Dangers of Meth Abuse
Meth is a highly addictive stimulant and Schedule II drug that has ruined millions of lives. An addiction to Methamphetamine forms quickly, as well as physical and psychological damage. In fact, it is so addicting that for some, one use is all it takes to begin the cravings. Continuous use of Meth leads to an increased tolerance, requiring one to use more to attain the same “high” as before, leading many to adopt a “binge-and-crash” method of using.
Meth, also known as Crystal Meth, contains harmful toxins and is itself a neurotoxic substance. It is often made in homemade labs that use hazardous materials, along with the ingredients. Not only do these chemicals harm the user, but they can also contaminate anything around the labs, such as air or water in the area.
Click Here for a confidential benefits check to see if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment or call (866) 578-7471 to speak to a addiction specialist.
While Methamphetamine has some uses in medicine, to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and obesity, it is almost never used in the medical field. That is because of how detrimental the effects associated with its use are, so Meth is almost exclusively used illicitly as a recreational drug.
Emergency room visits related to pain killer use rose 153% from 1995 to 2002, while admissions to drug treatment programs for individuals using Methamphetamine rose 321% from 1995 to 2005.
Street Names for Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a highly regulated substance. It is illegal to possess, produce, distribute or sell Meth and so people who handle and use this drug have many nicknames for it. Crystal, Chalk, Ice, Crank, Tweak, Blue, Belly, Speed, White Cross, Glass.
Effects of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is known as a party drug due to its ability to keep users awake and active. It is a stimulant and causes hyperactivity, accelerated heart rate, high body temperature, sweating, blood pressure irregularities, rapid breathing, and more. Unfortunately, there are many adverse side effects that come from using Meth. For starters, cravings and tolerance levels increase after the first use, causing the user to constantly seek more and more. Sleep and eating patterns are disrupted as well, which leads to a significant amount of weight loss and emaciation. Paranoia and anxiety are also common to see in people who abuse Meth. Hallucinations are quite frequent, with the feeling of insects crawling under the skin which leads many to pick at their skin.
How to Tell If a Loved One is Abusing Methamphetamines
It can be hard to know when a friend or loved one is abusing Meth early on. Substance abuse often grows in severity over time. It’s important to understand and recognize the signs of Methamphetamine abuse if you want to determine whether he or she is using this drug. There will be smaller signs at first; if the abuse continues long enough, there will be obvious red flags that would worry anyone. Here are a few that you can look out for:
A loved one may appear irritable and agitated, which is due to the comedown from Meth. Your loved one’s sleeping patterns will be irregular, quickly crashing after using, needing longer periods of rest, which may cause him or her to be perpetually tired.
If someone you love is abusing Meth, his or her eating habits will change. Your loved one will appear thin and malnourished from the lack of eating. This is because, as with most stimulants, Meth use causes an increased metabolism and reduced appetite.
One of the biggest signs of Meth abuse is a disinterest in or neglect of responsibilities and hobbies. Your loved one may start showing up late, or stop showing up at all to classes or work. He or she may stop attending family events and other activities.
Find Out More About Methamphetamine Abuse
Meth abuse acts quickly and can take someone’s life in the snap of the fingers. The body and brain begin to adjust at the start of the first use, creating a craving for it that continues. Unless professional assistance is sought out, Meth abuse can and will lead to a full-blown dependency. Remember: no one is a lost cause regarding recovery. With the right treatment and enough effort, there is a happier and healthier life waiting for you.
Best Voted Treatment Centers
The Silkworth approach is about more than overcoming addictions, it’s about helping people become ...
For over three decades, the White Deer Run Network has been providing quality, effective addiction t...
The Farley Center at Williamsburg Place subscribes to the philosophy that addiction is a primary, pr...
Capstone Treatment Center is a licensed residential program for young adult and adolescent males; yo...
We are an in-patient drug and alcohol treatment center located in Crownsville, MD. We provide men an...
Williamsville Wellness was founded in 2007 by Robert W. Cabaniss Jr.(“Bob”). Bob opened the eigh...
Nugen's Ranch is the real thing. A large homey facility with standard living and learning areas. A l...
The New Leaf Center has been providing outpatient mental health and addiction therapy services in th...
Sunspire Health Hyde Park is a licensed residential treatment facility that provides a personal appr...
We are a private outpatient treatment facility that offers a wide variety of therapeutic services in...
The focus of the Tiger Mountain Recovery staff is to provide clients with a uniquely viable substanc...
When the use of alcohol or drugs interferes with someone's daily activities - job, family life, soci...
