Trying to get ahold of methamphetamine is not that difficult of a task. It’s a substance that can be made inside home labs and distributed rather consistently, making it available and easier to become addicted to. When the supply is there for the demand, it becomes harder to avoid and say no to. Doctors can prescribe controlled methamphetamines, but illegal versions still exist.
You might be wondering: What is crystal meth? Why is a version of methamphetamine still able to be prescribed to some as a treatment method? What makes meth addictive?
We get that there is a lot of stigma around terms like ‘meth’ and ‘crystal meth,’ so read on to learn more!
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine, commonly called meth, crank, crystal meth, crystal, or tina, is a stimulant that is highly addictive and affects the central nervous system. Meth comes from the parent drug, amphetamine, which helps treat narcolepsy, ADHD, and Parkinson’s, but differs due to its higher potency and ability to last longer in the body. This is caused by meth passing through the brain faster than an amphetamine would and producing quicker effects.
Crystal meth produces feelings of euphoria and heightened energy, which in the short term, might make a person feel like they are on top of the world. People use it for many reasons, like to help with confidence or if they are dealing with depression and other mental health issues. Over time, those who use meth learn to love the feeling it gives them, and they don’t want to lose the euphoria.
Prescribed Methamphetamines
There is an FDA-approved version of meth that helps to treat different conditions and illnesses. The drug is called methamphetamine hydrochloride, otherwise known as Desoxyn. This is a tablet that is taken orally and only prescribed in very particular circumstances. It also follows a strict set of rules on how to consume it properly, and there are never refills allowed because the risk for abusing it is so high.
Desoxyn helps people with ADHD by boosting attention and reducing hyper behavior. It can help with muscle control which is used for those with Parkinson’s. It’s important to note that while this variation of methamphetamines is legally allowed to be prescribed, this is not what is circulating in those that use meth. Still, it can be dangerous to use this medication if you or anyone in your family has struggled with substance use problems.
What Makes Meth Addictive?
When you use meth, you get a boost of dopamine that is released to your brain. Dopamine works to help control movement, zero in and focus, feel pleasure, and help find things enjoyable. The dopamine rush heightens these abilities, and that feeling is not one a person ever wants to lose.
It’s hard to achieve this unnatural feeling of happiness, euphoria, and focus when not using meth, and so to achieve this feeling again, you have to continue using the drug. When you’ve experienced the feeling of meth, you begin to want it again and again, which then leads to major complications.
When you begin using meth frequently, it alters the decision-making part of your brain. At first, your choice to use meth is one you have to make on your own, but after a while, it becomes almost natural, like blinking or breathing. You use more and more meth because your body gets used to its effects, and you cannot achieve that initial euphoric feeling that you got the first time. Like all substance use disorders, it requires a lot of determination to recover, and you often need lots of support behind you to make it through, but it can be hard to ask for help.
Symptoms of Using Crystal Meth
You may be able to tell that someone is struggling with a crystal meth addiction if you witness the following signs:
- They have become very thin, very fast. Meth decreases your appetite and increases weight loss.
- They are constantly itching, and scabs and sores have developed on their body.
- They are becoming paranoid, easily irritated, and often confused.
- They are acting extremely happy and overly secure in their invincibility.
- Their teeth may begin to rot.
If you or a loved one is struggling with meth use, don’t be afraid to speak up and get up.
How To Get Help
Not everyone who overcomes a methamphetamine addiction will get help from medical staff during their process, but the benefits of receiving help from trained professionals are apparent. The hardest part about getting help is asking for it. Once you ask for help, you are showing that you truly want to change and improve your health.
There are addiction recovery centers all over the country that help with overcoming addiction safely and effectively. At Soba Recovery, we want to ensure the utmost care for you and your loved ones.
Meth Addiction Treatment at Soba Recovery
Currently, no medications can be prescribed to help combat the side effects of a methamphetamine withdrawal. Instead, it’s encouraged to join behavioral and cognitive therapy sessions and join groups with others who struggle with meth use. Soba Recovery offers patients multiple kinds of treatment methods to help overcome their drug addiction.
Detoxification
The first step in overcoming addiction is by detoxing from using that drug. For those who use meth, withdrawal symptoms could look like extreme cravings, paranoia, lethargy, and depression. The safest place to be during a detox is with trained medical professionals. At Soba Recovery, we ensure that you are safe and taken care of while you experience withdrawal symptoms so that you have additional support for the duration of your detoxification.
Inpatient
Soba Recovery offers residential inpatient care that happens for 30-days so you can focus on your recovery with additional trained support systems. After residential inpatient, we offer partial hospitalization, which helps ease you back into everyday life after staying inside a facility for so long. The process of recovery from meth addiction will be difficult, but you should take advantage of the good support systems that Soba Recovery offers. We want to help you!
Outpatient and Sober Living
You can also use the outpatient services that Soba Recovery offers for those who have completed inpatient care. Our emphasis is on the continued care that you receive from us to help guide you through recovery. We also offer sober living homes so you can stay accountable for your actions while surrounded by a community that wants the same as you.
In Conclusion
You don’t have to fight your meth addiction alone, and if you have a loved one who needs assistance, just know that asking for help is the best thing you can do for them. Soba Recovery wants to help you because we understand how addictive meth can be and how disruptive it is to your life.
We also know that using drugs is not the end for you. We want to help give you a second chance by overcoming your substance use disorder and getting back on track. You can take back your life from meth and seek out a brighter future with our help! Reach out to a representative if you or a loved one could benefit from our services.
Sources:
10 Facts About Methamphetamines | Drug Policy Alliance
Methamphetamine DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse
Methamphetamine and Other Stimulants | Minnesota Department of Health