When it comes to substance abuse disorder (SUD), struggling with a methamphetamine (meth) addiction is one of the toughest addictions to beat. Meth addiction treatment in Austin, TX offers a vital path to recovery, addressing the severe dangers and highly addictive nature of meth. There is no sugarcoating the fact that meth is extremely destructive to the lives of those who use it.
The impact of meth extends beyond the user, affecting those around them as well. Whether someone is caught in the grips of meth use or dealing with the fallout from a loved one’s addiction, the consequences are never good.
While beating meth is challenging, it is entirely possible with the right support. At The Prairie Recovery Center, we offer the resources necessary for a full recovery, and our addiction treatment programs are designed to pave the way for lasting sobriety.
However, before checking into meth rehab, it’s crucial to understand meth and recognize the signs of meth use.
Why Is meth so addictive?
Meth is classified as a stimulant affecting the neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine. So whether smoking, swallowing, snorting, or injecting the drug, meth artificially increases energy and heightens the seasons. Meth causes its users to stay awake for days or even weeks at a time. Additionally, meth acts on the dopamine receptors of the brain. Dopamine regulates the pleasure centers of the brain and its natural reward system. That’s why a meth “high” makes one feel euphoric and excited.
However, the feeling of euphoria is short-lived. Once the effects of the drug wear off, a person is left with unnaturally low levels of dopamine, creating the urge for more meth. Hence, addiction has begun. As someone continues to use meth, they require more drugs to get the same effects. Our meth addiction treatment in Texas is crucial for overcoming this cycle, as meth is a powerful stimulant known to addict people after just one use.
Is Meth Dangerous?
Without a doubt, meth is dangerous. As one of the most addictive and destructive stimulant drugs in the world, the effects meth abuse take a hard toll on users, their families, and communities across the country.
While much of the nation’s focus over the past few years has been on the opioid crisis, meth abuse continues to rage nationwide. Thousands of Americans are affected by meth yearly. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 2 million people (aged 12 and up) use meth daily, while over 500 people each day try meth for the first time. In addition, The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that since 2018 meth usage has risen sharply across all racial and ethnic groups in people ages 25-54.
Meth addiction treatment in Austin, TX has become increasingly vital as communities grapple with the rising tide of meth use. Much of the danger in using meth comes from the substances in the drug when ingested. These may include gasoline, battery acid, pseudoephedrine, sulfur, forms of copper, phosphorus, fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and more. The process of making meth itself is hazardous. Many substances used in its creation are flammable, toxic, and even explosive. Many people die making meth due to fire, explosion, suffocation, and exposure.
Besides the obvious dangers of making and using meth, the long-term effects are ugly and terrifying. Those on meth often cannot sleep for days or weeks, leading to mental and physical health problems. Drug-induced insomnia causes delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis. These often lead to risky and dangerous behaviors without regard for their safety or those around them.
Meth is also an appetite suppressant, leading to dramatic weight loss and malnutrition. Many who become addicted to meth initially took the drug to lose weight quickly. The ingredients in meth break down the body from the inside out, causing “meth mouth.” Meth mouth” refers to the loss of or rotting teeth and gums common in those addicted to the drug. Additionally, open sores and skin infections are common, as meth users often scratch and dig at their skin.
Signs and symptoms of meth use
Since meth addiction and its detrimental effects on the body and mind can take hold quickly, meth use at any level should be considered dangerous. Knowing how to spot the physical and mental symptoms of meth addiction can better prepare a person to help themselves or a loved one. In addition, seeking specialized meth addiction treatment in Texas is essential for addressing these symptoms and managing the severe health impacts.
Signs and symptoms of meth use include:
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Open wounds
- Itchy skin
- Scabs and sores
- Erratic behaviour
- Urge for lots of caffeine
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Tooth decay
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Convulsions
Continued meth use inevitably leads to more severe physical and mental health effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Loss of teeth
- Aggressive, erratic, violent behavior
- Acts of crime (robbing and stealing to get drug money)
- Permanent organ damage (heart, brain, liver, kidney and lungs)
- High blood pressure leading to heart attack and stroke
- Psychosis (paranoia, hallucinations, delusions) lasting for months and years.
Lastly, meth abuse can “and does” result in death. The CDC reports meth overdoses have shot significantly in the past decades.
Knowing how to spot the signs of symptoms of meth use can help a person get the help they deserve. At our meth rehab in Texas, meth addiction treatment can lead to recovery, renewed health, and sobriety that lasts a lifetime.
