Methamphetamine Addiction
Recovery Ways offers clinically proven methamphetamine rehabilitative treatment programs that are personalized for each individual. Our highly qualified staff members guide the individual through a comprehensive healing process that looks at the reason behind the substance abuse as well as the medical assistance they may need. When overcoming an addiction to Methamphetamines it is important to have a highly structured recovery program with ongoing support and medical attention, these are only some of the things that Recovery Ways offers to our patients.
Methamphetamine or meth is considered to be one of the most destructive and addictive drugs. It produces three times more dopamine, which is a âfeel goodâ chemical naturally produced in the brain, than cocaine does, showing just how addictive it is. This amount of dopamine is a lot higher than that which is naturally produced causing a reinforcement of the drug abuse. People often try it for curiosity, to lose weight, or solely in search of a high and continue using it for the energy and euphoria it offers, not realizing the addictive potential. It has destroyed thousands upon thousands of users lives across the world. It is extremely addictive and can be made using common household chemicals and medicines which contribute to the widespread use. Meth addiction starts quickly and is easy to spot. As people become more aware of the addictiveness of meth the number of first-time users has declined.
Some of the signs and symptoms of meth addiction may include extreme feeling of euphoria, confidence, heightened alertness, wakefulness, anxiety, and decreased appetite because of the effect of the drug on the reward system of the brain. Some users can also become irritable and aggressive. Similar to cocaine, it causes a ârushâ because of increased dopamine production, heart rate, and blood pressure which last about 30 minutes. Methamphetamines can cause convulsions, overheating, loss of consciousness, heart attacks, coma, and/or death. After the ârushâ the high can last for several hours, depending on how it was consumed. Users build a tolerance to the drug very quickly meaning each time they need more to experience the same effects. This quickly takes a toll on the body as well as finances. Some users go on long binges, where they use the drug frequently for days on end without eating or sleeping. After the high wears off the addict will not be able to control their fatigue and will fall asleep for many hours, also known as âcrashing.â After using the drug enough times, the reward system in the brain rewires itself causing the cravings for meth to overtake the addictâs life.
Methamphetamines can be produced both illegally and legally. Desoxyn is a legally prescribed form of methamphetamine that is approved by the FDA for patients with severe ADD, narcolepsy, and obesity, in extreme cases. Illegal meth is a bitter tasting, odorless, white to light brown crystalline powder that can be taken orally, snorted, or injected. Another illegal form of meth is, crystal meth, which is small, bluish-white crystals resembling broken ice or glass that is smoked. It can also be found in liquid form.
Methamphetamine use is usually easy to identify especially if it is someone you are close with such as a loved one or family member. They typically have specific behaviors and look a particular way. Most meth users will go through the binging, tweaking, and crashing stages. If you notice your loved one having high levels of energy for an extended period of time followed by long periods of sleep, this is a big clue that they are abusing meth. They may also be overheating which causes them to sweat even if they havenât done anything physical or it is cold. They may be paranoid or hallucinating.