Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, ice and crystal, is a synthetic analogue of adrenaline. The body naturally produces adrenaline in small amounts when reacting to an immediate stress. Naturally secreted adrenaline quickly clears our systems, but meth can last 6 to 8 hours in a person’s body which leads to dangerous consequences.
What is Meth Addiction?
When inhaled, meth gives the user an extreme feeling of power and endless energy. With meth addiction, this euphoric feeling fades and the user crashes. Normally, people will experience depression and fatigue when they crash from their meth high, and the user might sleep for extended periods of time unless they’ve become dependent on it. A meth-dependent person will actually wake up because of their craving for the drug. Meth treatment is certainly required at this point in the user’s life.
Effects of Methamphetamine Addiction
Prolonged abuse of meth can lead to changes in dopamine pathways in the brain, which alter how the addict is able to feel pleasure. Methamphetamine addiction leads to the brain becoming dependent on the drug to stimulate these areas. Without the drug, addicts are unable to feel normal pleasures.
Known as “meth mouth,” tooth decay and tooth loss are often associated with meth addiction. These effects are caused indirectly by meth due to dry mouth and teeth grinding from meth use. In addition, a meth addict will suffer from “meth lice” which leads to the drug abuser frantically scratching their face. Other physical effects of methamphetamine addiction include:
- Flushed appearance
- Severe weight loss
- Deep sleep
- Excessive sweating
When to Seek Meth Treatment
The sooner a meth addict seeks treatment, the better. At our drug abuse treatment center center, an addict can expect that they will be treated to relieve pain and the emotional response to the drug. In addition, the patient will be given sufficient doses of the drug to detoxify them and break the addiction cycle. Like any drug addiction, family support is crucial to recovery with meth treatment.
Each level of care offered in our drug addiction program addresses the needs of our patients at different stages of their addiction and treatment. If you or a loved one needs help overcoming meth addiction, contact Talbott Recovery today.