crystal addiction treatment
crystal meth addiction
Meth is a highly addictive stimulant and can be addictive in less than one use in some users. This is mainly due to the dopamine rush that the drug produces. Dopamine is a chemical that is not only responsible for eliciting feelings of pleasure, but also motivation, memory retention, learning, and reward processing. The dopamine rush produced by methamphetamine is much higher than the normal amount of dopamine produced by the brain, which leads people to keep using the drug in order to maintain those heightened pleasurable feelings.
Also, many people who abuse methamphetamine take the drug over several days, and remain permanently high throughout this period of time. This often ends in the development of a tolerance; After taking the drug for a long period of time, a person will need higher and higher doses to feel the same effects as before. The stimulant effects, along with the affordability of the drug, can quickly get people addicted. It may then become difficult to feel happy when trying to stop taking meth, and symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and depression can occur when wearing a weak withdrawal reinforces abusive behavior and the potential for bingeing. After the reward system is dependent on the drug, fear of withdrawal and cravings for methamphetamine often take over a person’s life.
Understanding meth (crystal addiction treatment)
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant made from amphetamine and other derivative chemicals. Methamphetamine, originally touted as a decongestant and a weight loss aid, was widely and legally available in tablet and injection form throughout the United States. A Schedule II controlled substance in 1970. There is currently only one methamphetamine drug still on prescription, Desoxin, which is used to treat obesity and severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The majority of methamphetamine addicts use the drug in its illicit forms: methamphetamine and crystal meth. Meth is a mostly white crystalline powder, although it can be yellow, pink, or brown. It is odorless, bitter, and can be dissolved in a liquid. It is most commonly consumed by smoking, snoring, or injecting. In some cases, it is compressed into a pill and can be taken orally. Crystal meth is clear or blue and takes the form of coarse crystals that are usually smoked. Many drug dealers also “cut” methamphetamine with other substances to sell less of the actual drug at the same price and fetch a larger profit margin. In some cases, methamphetamine is cut short with prescription medications, ranging from antidepressants to opioids. These additives can be very dangerous due to drug interactions and increase the risk of overdose.
While the structural makeup of the differences is different, both methamphetamine and crystal meth are chemically the same. Street names for methamphetamine include:
glass
ice
Crystal
crank
tablet
retarded cocaine
chalk
The vast majority of methamphetamine distributed today comes from labs and illegal imports. The product is usually cooked in “home labs” or “stoves” where a small number of people produce small amounts of the substance. Meth is also produced in “super labs” that have professional equipment to produce the drug in higher quantities and quality. The main ingredient in methamphetamine is usually the stimulant ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which is found in some common over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Meth labs are notoriously dangerous because the gases and chemicals released during the drug’s manufacturing process are toxic and flammable.
Effects of meth and abuse
Any illegal use of methamphetamines is considered abuse. Similar to crack cocaine, methamphetamine produces a “rush” when smoked or injected; This is caused by increased heart rate, blood pressure, and pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters in the brain. When methamphetamine is inhaled, it creates a sensation of euphoria, but not a rush. The rush from the injection produces the strongest effects and can last up to 30 minutes. After the initial eruption, people using the drug experience a steady rise that can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours depending on the method of consumption. Methamphetamine injections produce stronger activity than smoking or snoring, but the effects wear off more quickly. Methamphetamine users are known to stay awake for several days in a row due to overeating and stimulating effects.
Some of the more common effects of methamphetamine include:
cheer
Hyperactivity
chat
vigilance
Anorexia
increased alertness
irritability
Excitement
Paranoia
confusion
Arrhythmia
Worried
aggression
insomnia
shivering
Weight loss
Follow
Skin sores, infections from picking, tooth decay, methamphetamine mouth, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases are other common side effects of methamphetamine use. People who inject the medication regularly may also have collapsed veins and be at greater risk of contracting blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis due to shared needles.
Additionally, inhaling methamphetamine can damage the sinus cavities and nasal passages, which can lead to chronic nosebleeds. The effects of methamphetamine on the heart and central nervous system can overwhelm the body and also lead to seizures, heart attacks, stroke, and life-threatening overdose. When methamphetamine is mixed with other drugs such as cocaine or alcohol, the potential for an adverse reaction and the possibility of an overdose increases dramatically. Long-term use of methamphetamine can also cause serious damage to the brain and the cells that make dopamine, as well as to neurons that contain serotonin.
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Common drug combinations with meth
Methamphetamine is often cut with other strong substances, and some users will intentionally mix or take additional drugs in order to get a high. Some of the drug combinations most commonly combined with methamphetamine include:
alcohol
The stimulant effects of methamphetamine can mask the sedative effects of alcohol and cause a person to drink more than they would normally drink. Concurrent consumption can also lead to high blood pressure, increased psychosis, hallucinations, chronic liver damage, cancer, and sudden death.
morphine
People often mix methamphetamine and opioids for a multidrug combination known as “speedball.” The combination results in much higher than what either drug could generate on its own. Speedball often causes the user to have difficulty walking, as well as suppressed avoidance responses. This makes them more likely to injure or cause harm to themselves and others. Combining an opioid with methamphetamine also increases an individual’s likelihood of overdose.
xanax
Anxiety is a common negative side effect of methamphetamine use. Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, can be used to combat these negative feelings. The result is an addictive combination that often leads to heart problems. When methamphetamine speeds up the heart, Xanax slows it down. This can lead to arrhythmias, which can then lead to fatal heart failure.
With only 30 days in a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start treatment, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings.
Get crystal meth addiction help today (crystal addiction treatment)
Crystal addiction treatment: Meth is a very dangerous and addictive substance. When someone suffers from methamphetamine addiction, it may seem that they will never be able to regain control of their life again. However, an addiction treatment program can help methamphetamine abusers break their physical and psychological dependence on the drug. If you or a family member suffers from a methamphetamine addiction, contact a dedicated treatment provider and learn about potential rehabilitation options today.
