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Meth Addiction: Symptoms, Getting Help, Detox, Treatment, and More

You may also find butane lighters, spoons with burn marks, and small metal or glass pipes. In most cases, abstinence from meth abuse for at least two years can lead to the reversal of many of the negative physical signs of methamphetamine abuse but not all. Unless you or someone you love has meth addiction been addicted to meth and you have lived in a world of hell that meth addiction causes, it is difficult to grasp the magnitude of the struggle caused by meth fully. Crystal meth addiction leads to some of the most severe consequences of any other drug on the market or on the streets today.

what does meth addiction look like

Scientists in the early 20th century developed it in an effort to improve the medication amphetamine. But their creation turned out stronger than they expected — too strong for most people to use safely without the risk of overdose or addiction. In 2021, almost 1% of the U.S. population aged 12 or older said they’d used meth in the past year. In comparison, around 4.8 million people said they used cocaine in the same timeframe. Meth addiction is one of the hardest drug addictions to treat, but it can be done. If you know someone who can’t control their drug use, ask for professional help.

How to Recognize and Treat Meth Addiction

Either way, meth abuse worsens anxiety in the long run and can make treatment for both the anxiety disorder and addiction more complicated. NIDA reports that meth addiction can also possibly increase the risk for developing the nerve and movement disorder Parkinson’s disease. Psychotic symptoms, memory problems, and cognitive and emotional issues can persist for several years after stopping meth use, NIDA further warns. While some of the damage to the brain may be reversible with long-term abstinence from meth, some of the changes may be permanent. If you recognize the signs of meth use, you should seek help from a medical professional or professional rehab treatment program. Someone who is using meth can not only harm themselves but can be a danger to people around them.

A person addicted to meth will experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms upon quitting meth abruptly, or reducing use. Common meth withdrawal symptoms include night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, suicidal ideation, and drug cravings. The majority of meth withdrawal symptoms are psychological, and can be safely and effectively treated at a meth addiction treatment center. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Treatment Options for Meth Addicts

Pens emptied of their ink reservoirs and cut straws are used to inhale the meth, and needles and syringes are used to inject it. If the drug is being snorted, the user will often employ small, plastic sandwich bags. The area around the lab will have burned spots where waste products were dumped, and the trash cans outside the house may be full of strange items. Because making meth is illegal, the building may have an unusual number of cameras and monitors, “Keep Out” signs, and guard dogs. A “tweaker” is a slang name for someone who uses meth and comes from the term “tweaking”.

what does meth addiction look like

Similar to Crack Cocaine, Meth produces a “rush” when smoked or injected; this is caused by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters in the brain. When Meth is snorted, it creates a euphoric sensation but not a rush. The rush from injection produces the strongest effects and can last up to 30 minutes. After the initial rush, people using the drug experience a steady high that can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours depending on the mode of consumption. Injecting Meth produces a stronger high than smoking or snorting it, but the effects wear off more quickly this way. Meth users are known to stay up for multiple days in a row due to binge use.

Drugs Commonly Combined With Meth

If you or someone you know is struggling with crystal meth addiction, it is important to seek help. There are several treatment options available that can help you or your loved one overcome this addiction and live a happier, healthier life. Methamphetamine, more commonly known as Meth, is a highly powerful and addictive drug commonly abused for its stimulative effects. As a stimulant drug with a risk for abuse and dependence, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies meth as a Schedule II controlled substance. If you or a loved one require drug addiction treatment services for meth abuse, contact Ohio Recovery Center to learn how we address this substance use disorder. If a drug is so dangerous, so addictive, and so debilitating, why do people use it?

  • Embarking on the path of recovery from addiction is a significant milestone, marking the courageous decision to embrace change and strive for a healthier, fulfilling life.
  • For this reason, this highly addictive substance is often called a bathtub drug.
  • Take the next step on your journey toward recovery, contact us today.
  • In some individuals, this loss of control may be represented by selling items to buy drugs, engaging in criminal activities, or participating in other types of risky behaviors to get meth.

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