What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine (Meth) is an incredibly potent and addictive stimulant drug with effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Its abuse has been a problem since the 1960s when pharmaceutical products containing it were widely available and actively diverted for recreational use. This led to its placement in Schedule II of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) in 1971. Also, injectable forms were removed from the US market. Despite this, methamphetamine abuse resurged in the 1980s and is currently one of the most commonly abused drugs worldwide.
Meth is pharmacologically similar to amphetamine but its effects are more intense and the effect can persist for up to 8 hours. Therefore, resulting in an increased release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of euphoria and stimulation. Abuse typically involves taking it orally, snorting, smoking, or injecting it. Smoking or injecting meth usually leads to binge usage with rapid dose escalation and high tolerance.
Although still available by prescription, most methamphetamine in the United States is purchased and used illicitly. Meth is most commonly found in the form of a white, odorless powder or as small crystallized rocks. These rocks are known as “crystal meth” and can easily be dissolved in water. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, methamphetamine continues to be a major drug of abuse.
Mexican drug trafficking organizations have established themselves as the primary suppliers of methamphetamine to cities in the United States. These criminal groups are capable of providing vast amounts of high-quality and low-cost methamphetamine. Domestic independent laboratories also produce and disseminate the drug, though usually on a much smaller scale. The hazardous waste created by these clandestine meth labs poses an even greater risk. As a result, many innocent people, including children, have the potential to be exposed to dangerous chemicals and substances.
Meth Statistics
According to key findings from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.5 million people aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in the previous 12 months. The same survey found that, among people aged 12 or older, an estimated 1.6 million people had developed a methamphetamine use disorder over the previous 12 months. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), meth overdose may have led to over 32,000 deaths in 2021.
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Why is Meth so Addictive?
Meth is so addictive for users because of its intensely powerful and long-lasting effects. It causes a surge of dopamine in the brain, leading to an intense feeling of euphoria. Meth also increases levels of norepinephrine, leading to enhanced alertness and motor activity.
These effects usually last much longer than those created by other drugs like cocaine or ecstasy. As a result, people become quickly addicted as they try to recreate that initial feeling again and again. Unfortunately, this drug addiction can be incredibly difficult to break without proper treatment for meth addiction.
Treatment for meth addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects. It usually involves medically supervised detox to help the individual safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Then, followed by inpatient or outpatient therapy to address underlying mental health issues and learn better-coping strategies.
Counseling with a licensed therapist also helps during this process. It allows the individual to gain insight into their own behavior patterns and triggers. While also learning how to deal with them more effectively. With proper treatment and support, most individuals are able to overcome their meth addiction and build healthier lives.
What are the Effects of Using Meth?
Methamphetamine is an incredibly dangerous and addictive drug with serious health risks associated with its use. Therefore, to reduce the prevalence of methamphetamine abuse, it is important that people are provided with accurate information about the dangers of using this drug. Also, those struggling with addiction should have access to resources and treatment for meth addiction. Meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN can help you recover safely and effectively. Methamphetamine use is associated with various short and long-term health effects, both physical and psychological.
Short-term effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Increased body temperature
- Body temperature rises
- Alertness
- Increased energy levels
- Euphoria
- Aggression
- Extreme increase in physical activity
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Severe depression after a binge
Long-term effects can include:
- Marked weight loss and malnutrition
- Respiratory problems
- Liver damage
- Acne, sores, or picking scars
- Severe dental problems “Meth Mouth”
- Immune system dysfunction
- Permanent brain damage
- Seizures
- Heart attack or stroke
- Memory loss
- Psychosis
- A total break from reality
In addition to physical and psychological harm caused by methamphetamine use, there are also numerous social harms that accompany its abuse. Other devastating effects are child neglect/abuse, family disruption, violence, crime, and financial problems. The economic costs associated with long-term treatment of methamphetamine abuse are substantial. Due to both its direct medical costs along with its indirect costs related to job losses or reduced productivity for those struggling with addiction issues.
