Meth Addiction Causes
Meth Addiction Causes
Learn about the causes, effects, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment opportunities for meth addiction.
Table of Contents
What Is Meth Addiction?
Meth addiction is a type of substance use disorder that refers to the compulsive and repeated use of methamphetamine, despite the negative consequences.
Meth addiction is a severe problem that can have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected. Meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that can cause many physical and mental health problems.
Meth Addiction Statistics
Meth addiction is a severe problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, almost 1.5 million Americans from age 12 or older Americans reported using methamphetamine use disorder in the past 12 months of 2020. 1 This number has only increased in recent years. Meth addiction can have devastating effects on both the individual and their loved ones. This blog post will discuss the causes and consequences of meth addiction.Impact of Meth
When used recreationally, meth produces feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels. However, the effects of meth are short-lived, and users often experience a crash soon after taking the drug. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia, as well as hallucinations and delusions.2How Do People Use Meth?
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful stimulant that can be used in various ways. People commonly smoke it, although some prefer injecting it or snorting it.
Smoking meth produces an intense, short-lived high immediately after a severe crash. Injecting meth has a longer-lasting high, but the impact can be as fierce as the high.
Snorting meth produces a more moderate-high, lasting longer than smoking or injecting, but the crash is usually not as intense. Meth can also be taken orally, although this method is not as standard because it produces a less severe high.
Meth Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Meth addiction is a severe problem that can have devastating consequences. The first step in addressing this problem is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meth use. These include:
- Social Isolation
- A risky pattern of behavior
- Aggression
- Impulsiveness
- Significant increase or decreases in appetite
- Insomnia
- Hair loss and open sores
- Vasoconstriction leads to tachycardia.
- Liver damage
- Fluctuations in body temperature
Causes of Meth Addiction
Meth addiction is a severe problem with many causes. Some of the most common causes of meth addiction will be detailed below.
Biological and Genetical
Some people are more vulnerable to meth addiction than others due to their biological and genetic make-up. For example, people with specific genes can be predisposed to addiction, and certain brain chemistry can contribute to addictive behavior.
People with a family history of addiction, for instance, are more likely to develop a habit. Also, people who suffer from mental disorders such as depression or anxiety are more likely to turn to drugs as a way of self-medicating.
Furthermore, people with a low level of dopamine in their brains are also more likely to become addicted to drugs. Therefore, while anyone can become addicted to meth, some people are at a higher risk due to their genes or brain chemistry.
Environmental
Environmental factors can also play a role in meth addiction. For example, people who grow up in chaotic or abusive households are more likely to develop a habit.
Additionally, people who have easy access to drugs or associate with those who use drugs are more likely to become addicted. Therefore, while biology and genetics can make some people more vulnerable to addiction, the environment is also a significant factor.
Psychological
The psychological factor that can contribute to meth addiction is low self-esteem. Individuals who feel bad about themselves are more inclined to turn to drugs to cope with their negative feelings. Another psychological factor that can contribute to meth addiction is impulsivity. Individuals who have difficulty controlling their impulses are more likely to resist the temptation to use drugs, even when they know it is not in their best interest.
Finally, poor coping skills can also lead to meth addiction. Individuals who lack effective coping mechanisms are more likely to turn to drugs to deal with stress and other challenging life circumstances.
Higher Availability of the Drug
One of the most significant contributing factors to meth addiction is the higher availability of the drug. In recent years, meth has become more accessible and cheaper to buy.
This increased availability has led to a dramatic increase in meth use and, as a result, a corresponding rise in meth addiction.
Underlying Mental Health Issues
Another significant factor contributing to meth addiction is underlying mental health issues. Many people who suffer from meth addiction also suffer from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.3
These mental disorders can lead to self-medicating with drugs like meth to cope with the symptoms.
How Meth Affects the Body and Mind
Meth use and dependency can have significant impacts on the body and brain. It is important to know these potential consequences, in order to understand the importance of treatment if you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction.
Short-Term Effects
Meth use has a significant impact on the human body. Short-term effects of meth use include:4- Brain Damage
- Heart Problem
- Liver Damaged
- Weakness of Immune System
- Kidneys Damaged
- Teeth Decayed
- Skin Problem
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
Long-Term Effects
The following are the long-term effects of meth addiction on health:
- Memory loss
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Extreme weight loss
- Hallucinations
- Less focus
- Slower thinking
- Risk of stroke
- Brain damage
Drugs Commonly Combined With Meth
Meth is often combined with other drugs, increasing the risk of the aforementioned adverse effects. The most common drugs that are connected with meth include:
- Alcohol
- Morphine
- Xanax
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Marijuana
- Prescription drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin
Get Help for Meth Addiction at Arrow Passage Recoverey
At Arrow Passage Recovery, we understand how difficult it is to overcome an addiction to meth. But, we also know that recovery is possible with the right help and support.
Our experienced addiction counselors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
Opportunities for Wellness
We offer various services, including individual and group counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and case management. We also provide referrals to community resources, such as housing and employment assistance.
If you or someone you love is struggling with meth addiction, we can help. Call us today to learn more about our program and how we can best support you on your journey to recovery.
Seizing Recovery
Drug addiction is a severe problem that can profoundly affect all aspects of an individual’s life. While many different substances can lead to addiction, methamphetamines are among the most dangerous.
Meth addiction can cause many physical and mental health problems and social and financial difficulties. However, it is possible to recover from meth addiction and rebuild a healthy and productive life with treatment and support.
Resources
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-scope-methamphetamine-misuse-in-united-states
- https://www.samhsa.gov/meth
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
- https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/meth/index.htm
