Dealing with Methamphetamine Addiction

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are more tha
4 million people abusing Methamphetamine in the U.S. and another 12 million have tried the drug at least once. Surprisingly enough a large number are students. However, the SAMHSA also reported that in recent years there has been a decline in the number of people admitted to emergency rooms for Meth related incidents due largely to federal restrictions on the sale of items used to manufacture the drug.

A Dangerous Drug

Ice, crystal, crystal meth, are all names given to Methamphetamine, or simply Meth as it is commonly called. It is a highly addictive man-made drug that is cooked in secret labs. The main ingredients in the drug are ammonia, ether, methanol and reactive metals, among other chemicals. The chemicals that are cooked in “Meth houses” that make this drug are dangerous as they are toxic and explosive, in fact the toxins from such a lab can kill anyone nearby. There have been poisonings to individuals who moved into a house that was once used as a Meth lab.

Methamphetamine can be smoked, injected and snorted. The drug affects the brain and central nervous system by releasing dopamine which allows the user to feel a euphoric sensation, increased arousal and adrenaline rush. Addicts may stay awake for days at a time until they crash from sleep deprivation.

Long term abuse will create a tolerance of the drug in the user’s system, which will require more of the drug in order to reach the same euphoric feeling as the previous time. Increasing the amount of the drug puts the individual at risk for drug overdose.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

Long term abuse or addiction can result in a psychotic break which can lead to:

• Violent mood swings
• Paranoia
• Aggression and anxiety
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations and delusions

“Meth mouth” is a common occurrence in chronic abusers. Almost all of the signs and symptoms of addiction is caused by dehydration and lack of sleep and not necessarily the drug itself.

Once addiction is established, the life of the abuser will be centered on getting more of the drug. Meth users often find themselves in situations that under different circumstances, they would never do such as sharing needles and trading sexual favors for the drug; practices that are responsible for an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and infectious diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS.

There are a number of psychological addiction qualities associated with Methamphetamine abuse and addiction including:
• Fatigue
• Irritability and anxiety
• Depression
• Psychological cravings
• Fear
• Suicide

The Solution to Addiction

The best method to remai
Meth free is to learn how to self evaluate habits and to choose a more productive lifestyle. It may be necessary to enter a medical detox and rehab treatment program that will help you rebuild and begin you life free from drug abuse.