Meth Addiction Health Risk Factors
Meth Addiction Health Risk Factors
Table of Contents
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive drug that can have serious health consequences. It is a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally.1
Effects of Meth
The effects of meth include increased alertness, wakefulness, improved mood, and increased physical activity. These effects are usually followed by decreased appetite and fatigue.Though a form of methamphetamine is sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD and obesity, meth abuse can lead to addiction, psychosis, and other health problems.
What Does a Meth High Feel Like?
Under the influence of meth, people tend to feel a range of pleasurable effects. These may include:- Feeling more alert and awake
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Improved mental and physical performance
- Increased talkativeness
- Feelings of euphoria
How Long Do the Effects of Meth Use Last?
The meth high can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how much of the drug is in someone’s system. However, the pleasurable effects of meth are often followed by an intense crash that can leave users feeling exhausted, anxious, and depressed.Meth Addiction Signs and Symptoms
- Social Isolation
- A risky pattern of behavior
- Aggression
- Impulsiveness
- Significant increase or decreases in appetite
- Insomnia
- Hair loss and open sores
- Vasoconstriction leading to tachycardia
- Liver damage
- Fluctuations in body temperature
Short-Term Health Risk of Meth Use
- Increased blood pressure
- Faster breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Erratic behavior
- Euphoria
- Hyperthermia, which means increased body temperature
- Increased activity and feelings of wakefulness
- Decreased feelings of fatigue
Long-Term Health Risk of Meth Use
- Premature osteoporosis, meaning the deterioration of bone tissue
- Heart Issues
- Brain Issues
- Severe Dental Problems
- Hallucinations
Teens at Risk of Meth Consumption
Causes of Meth Addiction
Genetic Predisposition
Physical Factors
Several physical factors can contribute to meth addiction, including the permanent brain damage that meth use causes. Additionally, the structure of meth is similar to that of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are chemicals produced naturally by the body.
Environmental Factors
What to Do When Meth Affects Your Health
When meth affects your health, it’s crucial to seek professional help and support. Treatments are available for people who want to quit meth. The following treatments can help you deal with addiction’s physical and psychological effects and improve your overall health.
Medical Meth Detox
Medical meth detox is the first and most crucial step in overcoming a methamphetamine addiction. The individual will be closely monitored by medical professionals who can provide support and assistance through the detoxification process. In addition, medication can be given to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Treatment
Behavioral treatment is another essential step in overcoming addiction. This treatment helps the individual change their behavior and learn new skills.5Inpatient treatment is often more intensive and can provide a higher level of care. However, outpatient treatment can be just as effective for some people.
Meth Addiction Rehabilitation
Meth addiction rehabilitation helps the individual recover from their addiction and return to a drug-free lifestyle. Rehabilitation can be done in an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the needs of the individual. It is essential to find a treatment program that works for you and stick with it.
Recovery from meth addiction is possible, but it takes time and effort. You can overcome addiction with the proper treatment.
Get Help For Meth Addiction at Arrow Passage
Arrow Passage is a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. We provide treatment for substance use disorders involving drugs or alcohol and co-occurring mental health disorders.
We offer a full continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient programs, detoxification, and sober living. Our goal is to help our clients achieve long-term recovery from addiction and improve their overall health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our services. We are here to help!
Sustainable Sobriety
Treatment for meth addiction is always tailored to the individual at Arrow Passage Recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. The most important thing is to get started on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Resources
- https://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/Conditions_Treated/
- https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/methamphetamine/physical-signs-of-meth-use
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
- https://www.samhsa.gov/meth
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-treatments-are-effective-people-who-misuse-methamphetamine
