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What is METH Addiction and Its Symptoms?

 


Methamphetamine is a poisonous and highly addictive drug. It has a high potential for addiction as well as causing many health disorders. Meth addiction has been common in rural areas, and the drug’s effects have led to an increase in crime rates in those areas due to how easy it is to hide from police officers.

The drug works by growing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical responsible for pleasurable feelings, and Methamphetamine increases it over 1000%, leading to an intense high that lasts only minutes but increases the craving for more of the drug.

What Is Meth Addiction?

Methamphetamine is a habit-forming stimulant that impacts the nervous system and brain. Methamphetamine is derived from its parent drug, amphetamine, and both drugs have similar effects on the body.

Researchers originally intended to use Methamphetamine as a diet pill. Still, it was never marketed due to its strong ability to cause addiction and the intense side effects of weight loss when taken in large doses.

The effects of Methamphetamine abuse are devastating. The drug produces a massive surge of intense pleasure, euphoria, and energy and lasts anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours before the user needs to take another dose.

Over time, Methamphetamine abuse is hazardous as it leads to severe mental health problems such as paranoia, psychosis, episodes of aggression, and violent mood swings.

Users also experience cognitive impairments and physical health issues such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate, decreased appetite, and sleepiness that lead to exhaustion. Researchers have also reported that Meth can lead to addiction, and abusers often face withdrawal symptoms upon regular use of the drug.

As per the statistics, over 700,000 people have been arrested for Meth use in the United States alone. It has increased the number of drug users and has led to a rise in violence and crime rates in the areas where Methamphetamine is used.

Approximately 80% of meth addicts are in their teens or 20s. The largest group of users is between 18–25 years and a smaller number between 26 and 35 years.

What Are Meth Addiction Symptoms?

The symptoms of Methamphetamine addiction are many and range from mild to extreme. Methamphetamine has a potent effect on the body, and addiction is often seen within a few weeks of first use.

The extreme effects of Methamphetamine abuse can cause life-threatening problems. Symptoms of Methamphetamine addiction include:

Psychological Symptoms
  • Mood Swings

Mood swings are widely reported as a symptom of Meth addiction. The person addicted to the drug develops an intense love-hate relationship with it and will experience euphoria one moment and extreme anger or depression the next. The highs and lows can last for hours or weeks at a time.

  • Serial Negativity

People addicted to Methamphetamine also develop a pattern of negative thinking during which they think about taking the drug repeatedly. This thinking pattern will become more and more intense over time and cause a high level of anxiety.

  • Apathy

People addicted to Methamphetamine are also reported to experience feelings of apathy. They feel that they have no reason to do anything as long as they have their supply of the drug. Sufficiently, once their supply is cut off or running low, they become highly agitated or angry.

  • Memory Problems

Memory problems are often reported by people addicted to Methamphetamine who consume it regularly over some time.

  • Euphoria

The abuse of the drug can cause an intense feeling of euphoria and happiness, which is a highly addictive factor that can turn the user back to Methamphetamine with no problem.

  • Aggression

Aggression is another symptom that is commonly associated with Methamphetamine use. It is particularly noted in long-term users who become very agitated after they stop taking the drug. They will lose their temper frequently, and this aggravation can lead to violence towards others.

Physical symptoms
  • Lethargy

Methamphetamine users often report feeling sluggish and tired. It can lead to sleepiness and a lack of motivation to do anything in life. Methamphetamine is also a psycho-stimulant, affecting the central nervous system. It leads to physical effects like severe headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.

  • Speech Problems

Another common symptom of Methamphetamine use is difficulty in speaking. These people will often speak very slowly and with slurred speech and a lack of clarity.

  • Nausea

Abusing Methamphetamine can also cause intense nausea and make the user feel physically ill. This symptom can last for a few hours after taking the drug and make it difficult to function normally or carry out daily responsibilities.

However, methamphetamine addiction can be treated. People with an addiction should get help before losing control over their drug use by contacting a professional treatment center or local healthcare provider.

Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications that are used in detoxification programs. Addiction is a chronic problem that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Alternatively, meth addiction can also be treated by yourself.

Most people who abuse methamphetamines rely on the physical addiction to cope with their pain, but they often face mental addiction. Methamphetamine affects everyone differently, and it is essential to know that there is help out there.


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