Clearly, methamphetamine is an incredibly dangerous substance that poses a serious threat both physically and socially if abused recklessly. Proper education on its danger coupled with effective prevention policies are necessary to reduce meth abuse and all the harm it causes individuals and society. Fortunately, Tulip Hill Recovery offers safe and effective meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN. By taking the first step toward recovery, individuals can reduce the devastating effects of methamphetamine abuse and its associated harms.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine addiction occurs when someone experiences clinically significant impairment caused by their regular use of meth. These problems can progress to a point where the addicted individual feels they can no longer function without meth. In such a case, it may be necessary to seek meth rehab in Murfreesboro. Some common signs and symptoms mark the development of methamphetamine use disorder.
These include:
- Frequent use (every day or multiple times per day)
- Using meth alone or at inappropriate times
- Spending excessively to obtain meth
- Allowing meth use to interfere with work, school, or family duties
- Wild mood swings
- Continuing to use meth despite negative consequences
Methamphetamine use disorder can have profound negative effects on every aspect of a person’s life. These negative effects include:
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Medical problems due to impaired behaviors and poor self-care
- Physical injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination
- HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases
- Damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain
- Development or intensification of mental health disorders
What Does Meth Overdose Look Like?
Meth overdose symptoms vary depending on the amount and method of ingestion. There is also the concern of other deadly drugs that may be added to the meth supply to make it more potent such as fentanyl. In severe cases of meth overdose, death can occur as a result of stroke or organ damage due to a prolonged spike in body temperature. Some common signs of an overdose include:
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Extreme agitation
- Shallow breathing
- Chest pain
- Increased body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Coma
If someone is experiencing an overdose, they should seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for meth addiction typically involves both physical and psychological interventions. Medications may also be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The goal of treatment is to help individuals manage their addiction in order to lead a healthier lifestyle. Recovery from meth addiction can take time but with the right resources and support it is possible to achieve long-term sobriety.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?
Urine tests can typically detect meth for around 72 hours after the last use. When methamphetamine metabolizes it becomes amphetamine. This means that a drug screen will more than likely be positive for both substances. The detection for these amphetamine stimulants is about 3 to 5 days after the last administration.
However, the detection interval may be longer for heavy users. For chronic users, meth can be detected in the urine for up to a week. In addition, it can also be detected through oral and hair tests. A hair test can detect the drug for up to 90 days after the last use. However, hair tests are usually used for forensic testing rather than clinical or workplace testing.
What Does Meth Withdrawal Look Like?
Withdrawal from methamphetamine causes different symptoms in different people. The symptoms also vary based on factors like the user’s dosage, the drug’s purity, and the user’s drug use history. This includes any polydrug use.
The timeline of meth withdrawal symptoms is influenced by many of the same factors as those affecting the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. That said, meth withdrawal usually begins within 24 hours of the last use and can last between 48 hours and a month.
Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Lack of energy
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dehydration
- Chills
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Inability to think clearly
- Intense cravings for meth
- Depression
- Loss of ability to feel pleasure
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleep disorders
Meth withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, but they are not typically life-threatening. Withdrawal can be challenging, but a medically-supervised detox program can help those with substance use disorders endure the process safely and comfortably. Therefore, a medically-supervised drug rehab program plus an individualized recovery plan minimizes the risk of relapse.
How Is Meth Addiction Treated?
Tulip Hill Recovery offers the following programs and addiction therapies for meth addiction:
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Peer support
- Relapse prevention
- Healthy coping skills
- Recreational therapy
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Aftercare
- Rehab for veterans
At Tulip Hill Recovery, we work with clients to build an individualized treatment plan for meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro. Our levels of care, from partial hospitalization to post-recovery, help clients sustain their recovery well after leaving us.
Safe and Effective Meth Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
If you or someone you know is struggling with a meth addiction, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Tulip Hill Recovery supports and assists people who find themselves addicted to methamphetamine and other substances. We offer medically supervised detox and individualized treatment plans for methamphetamine use disorder.
Our professional clinicians also treat co-occurring mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recovery from an addiction like meth isn’t an overnight process. It requires time and dedication to make lasting changes. However, with persistence and the right support system, anyone can overcome their addiction to meth and live a life of sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about our meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN.
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