What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction?

Statistics on Meth Use

Meth Creation and Consumption

Physiological Impacts of Meth Use

The physiological effects of methamphetamine are similar to amphetamines such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine). Still, they are more intense and last longer. Methamphetamine also causes a euphoric feeling that lasts longer than other stimulants, like cocaine or caffeine.

Methamphetamine is often used by people who also use other stimulants because they provide a more significant boost in energy. At the same time, it allows users to function mostly normally throughout the day without becoming too wired or jittery. A meth substance abuse disorder can impact the user’s life in many ways, including physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

What is the Half-Life of Meth?

Methamphetamine concentrations in the bloodstream peak between two to four hours after ingestion, with the amphetamine metabolite peaking around twelve hours after ingestion. When meth is injected into the bloodstream, the half-life is a little over twelve hours, as demonstrated by multiple drug tests.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction?

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth users can develop a tolerance for the drug, meaning they need more and more of it to have the same effect.

The signs someone is using meth vary depending on the person's age and gender, along with the amount used and how frequently it has been taken. The following are some of the most common signs of meth abuse:

Smoking

The most common way to use meth is by smoking it. Meth is usually smoked in a pipe or bong but can also be smoked via cigarette or cigar. The chemical process that produces meth creates highly addictive and toxic smoke in the lungs.

Swallowing

Methamphetamine can be taken with water or another liquid so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and easily. Suppose a person swallows only small amounts of meth. In that case, its effects would be felt usually within thirty minutes, continuing for several hours after they stop using it.

Snorting

Snorting meth has the potential to be hazardous. The nose, nasal passageways, and throat may get irritated. If too much of the powder is snorted at once, it may result in choking. Snorting can also cause fine particles to enter the lungs, causing respiratory harm. In addition, chronic meth snorting can put their sense of smell at risk and hamper the ability to breathe out of the affected nostrils.

Injecting

Injecting methamphetamine is a more controlled way for someone to take the drug than snorting it. It also has a faster onset and longer duration. However, injecting meth drugs can lead to high blood pressure and strokes, as well as skin infections or abscesses in the area where needles are used.

Temporary Feelings of Euphoria

Methamphetamine acts on several neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It binds to serotonin receptors in the brainstem and causes an increase in dopamine levels. This results in enhanced pleasure from activities such as eating or sex. Still, it also causes depressive symptoms and various meth reactions when not used frequently enough, especially after meth dependence begins.

Meth Withdrawal

When a person is addicted to meth, ceasing to take the drug can lead to withdrawal. The meth withdrawal timeline occurs in three stages and can last up to a year. In addition to its effects on dopamine levels, meth drugs increase levels of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. It also inhibits certain neurons, which may contribute to its psychological effects.

How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay in Your System?

Drugs Commonly Combined with Meth

The following drugs are commonly combined with meth:

Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction

The long-term effects of meth addiction are just as devastating as the short-term effects. Long-term use of meth can lead to a wide range of medical problems, including:

Both short- and long-term effects of meth substance abuse can wreak havoc on the body, even if you don’t notice them at first. It’s important to know the signs of meth addiction so you can get help for either you or a loved one if needed.

Meth Detox

Detox for meth is one of the most critical steps in recovery. While it's possible to get clean without visiting a detox center, meth addiction is usually severe and requires expert care. Recovering from meth addiction is much easier when you have access to professional services like those offered at Anew Treatment Center. We provide the support you need throughout your recovery to get back to living a healthy life as soon as possible.

Behavioral Treatment

Behavioral treatment focuses on addressing meth’s social effects and the underlying issues that lead to drug abuse and helping individuals with a meth problem develop healthy coping skills. Counseling may involve individual or group therapy sessions, where patients discuss their thoughts and feelings about addiction and how to deal with it.

Meth Addiction Rehab

After detox for meth overall health stabilization, and behavioral modifications are carried out. Meth rehabilitation helps every meth user recover with minimal risks of relapses through long-term meth recovery at home.

For more information on meth addiction and seeking care for any related meth problems, please reach out to Anew Treatment Center today.

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