The condition meth addiction affects the brain and body of people who abuse methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant. Heart disease, psychosis, violence, and unemployment are just a few of the physical, mental, and social problems associated with meth addiction. Medications, behavioral therapy, and support groups can be used to treat meth addiction, which can also be fatal, as it increases the risk of overdose, stroke, and suicide. The best way to prevent meth addiction is to avoid using it in the first place.
The use of methamphetamine repeatedly alters the brain's chemistry and function, leading to a drug addiction. Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure. In addition to blocking the reuptake of dopamine, methamphetamine also produces a stronger and longer-lasting effect in the brain because it stays longer in the brain. In response, the user feels euphoric, energetic, and confident, which motivates him to use more of it.
As a result of the high levels of dopamine, the brain reduces its own production and sensitivity over time. As a result, the user needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect, and when they stop using it, they experience withdrawal symptoms. In spite of the negative consequences, the user continues to use the drug, resulting in a cycle of dependence and addiction.
There are many symptoms associated with meth addiction that can affect the user's physical, mental, and social lives.
A meth addiction can damage the heart, blood vessels, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. It can also cause weight loss, tooth decay, skin sores, hair loss, and infections.
Pupils dilated
Heartbeats that are rapid or irregular
Blood pressure is high
Temperature increase
Excessive sweating
There are tremors
Sleeplessness
It can also cause psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Some of the mental symptoms of meth addiction are:It can also cause psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Some of the mental symptoms of meth addiction are:
The agitation
Anxiety
An impulsive personality
Aggressiveness
There is confusion
Loss of memory
Judgment issues
Meth addiction can affect a person's relationships, work, and finances as well as cause legal problems, such as arrests, fines, and imprisonment.
Separation
The loss of interest in hobbies or activities
Personal hygiene or appearance is neglected
Stealing or lying
School or work problems
Risky or violent situations
A doctor or mental health professional will ask the user about their drug use history, symptoms, and consequences to diagnose meth addiction. In addition to a physical examination, the doctor will examine the patient's urine, blood, and hair samples to look for signs of methamphetamine in the body. In addition, the doctors will determine whether a user meets the criteria for stimulant use disorder, a type of substance abuse disorder that includes methamphetamine, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). If you experience two or more of the following symptoms in a 12-month period, you have a stimulant use disorder, according to the DSM-5:
Excessive or prolonged use of the drug
Inability to cut down or control drug use despite persistent desires or unsuccessful attempts to do so
A lot of time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the drug
Having a strong urge to use the drug
Due to drug use, failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home
Drug use despite social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the drug
As a result of drug abuse, giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities
Driving or operating machinery while using the drug is physically hazardous
Using the drug despite knowing that it causes or worsens health problems
Tolerance means requiring more of the drug to achieve the desired effect, or feeling less of the effect with the same dose
Withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, or cravings, may occur when drug use is reduced or stopped
In order to determine the severity of stimulant use disorder, one must consider the number of symptoms the user has:
Two to three symptoms are mild
Four to five symptoms are moderate
Six or more symptoms are considered severe
A combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and support groups can be used to treat meth addiction. Depending on the severity and duration of the addiction, co-occurring disorders, and the availability of resources, the treatment plan may vary depending on the user's needs and preferences. You may be offered the following treatment options:
Medications: There are no specific medications that can cure meth addiction, but a few can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and co-occurring disorders. If you are addicted to meth, you may be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, psychosis, or bipolar disorder, which can be treated with antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers. In any case, medication should be used with caution, as it may have side effects or interactions with other medications. Therefore, medication should be prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed.
As a form of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy aims to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are associated with or contribute to meth addiction. Using it, the user can identify and deal with the triggers, stressors, or emotions that lead them to use meth, develop healthier alternatives to dealing with them, and prevent or manage relapses. The following types of behavioral therapy are commonly used for meth addiction:
A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) examines the relationship between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. By doing so, the user is able to recognize and challenge the negative or irrational thoughts that influence their drug use, and replace them with more positive or realistic ones. It also helps the user to learn and practice coping skills, such as problem-solving, relaxation, or assertiveness, that can help them deal with difficult situations or emotions without using meth.
The goal of contingency management (CM) is to motivate the user to abstain from using meth by using incentives and rewards. Through urine or breathalyzer tests, the user's drug use is monitored, and for each negative test result, he or she receives vouchers, cash, or prizes. As the user maintains abstinence for longer periods, the value of the rewards increases. Rewards can be exchanged for goods and services consistent with a drug-free lifestyle, such as food, clothing, and entertainment.
Using motivational interviewing (MI), the user is able to resolve their ambivalence or uncertainty about changing their drug use. In addition to exploring the pros and cons of using or quitting meth, it helps users develop motivation and confidence to change their behavior. A plan for achieving goals must also be developed.
Those who are part of support groups have similar experiences or problems with meth addiction and provide each other with mutual support, encouragement, and advice. In addition to helping a user feel less isolated or alone, support groups can also help them learn from other people's experiences and strategies, and help them to develop a sense of belonging and accountability. The following types of support groups are commonly used for meth addicts:
A 12-step program is a group that adheres to a set of principles or steps that help you recover from meth addiction. Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), which is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is the most well-known 12-step program for meth addiction. As part of CMA, a person admits they cannot control meth, seeks help from a higher power, makes amends for the harms caused by meth, and helps others with meth addiction.
Groups that offer alternatives or complementary approaches to recovery from meth addiction are called non-12-step programs. Non-12-step programs include SMART Recovery, which uses cognitive-behavioral techniques and self-empowerment techniques, Women for Sobriety, which focuses on the specific needs and challenges of women, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety, which does not involve any religious or spiritual elements.
Some of the steps that can be taken to prevent meth addiction include avoiding or limiting exposure to methamphetamine, and addressing the risk factors or underlying issues that may lead to meth addiction.
Staying drug-free and educating others about the dangers and consequences of meth use
Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, may increase the risk of meth use.
To cope with stress, boredom, or negative emotions without using meth, develop healthy coping skills, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies
Establishing a strong support network of family, friends, or professionals who can provide emotional, practical, or motivational assistance
