Are you trying to kick a meth addiction?
Meth use has been on the rise over the last few years, increasing 43% from 2015 to 2019. Overdose deaths also shot up, almost tripling in the same period. One of the reasons for this is an increase in risky drug-taking behavior and dangerous drug combinations, such as meth and coke.
To make matters worse, the pandemic rolled around increasing stress and anxiety for most people. Drug use shot up during the pandemic years, triggering even higher numbers of overdoses.
Whether you’ve taken meth for years, or are battling a recent meth addiction that’s taken over your life, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone. Addiction can happen to anyone, and it’s not a reflection of your worth.
Or maybe you have a loved one that has fallen prey to meth’s powerful effects?
Know that recovery is possible, and not all paths are paved the same way.
The first step to getting the upper hand on any addiction is to arm yourself with the facts. Keep reading to find out 10 important things to know about meth addiction and the treatment options that are available.
1. Overdose Deaths Are More Common Than People Think
One of the first and most important things to know about meth is that fatal overdoses are possible.
If you knew someone who overdosed or has come close to it, you’re probably painfully aware of the dangers of overdosing on meth. But, research reveals that many people are under the false impression that fatal meth overdoses are “not possible”.
According to survey results, many users say that the worst that can happen on meth is “overamping.”
Unfortunately, this is far from true. The documented 500% increase in fatal overdoses over the previous decade shows that overdosing is possible.
Because of the way meth works in the body, it’s also easy to OD. Just like with other drugs, the body builds up a tolerance to the substance in an attempt to regain homeostasis.
With meth, tolerance can kick in quickly, making it hard to achieve the same high from the same dose. To get the same effects, users have to consume more and more. Ramping up doses or taking doses closer and closer together can be a recipe for an accidental overdose.
2. Dependency Can Set in Fast
If you haven’t taken meth, or haven’t yet developed a habit, you might be wondering “how addictive is meth?”
The answer: hugely addictive. Out of control, biologically, and overwhelmingly addictive.
Addiction can also set in incredibly fast, taking hold after even just one use.
The reason behind this lies in the way meth interacts with our neurochemistry.
Most drugs and addictive substances trigger higher-than-usual levels of domain release. This feel-good neurochemical usually trickles into our system, with moderate rises in response to things like exercise, food, time outdoors, social connections, etc.
The Dangers of a Dopamine Tsunami
Alcohol, nicotine, and hard drugs trigger a temporary increase in dopamine release. But while things like alcohol just turn up the taps, amphetamines blow the pipes wide open.
What happens after this is a massive surge of dopamine, unlike anything a human would normally experience. Hence the intense euphoria that comes at the beginning of a meth trip.
Of course, the body can’t keep up this rush of dopamine. Without more meth, dopamine levels then plummet, because the body’s reservoirs have been drained.
This is one of the reasons why meth trips are followed by such a hard crash with such excruciatingly low mental/emotional states. Altogether, this sets the stage for the inevitable cycle of abuse.
When the high wears off, taking again feels like the only way to feel better and escape the feelings of depression and anxiety.
To make matters worse, dopamine is essentially a reward chemical. It makes us feel pleasure as a part of the brain’s reward system. This system is there to help us learn and engage in beneficial behaviors.
Because drugs have such a strong effect on dopamine release they can hijack this system. Every time the body gets a meth-induced tsunami of dopamine, this reinforces a positive feedback loop and creates urges to repeat the process in exchange for a dopamine reward.
Research has also uncovered evidence showing that the dopaminergic neurons in the brain grow more receptors in response to amphetamine exposure. These increased receptors could also be a cause behind cravings, as they demand continued supplies of elevated dopamine levels, and drive compulsive drug-seeking.
3. Meth Is Often Used in Conjunction With Other Drugs
Another factor that makes meth use such a slippery slope is that it’s often used with other drugs, especially downers.
This is similar to how some people have to take sleeping medication to counteract the stimulating effect of antidepressants.
Opioids are a common “antidote” to the excess energy triggered by meth. In reverse, some people get into meth as a way to counteract the sedative effects of opioids. Meth is also seen in some circles as a drug that can prevent opioid overdoses.
However, mixing drugs can actually increase the risk of overdose. It also opens one up to increased levels of addiction and dependency.
Thanks to the upper/downer relationship between the two drugs, it’s very common for them to be taken together to provide a synergistic high and cancel out each other’s unwanted effects.
4. Meth Is Usually a Band-Aid
If you’ve decided that it’s time to save yourself and confront a meth addiction, this is perhaps one of the most important things to know.
Meth use is usually a bandaid for something much deeper. If you dig into people’s stories, you’ll usually find that the reasons people do drugs don’t just lie in the drugs themselves, but rather in the person’s mental/emotional state.
It’s pretty well-established in the medical community that mental illness and drug addictions are “comorbidities” meaning that they often occur together. Drug use can trigger depression, but it’s often the other way around.