We are committed to treating the whole person — and their families — with caring, qualified prof...
When the use of alcohol or drugs interferes with someone's daily activities - job, family life, soci...
The Ascend Difference, simply defined, is that it’s a treatment program driven by values and a tru...
True Stories of Addiction: Chris Overcomes Meth
REAL STORIES. REAL PEOPLE REAL HOPE. DRAW STREGHT FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE. – View all episodes now
Methamphetamine Rehab Treatment
Once detoxed from the toxins in your body, it is important to continue treatment from your Methamphetamine addiction. Recovery is a lifelong lifestyle change that must be constantly worked on, which truly starts in rehab. Finding the right facility to treat your Meth addiction is crucial to a strong start in sobriety.
Deciding to go to a rehabilitation center for a Meth addiction may be a difficult decision to undertake, but it’s the best way to heal. In treatment, you will learn how to cope during challenging situations and develop the skills needed to overcome addiction.
Deaths related to pain killer abuse rose 160% from 1994 to 2004.
Inpatient care is the default idea of what many believe rehab will be; you will be at the facility all day, every day, until your term is up, whether that be 28 days, 90 days or more. You will be overseen by licensed professionals that will help find and deal with the root causes of your addiction. Inpatient rehab facilities are recommended, as they are viewed as the best chance for recovering from addiction.
Rehab includes frequent participation in one-on-one and group therapy sessions where you will discuss your addiction and abuse. In rehab, you will be educated about addiction and how it changes your brain so that you can be more aware of the processes you are experiencing. With help, you will identify your triggers and learn how to confront them in a healthy manner. – Learn More
Methamphetamine Detox
For many, detox is the most dreaded part of getting off Methamphetamine. This is because detoxing from Methamphetamine can be exhausting and uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms from Meth are both physical and psychological and include fatigue, paranoia, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide and other.
While withdrawal from some substances, like Alcohol or Benzodiazepines, can be fatal, Meth withdrawals are not so dangerous. Nevertheless, it is highly advised to detox under medical supervision. A proper detox facility, with medical professionals monitoring you, will offer treatment and medication that can ease the discomfort of withdrawal.
Additionally, people detoxing from Meth are often psychologically unstable and delusional, which can lead them to make poorly informed choices and, possibly, harm themselves or others, so supervision is important.
The length of time to detox depends on several factors from method of use, metabolism, tolerance to duration of addiction. It generally takes about a month for a person to get rid of the withdrawal symptoms associated with Meth use, though they might experience cravings even after this period. Typically, those who inject meth will experience a longer and more intense withdrawal period. – Learn More
Methamphetamine Addiction
Addiction is a complex disorder that is misunderstood by many people. For a long time, it was believed that substances alone caused addiction. Of course, substances do play a major role in addiction and Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive substances out there. In recent years, though, it has been discovered that there is more to addiction than just an addictive substance.
We know now that addiction is largely propelled by underlying causes. They can be environmental, circumstantial or psychological. They might be traced back to childhood neglect of traumas. Whatever leads someone to use Meth, continued use in anyone will cause changes in the brain.
After enough continued use, a reward pattern is established in the brain that connects using Meth to good feelings. This pattern becomes powerful because of how much pleasure chemicals Meth produces. The brain prioritizes the drug over everything else, so that it overrides other methods of problem solving, coping and feeling good that a person had developed.
Once this happens, it is nearly impossible to overcome with logic, reason or sheer will power. That is because the person’s own cognitive faculty and ability to think logically has been compromised. These are largely subconscious processes that a person cannot control or overcome alone. This is why treatment is so necessary and important. – Learn More
Methamphetamine Dependence
There are two kinds of dependence, physical and psychological, both of which play a big role in Methamphetamine addiction. Dependence, when discussing substance abuse disorder, is essentially a perceived need for a substance.
When Meth is used, the body’s systems are put out of balance due to the toxins that are introduced. This could be dangerous for essential function, so the body compensates for the imbalance, leading to a physical dependence. It works the same way with other tolerances as well.
With consistent use, there is a perceived need for the substance because the body has adjusted to function with Meth. If use stops, the person feels sick and unstable as the body cannot function properly without Meth anymore. Of course, if the person detoxes fully, the body will regain balance and will be able to function without the drug again.
Psychological dependence is a bit different, as the user believes that Meth is needed to feel normal. Psychological dependence is emotional or motivational, so that a person feels unhappy or unsatisfied if he or she cannot use Meth, and may believe that he or she is unable to function normally without it. – Learn More
Seeking help for a loved one.
