Methamphetamine Addiction
A 2015 study reported that a number of Americans, ages 12 and older, had used methamphetamine, or meth, at least one time. This drug has penetrated even the younger generation. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine poses an even greater threat than opioids in some areas of the country, with over 14.7 million people having tried methamphetamine at least once. Methamphetamine remains one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world. Its impact on users is serious, as it can negatively affect mental and physical health. Meth use is harmful and addictive. One should learn the short and long term effects of using this drug. And, seek medical and expert help to stop taking these drugs.
What’s Methamphetamine?
This drug is also called meth. It is an addictive stimulant that elicits a short period of euphoria and a long-lasting high. However, despite the 6 to 16 hour high it provides for its users, they tend to take more of the drug in order to maintain the high feeling. Meth is a bitter white powder, pill, or crystal form. There are several different methods of using this drug: smoking or inhaling, injecting after mixing it with alcohol or water, snorting, and swallowing it in a pill form.
The Impact of Methamphetamine Use
The brain produces a chemical called dopamine. This chemical is responsible for the control of the brain’s pleasure and reward systems. Meth use increases the amount of dopamine the body produces. As a result, users feel a rush of euphoria or pleasure. Meth can also cause users to have a decreased appetite. As a person uses mass amounts of the drug, he or she may end up going several days without food or sleep.
Some users may experience short term effects such as an increase in breathing rate, a fast heartbeat, and heightened blood or body temperature. As one becomes dependent on the drug and their tolerance for it increases, the person may soon become addicted to meth. As a result, one may exhibit long term side effects like mood swings, skipping school or work, and relationship avoidance. Some addicted to methamphetamine may even become suicidal.
Another long term effect of meth use is “meth mouth”. This term describes the unpleasant impact meth has on the dental condition of its users. Paranoia and hallucinations are long term consequences of meth use too. Also, confusion and anxiety arise as a result of using this drug. Many people who suffer from meth addiction may show violent behavior. The drug causes them to itch uncontrollably, causing them to scratch and create sores on their skin. Meth use may also negatively impact the central nervous system. Heart attacks, seizures, kidney failure, and coma could all be results of addiction to this drug.
Stopping Methamphetamine Use
For those addicted to meth, the withdrawal and recovery processes can be very challenging. Even after the drug use ends, some people still experience memory issues and emotional problems. But, Asheville Recovery Center is a facility that specializes in helping people recover from addictions. Our professional team understands the struggles that come with withdrawing and recovering from methamphetamine use.
Services at the center include:
Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction. Our day program is full-time, offering all of the clinical hours provided in residential treatment (from 9 am to 5 pm) with the benefit of allowing clients to return home to a structured sober living environment at night.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in a sober living residence which can help keep them accountable for their recovery commitment. Our staff coordinates with local, reputable sober living homes to ensure that our clients are living in a safe place and that their needs are being met, even when they are not at clinical sessions.
We dedicate ourselves to helping you on this journey. Speak with us today by calling (828) 518-6996 or fill out the contact form on our website to have a specialist call you.
ARC Request a Confidential Callback
