In 2017, approximately 1.6 million people in the United States reported using methamphetamine in the previous year.
Methamphetamine, or meth as it’s popularly known, is a powerful drug that affects the central nervous system and the brain. It comes in different forms, like powder, pills, crystals, and shiny blue like rocks.
It can be injected, smoked, or snorted, giving the user high energy levels, alertness, and extreme excitement and happiness.
While the drug is used (rarely) for ADHD and obesity, it’s far more common in the streets where it’s abused. Meth addiction is widespread due to its pleasurable effects.
Here is everything you need to know about meth.
Addiction
As meth is very addictive, physical dependence on the drug is very easy, and it progresses rapidly. This is because meth gives the user palpable excitement and happiness. While this high lasts for a while, one will feel depressed and very irritable when it starts wearing off.
To escape this feeling of depression, the methamphetamine user will have to find and use more meth to achieve the high again. This continued cycle leads to addiction, and it becomes very hard for one to function well without meth in their system.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Meth affects people differently depending on the mode of intake and the length of time they’ve been using. This makes the signs and symptoms of meth addiction vary from person to person.
However, several common signs and symptoms will help you identify a person using and is addicted to meth.
Short Term Effects
As meth is a potent stimulant, even partaking in small amounts can cause various cardiovascular issues, from increased heart rates and irregular heartbeats to increased blood pressure.
There’s a risk of elevated body temperature and convulsions occurring with an overdose, and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Long Term Effects
With prolonged meth use, physical effects like skin sores resulting from scratching due to meth-caused itchiness tend to occur. Smoking meth causes dental problems like tooth decay and tooth loss.
This is a result of neglected oral hygiene and nutrition. Also, meth causes teeth grinding and a dry mouth.
Psychological effects like paranoia, hallucinations, memory loss, and depression are also observed in meth addicts.
Getting Clean
When a meth user decides to get clean, the first step is getting rid of the drug from the body. The meth withdrawal process isn’t easy, and usually characterized by irritation, energy loss, and depression. But the most challenging part is overcoming the need to use meth.
Conducting a meth cleanup in your home is crucial to achieving the end goal of getting clean. This will help you or your loved one go through the addiction process and come through meth-free.
Get Help Today
If you or your loved one is battling meth addiction, don’t despair: there is hope. Make the bold choice and find meth addiction treatment that will kick start your recovery journey.
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