- What Do I Say in A Methamphetamine Intervention?
You will speak directly to your loved one, only speaking in love and concern while leaving out judgment or anger. Let him or her know the negative impact their Methamphetamine addiction causes you. - What If My Loved One Does Not Go To Methamphetamine Rehab?
If your loved one does not accept Methamphetamine treatment, he or she will know there is help when he or she is ready. Keep showing them support without enabling your loved ones’ behavior.
Intervention for Meth Abuse
There are two kinds of dependence, physical and psychological, both of which play a big role in Methamphetamine addiction. Dependence, when discussing substance abuse disorder, is essentially a perceived need for a substance.
When Meth is used, the body’s systems are put out of balance due to the toxins that are introduced. This could be dangerous for essential function, so the body compensates for the imbalance, leading to a physical dependence. It works the same way with other tolerances as well.
With consistent use, there is a perceived need for the substance because the body has adjusted to function with Meth. If use stops, the person feels sick and unstable as the body cannot function properly without Meth anymore. Of course, if the person detoxes fully, the body will regain balance and will be able to function without the drug again.
Painkiller abusers get their drugs from friends or family members. Only about 4% get Methamphetamine from illegal dealers or strangers, and about .1% obtain Methamphetamine from the Internet.
Psychological dependence is a bit different, as the user believes that Meth is needed to feel normal. Psychological dependence is emotional or motivational, so that a person feels unhappy or unsatisfied if he or she cannot use Meth, and may believe that he or she is unable to function normally without it. – Learn More
Recovery from Methamphetamine Abuse
Recovery from an addiction to Meth may seem impossible to those suffering in active addiction. Many believe that they have nothing left to live for or that their destiny is to use drugs until they die. Usually people in active addiction to Meth feel alone and hopeless because they have ruined their relationships, reputations or bodies.
No case is hopeless, though. There is always the possibility for recovery. The right treatment for addiction and the right medical attention can accomplish what may seem like the impossible right now. There are thousands of people who have been where you are right now, addicted to Meth, who have recovered. They are living happily and healthily, with purpose right now and you could be too.
There are so many people who care and who want to help. Maybe your loved ones are hurt and have lost their trust in you, but there are many other people who are passionate about helping you through this. Later in recovery, you will be able to rebuild many of those relationships and regain the trust of your loved ones.
People who work in rehab and other treatment for addiction genuinely care and want to help you. Many people who are in recovery now find purpose and happiness by helping others who are still suffering through this difficult transition.
In rehab, you will meet people who can relate to you and who understand how difficult your experiences have been. You will learn about the nature of addiction and develop skills that will help you avoid using in the future.
- How Do I Recover from Methamphetamine Addiction?
Inpatient treatment is possibly the best way to recover from an Methamphetamine addiction, followed up with support groups like the 12-step program. - Will I Be Bored in Methamphetamine Recovery?
If you attend Methamphetamine support groups, you will connect with many people, attend various events and participate in numerous activities.
Meth Overdose
If you are suspicious that you or someone else has overdosed on Methamphetamine or any other substance, call 911 to contact emergency medical services immediately. Overdose is very serious and can be fatal and cause detrimental physical and mental health consequences.
There are two kinds of Meth overdoses, acute and chronic. Acute overdose is when a person takes too large a portion for the body to tolerate. Chronic overdose happens due to the progressive health decline of long-term use that eventually becomes too great for the body or mind to overcome.
Signs of a Meth overdose are compulsive or repetitive behaviors, high body temperature and high blood pressure, chest pains, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, irregularities in heartbeat, twitching and muscle spasms, stomach pain, confusion and delusional mentality.
The most dangerous physiological results of Methamphetamine overdose are heart attack, stroke, seizures, kidney failure, coma and death. The psychological consequences can be just as dire, permanent or persisting psychosis being a prominent one. Meth overdose can cause extreme paranoia, hallucinations, violent and psychotic outbursts, as well as suicidal thoughts or attempts.
The amount required to overdose varies greatly from case to case, based on a person’s size, metabolism, tolerance and how long the use has gone on. Overdose is more common when other intoxicating substances are used simultaneously with Meth. New users overdose easily because their tolerances are so low. – Learn More
The Dangers of Freebasing Meth
Powder methamphetamine is the hydrochloride salt form of meth. It is smokable as is. It is purer and easier to smoke in this form, but it is not truly considered a freebase. Actual methamphetamine freebase is an oil, which is an uncommon form of the drug.