Anecdotal tales from people who made it out the other side back this up. For instance, in this article, the author (a previous meth addict) states “Meth was not my problem. It was my attempt at a solution to my problems.”
If you feel like your meth addiction probably has its roots in unresolved emotional issues, it can be hugely helpful to identify these and start examining them.
5. Online Communities Can Be a Help and a Hindrance
Amphetamine drugs haven’t changed all that much over the years, but the social landscape has.
Nowadays, anyone with an internet connection can tap into online communities related to meth. This can be both good and bad.
It’s easier than ever to connect with others who’re fighting the battle against addiction and gain unconditional support. There are numerous online communities, groups, discussion threads, and more.
But there are also a plethora of online spaces centered around taking meth. From online Zoom parties to bowl selfies on social media, there are many places that encourage and normalize meth use.
Social influences can have a major impact on addiction. If you want to get clean and beat a meth addiction, don’t let pro-meth online communities derail your efforts
Most addicts also advise that you cut off all contact with persons who are physically in your life that share your habit. If you don’t, the chance of relapse can be exponentially higher.
6. A Meth Addiction Can Have Serious Long-Term Health Implications
Most people who have used meth for any length of time have seen what it can do long-term. If you haven’t witnessed its long-term effects, don’t let the faces of those online fool you.
Invariably, the meth addict posting bowl selfies are the ones who have great skin (or great makeup skills) and good teeth still.
The meth addict who has lost teeth and developed sores that won’t heal? They are less likely to be attending a Zoom party with their cam on.
Here are some of the main long-term health effects that meth can trigger:
- Tooth decay
- Decreased motor skills
- Malnutrition
- Verbal learning declines
- Heart disease
Meth can also accelerate the aging process, leaving you old and depleted before your time.
7. Methamphetamine Psychosis Is Real
One of the hallmarks of advanced meth addiction is psychosis. Psychosis can take on different forms for different people, but the overall result is the same.
Instead of using meth to have a good time, you’re taking it to ward off frightening, dark hallucinations, only to experience temporary relief before they return.
8. Therapy Is an Essential Part of Recovery
As we mentioned earlier, drug use is often caused by underlying emotional factors, and it usually goes hand in hand with things like depression and anxiety.
Because of this, therapy is usually a critical part of recovery. Not only can therapy address underlying emotional causes, but it can also help heal feelings of unworthiness and self-hatred that addiction can foster.
9. Medical Detoxes Offer a Better Chance of Success
While therapy can target the emotional triggers behind drug addiction, it’s usually not enough to see one through the withdrawal phase. Because of this, a lot of meth addiction treatment programs feature medical detoxes.
Medical detox programs can cut down on the likelihood of immediate relapse. They are also safer than detoxing on your own.
10. You Can Choose Between Inpatient Programs, Outpatient Programs, and Blended Programs
Treatment for meth addiction usually comprises of either inpatient programs in a rehab facility, outpatient programs, or a blend of the two.
Outpatient programs offer structured time in treatment during the day or evening without the need to book into a rehab facility. Blended programs usually involve an initial period in a rehab location, followed by an outpatient program.
One of the barriers to treatment that a lot of addicts face is the financial cost. Fortunately, health insurance companies have started to recognize this and some will cover a portion or all of the costs of treatment.
Connection and Support Is Key to Recovery
Overcoming a meth addiction might feel like the hardest thing you’ve ever tried to do, but you are not alone. One of the keys to recovery is connecting with others who’ve walked the same path and finding the right support.
Here at Detox to Rehab, our goal is to help anyone suffering from addiction find help, hope, and strength through unconditional support and guidance.
Do you need help? Call our hotline (866) 578-7471 or contact us online to speak with a care counselor.
51 comments
These many ways to help people out of addict, that support is big impact as fast as possible to help them
All explicit drugs are BAND AIDS … Even though you believe you are resolving the problem, it keeps getting worse. It does not matter what or where the addiction is: alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc. All are just band AIFDS.
This article is on point. It gives the full picture of meth addiction and treatments. Thanks for this detox.
This is totally educating and very informative. This really came in handy and very helpful. Thank you detox.
A lot of people don’t realize how addictive meth is. thanks for pointing that out in this article. The truth is I didn’t know that one can get addicted to meth after one use. That is so scary. I will share this piece with my friends
Thanks for this information I know the death from overdose is recorded like it should and getting addicted to it is very fast
Overcoming meth Addiction can be really difficult but if you’re being supported and not left alone,you can do it.
This article is really educative and informative . Now I can say I know more than enough about meth addiction, and I can help create awareness about the dangers of meth addiction to the world.
Therapy is really one of the best way to ease the difficulties addiction fosters. Great work Detox!
This is a well detailed information on meth addiction. Everything needed to be known about meth addiction is all and I promise to help create awareness on it. Good jobs guys.
