before the drug is out of the system so users keep taking more and more of it to maintain that high. Sometimes, abusers go on a binge called a "run." This means they don't sleep or eat while continuing to take Meth for several days.

  Meth causes severe weight loss as well as cardiovascular problems like rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure. Meth has been compared to cocaine but the effects on the body are actually much worse.

  Meth Addiction Recovery

  Meth is one of the most addictive drugs on the streets and methamphetamine abuse recovery is a difficult process but achievable. The first step for most addicts will be to get through detoxifications so that the drugs are removed from the system. This is the process of dealing with the physical addiction to the drug. When meth is stopped abruptly it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms including:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Severe Fatigue
  • Agitation

  • Body Aches
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Cramping

  Some treatment plans will provide medication such as methadone or suboxone to make the withdrawals more manageable. This is done under the watchful eye of a medical team to provide support in the event of a medical emergency.

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in conjunction with group therapy to help the person change their addictive behaviors and replace them with appropriate healthy behaviors. The process may take several months and often the individual will need outpatient visits for some time after leaving a program. In addition to therapy the person may be encouraged to attend meetings regularly with others addicted to similar drugs and be given a sponsor to turn to for support in the face of potential crisis or relapse.

  Meth addiction is serious business. It can become deadly so quickly that you absolutely cannot allow a methamphetamine addiction to continue in any way shape or form. If you realize that you have become addicted to meth, you need to reach out and get help today 800-654-0987. The first step is to find a local substance abuse rehab facility in your area. The second step is to reach out for help and admit that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Going forward, detox and rehabilitation are going to go a long way in helping you create the sober life that you once knew so that you can get healthy and find happiness in your life again.

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  Posted on August 4th, 2014

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