Learn more about freebasing: https://detoxtorehab.com/substance-abuse/what-is-freebasing. You may also want to read more about The Dangers of Using Tin Foil to Smoke Drugs
What is Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that is used as a recreational drug. It is made using amphetamine, a drug used to treat ADD and obesity. It can take the form of either a pill, an odorless white powder or as a glass-like crystal that is known as Crystal Meth.
Like other stimulants, such as Cocaine or Adderall, Methamphetamine increases a one’s alertness and ability to pay attention to something. Meth gives a user a lot of energy and reduces drowsiness or sleepiness. In fact, it can be very difficult to sleep after using Meth. This drug will make you hyperactive, increasing physical activity. It can cause someone to talk at a fast pace and for a long time without stopping. Most notably, Meth use causes a distinct and powerful sense of euphoria, making it one of the most commonly abused and most addictive drugs that exist today.
This strong euphoria is caused primarily by an excess amount of Dopamine that is active in the body. Methamphetamine interacts with multiple neurotransmitters in the brain, the primary one being Dopamine. Meth causes the brain to produce or release an increased amount of Dopamine than is normally released. This floods the body with Dopamine, causing the euphoria associated with Meth.
On top of this, Meth is a Dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it stops the appropriate faculty in the nervous system from reabsorbing Dopamine. Normally small amounts of Dopamine are released and then reabsorbed and saved for later use. On Meth, more is released than normal and none is reabsorbed. This causes there to be an excessive amount of Dopamine in circulation, creating an overwhelming sensation of pleasure.
Methamphetamine has been around for a long time, first having been discovered in Japan, around 1919. Alongside other stimulants, Meth was used by soldiers on all sides in World War II to help them stay awake, alert and energetic.
In the 1950s, Methamphetamine was being prescribed in the United States as a diet pill. It was also being used to treat depression and came close to being a “cure all” medication quickly. Meth was sold over the counter as a decongestant. It was even used commonly as a non-medical stimulant that was similar to coffee. To top it off, it was also used casually by college students, athletes and others who had a particular need to stay awake, maintain a high-level energy or hold attention for long periods.
Soon, the addictive properties of Methamphetamine were realized as more and more people began to abuse the drug. In 1970, the US government made Meth illegal under most circumstances as the detrimental effects of Meth abuse became more apparent and prevalent.
In the following years, many illegal labs that produced Methamphetamine for illicit sales started to pop up. Mexican drug cartels were, and still are, particularly active in this trade. Smaller groups and individuals have followed suit, though, because of the lucrative sales. This is how recreational Meth is produced to this day, secretly and illegally in clandestine or underground labs.
Presently, Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States of America. One variant of Meth is still readily available as a prescription called Desoxyn. It is used to treat ADD and aids weight loss, but there are many alternatives with the same levels of effectiveness that have much lower risks associated.
Abusing Meth, like all addictive substances, can cause a person’s life to completely fall apart at the seams. Meth abuse will damage personal relationships, deteriorate work and school life, break down someone’s motivation and productivity. Meth abuse results in isolation, depression, mood disorders, estrangement from loved ones and passions.
It is now known that Methamphetamine damages the Dopamine and Serotonin neurons in the brain. In recovery, the effects this damage has had on a person’s personality, cognitive abilities and mood may be compensated for to some degree. Most of the time, though, brain damage like this is permanent.
There is more physiological damage that long term Meth abuse causes that is unique to this drug. The deterioration of muscle tissue and fat, which exhibits as emaciation, is caused by the extreme and long-term lack of nutrition from chronic loss of appetite. Meth causes the mouth to be very dry, which, results in the rapid rotting of teeth. This is usually made worse by the tendency of users to neglect personal hygiene.
If you or a loved one are suffering from Methamphetamine addiction and facing any of these monstrous consequences, there is help. No one is hopeless, and regardless of what you may think you have lost, there is more to live for. Additionally, there are plenty of resources that are available to people struggling with addiction. Call us, at 866-579-7471, for information on rehab, therapy, support groups, programs like the 12-step program, sponsors, meetings and other available services that can help with Meth abuse.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can be an incredibly helpful tool for both those in recovery and their families. Families suffer a lot when one or more members goes through a Methamphetamine addiction. Meth causes personality changes, delusions, hallucinations and mood shifts. These things can be scary and traumatic to witness, as well as dangerous to be around. People who suffer from an addiction often disappoint their loved ones as they cannot stop using and prioritizing Meth over other things that should be more meaningful and important.
