Methamphetamine: What Is Meth Addiction?
Key Takeaways
Is Methamphetamine Addictive?
Methamphetamine (meth or crystal meth) is a potent and highly addictive stimulant. It profoundly impacts the central nervous system.
Those addicted to it require the following to achieve the desired effects:
- Higher doses
- Increased frequency of use
- Altered consumption methods
Chronic methamphetamine users may encounter challenges in experiencing pleasure from sources other than the drug. This fuels the cycle of substance abuse, perpetuating their dependency.
In 2021, approximately 1.6 million Americans suffered from methamphetamine use disorder.1 That’s 0.6% of people aged 12 or older.
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What are the Symptoms of Meth Addiction?
Methamphetamine abusers experience these physical symptoms regardless of their level of usage or physical dependence:
- Becoming thin or frail
- Auditory, visual, or tactile hallucination
- Facial acne or sores
- Aggression
- Rotting teeth
- Malnourishment
- Sagging skin
- Convulsions or ‘tweaking’
- Liver damage
- Stroke
- Lowered immunity
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Increased libido
- Intense scratching
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Violent behavior
- Weight loss
- Repetitive motor activity
- Changes in brain function
- Mood changes
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What are Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Since methamphetamine is highly addictive, you'll experience these withdrawal symptoms upon stopping its use:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Severe depression
- Psychosis
- Intense drug cravings
What is Meth Head Syndrome?
Meth head syndrome is a condition affecting people who use methamphetamine over a long period. 'Meth heads' or 'tweakers' suffer major brain changes that impair memory, mood, and motor skills.
This is due to decreased dopamine transporters in the brain, which alters dopamine levels. It also leads to various mental health problems.
The severity of Meth Head Syndrome depends on how long and how intensely you use meth. It includes all the brain and health issues due to long-term methamphetamine use.
What are the Symptoms of Meth Head Syndrome?
The symptoms of meth head syndrome include:
- Tooth decay
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Anxiety
- Psychotic episodes
- Lack of empathy
- Lack of reasoning power
- Extreme paranoia
- Lack of impulse control
- Engaging in violent or criminal behavior
- Low self-esteem
- Suicide
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Treatment for Meth Abuse & Addiction
The best meth addiction treatment programs involve a mix of behavior therapy and medication. A study found that treating crystal meth addiction with the drugs naltrexone and bupropion was about 13.6% effective, which is similar to how well other drugs work for brain disorders.2
Available treatment programs for methamphetamine abuse and addiction include:
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient rehab
- Detox
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
The best treatment depends on your needs and the severity of your addiction. Consult a healthcare professional today to undergo an assessment.
Guidance for Caregivers and Family Members
Here are some ways to provide support and help those struggling with meth abuse overcome their addiction:
- Educate yourself about the drug: Research and learn more about meth addiction, its signs, symptoms, and effects on the body. The more knowledge you have, the better you understand your loved one's struggles.
- Encourage them to seek treatment: Offer your support and encouragement to seek professional help. Let them know you're always by their side, and you can accompany them to appointments or even help them find a treatment facility.
- Be patient and understanding: Recovery from addiction is a long process, and there will be setbacks along the way. It's essential to be patient and understanding with your loved one as they work towards sobriety.
- Avoid enabling behaviors: It can be tempting to try and protect your loved one from the consequences of their addiction, but this can hinder their recovery. Avoid giving them money or making excuses for their behavior.
- Take care of yourself: Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally and physically draining. Take care of your well-being, and seek support from others if necessary.
How Can You Prevent Methamphetamine Addiction?
The Drug Enforcement Administration advises education and awareness as key strategies to prevent methamphetamine addiction. As such, consider following these tips:
- Never use meth: The most effective way to prevent addiction is never to start using the drug. Educate yourself and others about the dangers of methamphetamine use.
- Seek help for mental health issues: Many people turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health problems. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness, seek professional help before it leads to self-medication with meth.
- Avoid peer pressure: Resist the temptation to try drugs, even if it comes from friends or acquaintances. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who support your well-being.
- Build a strong support system: A strong supportive network of family and friends can help prevent addiction. They can also provide essential support during recovery, making it easier to stay sober.
- Stay informed about drug use and addiction: Stay updated on current trends in drug use, including the dangers of methamphetamine. This can help you recognize warning signs and prevent potential addiction in yourself or your loved ones.
- Seek help for substance abuse issues promptly: If you or a loved one begins using drugs, seek professional help as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent addiction from developing or worsening.
Resources for Help and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, there are resources available to help. Consider reaching out to:
- National Helpline: 1-800-237-TALK (8255)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Your primary care physician: They can provide referrals to mental health professionals and treatment facilities
Summary
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms upon quitting. Long-term use of meth can lead to Meth Head Syndrome, which causes several health issues.
Treatment for meth addiction involves a combination of behavior therapy and medication. To prevent meth addiction, follow the tips above.
If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, reach out to resources for support and assistance. These include helplines, treatment locators, and medical professionals.
What's Next?
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- “What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023.
- Trivedi et al. “Bupropion and Naltrexone in Methamphetamine Use Disorder.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- “Methamphetamine.” National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Frieden, J. “Skin Manifestations May Signal Crystal Meth Use.” Pfizer Labs, 2006.
- “How Meth Destroys The Body.” Public Broadcasting Service.
- “How methamphetamine destroys your face and physical appearance.” ABC13 Eyewitness News, 2017.
- Hunt et al. “Methamphetamine Use: Lessons Learned.” NCJRS.gov, NCJRS, Feb. 2006, www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209730.pdf
- Mann, B. “A Medical Treatment For Meth Addiction Proves Effective In New Study.” NPR, 2021.
- “Meth and heart disease: a deadly crisis we don't fully fathom, report says.” American Heart Association, 2019.
- "Methamphetamine Research Report." National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019.
- "What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse?." National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020.
- “What is methamphetamine?" National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022.
- "What treatments are effective for people who misuse methamphetamine?." National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021.
- “Patterns and Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use Among Adults - United States, 2015–2018.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
