Meth is often touted as one of the most dangerous drugs on the market and is the subject of various popular TV shows and movies based on its addictiveness and the effects of abusing the drug.
What Is Meth?
Meth, also known as methamphetamine or crystal meth, is a potent synthetic stimulant becoming increasingly popular among people abusing or experimenting with drugs. Another type of methamphetamine, Desoxyn, is a legal drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in teens and adults.
The illicit street drug is often sold as a blue-tinted crystalline powder that is either smoked or snorted.1
Using meth triggers the dopamine receptors of your brain and central nervous system to release large concentrations of the neurotransmitter dopamine leading to temporary feelings of euphoria, wellbeing, and confidence.
Why Is Meth So Addictive?
As a result of its powerful stimulant effects, meth is a highly addictive drug that can quickly produce tolerance and dependence in its users. Once an individual is dependent on the effects of crystal meth, they experience intense withdrawal symptoms whenever they reduce or try to stop their use of the drug.
This can make quitting methamphetamine cold turkey without medical assistance nearly impossible. It also means people who are addicted to the drug have a much harder time quitting compared to other less-powerful stimulants.
Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction
Individuals who have used meth excessively or for prolonged periods, may exhibit the following signs:
- Bad breath
- “Meth mouth,” which refers to gum illness and poor oral health
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Impaired memory
- Sagging, wrinkly skin
- Paranoia
Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
The effects of meth withdrawal may vary according to how long and how much of the drug you used. Withdrawal symptoms are equally distributed across physical and psychological and can start within 24 hours of your last use. These withdrawal symptoms include:2
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Increase in appetite
- Depressed feelings
- Intense cravings
- Psychosis, including paranoia and hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Dry mouth
- Jitteriness
Withdrawal from crystal meth typically lasts between 14 and 20 days, although it typically peaks in intensity around day ten.
Medical Meth Detox
The intense nature of meth withdrawal symptoms can make relapsing a significant possibility should you try detox alone, at home, or quit the drug cold turkey.
Detoxing from methamphetamine is usually done by tapering off your use of the drug under medical supervision. A medical detox center can also provide meth withdrawal drugs like bupropion and Modafinil, which can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during meth treatment and detox, reducing the chance of a relapse or possible overdose.
Methamphetamine rehab, which follows your detox from drugs, may include counseling, group or individual therapy sessions, or medication-assisted treatment plans. If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, contact our team today at (833) 489-5577 to get the advice and assistance you need to take your first step toward recovery.