In recovery, a solid system of support from people who genuinely care is key to sustaining sobriety, and for many people, this is their families. Restoring the bonds that were damaged in active addiction can benefit the person in recovery and other members of the family. Individuals in recovery work through feelings of guilt and shame, while the other members work through resentment, distrust, hurt and anger. Family therapy offers a safe space for this work to happen.
A therapist can help all the members to see how they can help to strengthen the family unit. Therapists help families to establish positive communication strategies, appropriate boundaries and address abusive or negative dynamics.
Some people who abuse Meth have experienced childhood trauma, neglect or have psychological conditions that weren’t addressed by their parents. No family is perfect, but working through these issues as a unit can be incredibly helpful for healing and recovery form substance abuse.
- Why Should I Attend Family Therapy?
You will build a stronger bond with your family and repair any damage caused from Methamphetamine addiction. - What Will Family Therapy Help?
When you abuse Methamphetamine, you may have caused your family great harm. Going to therapy can help your family see you are changing and they will give you their full support.
True Stories of Addiction: Steven’s Battle with Meth Addiction
Your loved one feels isolated and alone in their fight against their addiction. Give them the backup that they need. Holding an intervention for a loved one not only brings their problem to the surface, but shows them that people still care about them. They might be in denial with other people, but most people who have a substance abuse problem are not in denial with themselves. Deep down inside, they know they need help. If you show them that they have support if they decide to get that help, they will be more willing to go to rehab. Let them know that you are not giving up on them.
Seeking help for a loved one
- Will Inpatient Treatment Help my Methamphetamine Addiction?
Inpatient treatment is one of the most effective ways to recover from Methamphetamine addiction. - How Long is Methamphetamine Inpatient Treatment?
The length of your stay in an inpatient program depends on your Methamphetamine addiction and the program you choose to go to.
Inpatient Rehab for Methamphetamine
Inpatient rehab is the most ideal form of treatment for someone who suffering from a Methamphetamine addiction. Inpatient is suggested as the most effective treatment option for addiction by professionals in the fields of substance abuse, medicine and mental health.
Particularly because of the psychological aspects of Meth abuse and withdrawals, a medically supervised detox attention is highly advised. Anytime this is the case, inpatient rehab is the best way to go after detox, considering that some degree of psychosis may linger for weeks and months in many cases of Meth recovery.
At inpatient rehab, you will be residing in a controlled environment that is monitored by medical professionals. This ensures your safety and keeps you at a good distance from drugs and outside influences. This degree of isolation is key to the beginning of recovery, because you have very little experience with sobriety. As you learn about addiction and begin the therapeutic work that is needed to recover, you will be away from the stresses and environmental triggers of the world outside of rehab.
One-on-one and group therapy sessions are the focal point of inpatient rehabs, but addiction education, life coaching, nutrition and fitness are usually included in the curriculum as well. These activities will either happen in the same location as the residence or you will be transported by employees to a different location to attend. Inpatient programs vary in length, but usually last between one and three months. – Learn More
Outpatient Rehab for Methamphetamine
Outpatient rehab serves an important purpose in Methamphetamine recovery as well, which is usually to help support people who need a little extra help in maintaining recovery. Outpatient rehab is not residential, so you would not live on site. Instead, you would follow a set schedule and arrive at the services, returning home at the end of the day.
This requires more independence on the individual’s part. Outpatient doesn’t help to separate individuals from drugs or from those triggers and environmental pressures such as friends who use and places where Meth is sold. Otherwise, outpatient offers the same kinds of services, such as individual and group therapy sessions, addiction education and so on.
For these reasons, outpatient is a great way to transition from inpatient rehab into more independent sobriety. It is also a good tool for individuals who have sustained sobriety for a long time, but have relapsed or are struggling with new stresses that are increasing cravings or triggers. It isn’t advised to go straight from detox to an outpatient program, as the high level of support needed to maintain that fragile state of sobriety won’t be available.
Some people choose to go to sober living while attending outpatient rehab for more structure and support. Some people who utilize outpatient have children or elderly relatives who require their attention outside of an inpatient residency. Everyone is different, but it is important that you decide on treatment that suits your unique needs. – Learn More
- Will Outpatient Help my Methamphetamine Addiction?
Yes. Outpatient will help your Methamphetamine addiction, but works best if you attend inpatient rehab first. - When Should I go to Outpatient Rehab?
When you are ready to recover from your Methamphetamine addiction, you should go to inpatient treatment and follow it up with outpatient rehab.