One essential take home for me is, the danger of meth usage far outweighs every promise of pleasure it makes. It’s a thing to abstain from.
The above points have actually show that meth is a drug that people should be toiling with. Thanks for this revelation.
Out of the outlined points, therapy to me is more efficient because it allows interpersonal communication. Everyone who is addicted to meth should take the necessary steps to ensure their recovery.
Based on the information I gathered both online and offline revealed that meth is toxic and destructive. Its victims should embrace the opportunity offered by detox rehab for their recovery.
With advancement of technology, you can have session via internet. They can and may be a big effort in being sober.
This information is timely. It will be very useful for addicts in my community. Thank you.
This article is very detailed and can be very useful for anyone suffering from meth addiction or anyone looking to offer help to someone on meth addiction. Keep up the good work.
Thanks to detox to rehab for this enlightening on meth addiction. It will really be of help to people.
Indeed, this article is highly informative and educative. As a matter of fact, it has shown detailed information about meth abuse. As a result, it is very crucial for people to desist from this unwholesome habit.
Thank for this piece of information about addiction. In fact, there is awareness on ways of tackling addiction. Let people borrow a leaf from the article.
Read the whole article points are very valid and the solution part seems more convincing, it will really help the person of such addiction.
The fact that Meth use can cause such terrible effects on the body including affecting teeth and heart is a no for me. I just wish such effects of drugs can be taught in school at an early age and prevent teenagers from engaging in drugs.
Meth use has exhibited a steady rise over the past few years. This just shows how important it is that people are aware of the treatment options available.
I believe blended programs are much more effective than sticking to either inpatient or oupatient. With the blended program you get the best of both worlds.
Thanks for alwayas sharing these helpful articles. I am sure tons of addicts out there have had their lives saved because of them. Keep it up.
I had no idea that meth was so addictive and that dependency could set in after just one use. That’s really scary.
I think it’s important to raise awareness about the dangers of meth and other drugs. People need to know the facts and understand the risks involved.
It’s really unfortunate that the pandemic has led to even higher levels of drug use and overdoses. I hope that people can get the help they need.
I appreciate that this post emphasizes that addiction is not a reflection of someone’s worth. It’s important to reduce the stigma around addiction and seek help when needed.
The fact that meth is often used in conjunction with other drugs is really concerning. It seems like this can increase the risk of overdose and dependency.
I think it’s helpful that this post provides information about treatment options for meth addiction. It’s important for people to know that recovery is possible.
The information about dopamine release and the reward system in the brain was really interesting. It’s scary to think about how drugs can hijack this system and create addictive behavior.
I had no idea that meth trips were followed by such a hard crash. It seems like this would make it even more difficult to break the cycle of abuse.
It’s really unfortunate that meth is often used as a band-aid solution for other problems. It’s important for people to address the root causes of their issues and seek appropriate help.
I hope that this post can help raise awareness about the dangers of meth and other drugs. Education is key in preventing addiction and overdose.
It’s really scary to think about how quickly addiction can set in with meth use. It seems like people need to be extremely cautious and aware of the risks.
Many individuals are unaware of how addicting meth is. I appreciate you bringing that out in this piece. The fact is, I had no idea that a single use of meth could lead to addiction. It is really scary. I’ll let my pals read this essay.
This article is a great article. Now I know about meth addiction, through the symptoms listed and I know what treatment to be used.
Thank you Detax to rehab for sharing these type of stories with all of us.These stories are really very much inspirational for many people.
This is informative and educative at the same time. It contains what is needed to be known about meth addiction.
I found the part about the dopamine tsunami very interesting. This was quite an informative read and I thank you for sharing it.
Meth is a dangerous and addictive drug, because as an addict takes it the more he craves to take higher dosages and before you know it, it results to an overdose. I pray for recovery for anyone going through meth addiction.
Excellent read. I agree, that arming yourself with facts on meth addiction is fundamental, as well as confronting the potential issues, that are making you seek it in the first place. The personalized outpatient treatments and health insurance policies are definitely a step in the right direction. Thanks for all the information!
I believe this deep insight on meth addiction will surely help in our fight to break it’s addiction… Thanks Detox for enlightening us.
None of the above highlighted point can be rejected. This is because they are things coming in our society.
Number two that speaks about dependency is real. Whoever is addicted to it usually suffer from complete dependent on it.
Meth addiction is a serious issue, and I will advice that the inpatient treatment should be the best option for any addict seeking recovery because that way they can be under supervision.
I am surprised at how common deaths from overdoses are. Something ought to be done fast before things get out of hand.
I quite like the idea of supportive online communities. These can help a lot as long as someone has access to the internet.
I liked the part about the dangers of a dopamine Tsunami. That was truly very informative. Thanks for the article.
Hello , My Name is Lathadavis from UK,I really Appreciate you blog,, I really like the idea to support community online. These can helps lots people .