Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction is extremely serious. Meth addiction takes over a person's life, their very existence evolves around their next fix.  Reading stories of meth addiction are so heartbreaking that they can easily be mistaken for fiction.

Meth addiction stories found from Partnership for a Drug-free America, Narconon and other organizations talk of how meth controlled their lives. Meth addicts will do whatever they have to in order to get the money to buy the drug including writing bad checks, stealing and prostitution. Women leave their families and children for the drug, users finding themselves in jail and many homeless still did not stem their desire for the drug. 

Do not underestimate meth cravings.  They overtake the addict and nothing will seem as important as finding their next dose.

For family members of a meth addict, it does not make sense that the drug has become their top priority.  Sometimes an intervention may be necessary to get the addict to admit to their addiction. 

If you need help or advice, we can help.  Call to speak with one of our trained counselors.  All information will be kept confidential and we'll take the time to explain the best treatment options available in your specific case. Call (877) 502-1065.  Don't put it off.  There is no cost or obligation. 

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that in 2008, 5.3 million Americans age 12 and older had abused cocaine in any form and 1.1 million had abused crack at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

Cocaine addicts can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on cocaine weekly. The cost of cocaine varies from year to year and from dealer to dealer as the purity of the product may vary.
 

Methamphetamine terminology

Without a degree in pharmacology and chemistry, there is little to be gained from listing the chemical compounds and their terms here.  But, a little some understanding is helpful.  Methamphetamine is psychoactive stimulant drug and is classified as a Schedule II drug, which is to say, a drug with a high risk of abuse. They've been deemed to be safe enough to be prescribed under a doctor's care.  Methamphetamine is FDA approved under the trademark name Desoxyn, for the treatment of ADHD and obesity, and is prescribed off-label for the treatment of narcolepsy and treatment-resistant depression.

Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and their various salts are collectively referred to as amphetamines. In fact, their chemical properties and actions are so similar that even experienced users have difficulty knowing which drug they have taken. Methamphetamine is the most commonly abused.

Methamphetamine is most structurally similar to methcathinone and amphetamine. When illicitly produced, it is commonly made by the reduction of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Most of the necessary chemicals are readily available in household products or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines.

How meth works

Meth releases a surge of dopamine, causing an intense rush of pleasure or prolonged sensor of euphoria.  The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interferring with neurotransmissions.  Neurotransmitters are the chemical substances produced in nerve cells used to communicate with each other. Dopamine is involved with our natural reward system.  Exercise, sex, a feeling of contentment all increase dopamine in our systems, but with meth, it's done synthetically. Overtime, meth destroys these dopamine receptors making it impossible to feel pleasure.  The brain chemistry actually changes destroying the wiring in the brain's pleasure center.  Studies have shown that these tissues can regrow overtime, but it can take years and the repair may never be complete.

How is meth used?

Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally by snorting, by needle injection or by smoking.

Another form of meth comes in clear chunk crystals and is called crystal meth or ice.

Meth is also purchased in the form small brightly colored tablets and called by their Thai name, Yaba.

Meth side effects

Meth physical effects are many.  The desire to attain certain effects such as euphoria or a "rush" usually accompanied with increased physical activity, increased libido, self confidence, increased wakefulness, and a decrease in appetite is so overpowering that addicts will put up with these side effects as well: irregular heartbeat, increase blood pressure, hyperthermia, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness blurred vision, twitching, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, tremors, dry and/or itchy skin, acne, flushing,

With chronic or high doses, heart attack, stroke convulsions, psychosis and death can occur.

Long-term meth side effects include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems ("meth mouht"), confusion, anxiety, mood disturbances, insomnia, violent behavior, excessive feelings of power & invincibility and repetitive and obsessive behaviors. Chronic users can develop paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations and delusions such as the sensation of insects crawling under their skin, sometimes referred to as "crank bugs."   Meth is manufactured with chemicals that are toxic to the body.  The body's natural defense is to try to eliminate itself of the toxins, thus users itch and scratch (the sensations of "crank bugs") and create open sores.

Meth takes a huge toll on the body.  Individuals can appear to age 10-20 years over the span of 6 months to a year. The drug deteriorates their body.  Crystal meth is reported to attack the immune system, so meth users are often prone to infections of different kinds.  And due to aberrant sexual behavior while on the drug, individuals put themselves at risk in contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS.

 

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You've been searching for a methamphetamine treatment program.  You should have plenty of questions now about treatment options, locations, cost and success rates. We're available to answer your questions at no cost to you.  Either fill out the form to the upper right and let us know what time is best to reach you or call now to speak to a counselor at (877) 502-1065. The truth is, you don't have to live your life as an addict. Get the facts now.

Methamphetamine
Common Street Names

ice - meth - crystal meth - crank - Shabu - trash - glass - zip - cristy - chalk - poor man's cocaine - sometimes referred to as speed.

Know the terms