Methamphetamine is a poisonous and highly addictive drug. It has a high potential for addiction as well as causing many health disorders. Meth addiction has been common in rural areas, and the drug's effects have led to an increase in crime rates in those areas due to how easy it is to hide from police officers.
Methamphetamine is commonly smoked, injected into a vein or muscle, swallowed, or snorted. The drug works by growing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical responsible for pleasurable feelings, and Methamphetamine increases it over 1000%, leading to an intense high that lasts only minutes but increases the craving for more of the drug.
It has been reported that Methamphetamine taken even once can lead to addiction and long-term medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety disorders. However, in the following article, you will see the dramatic effects Methamphetamine can have on the human body in just a few years.
Table Of Contents
- The Horrors Of Meth
- What Is Meth Addiction?
- What Are Meth Addiction Symptoms?
- How To Beat Meth Addiction On Your Own?
- Top 10 Meth Addiction Centers In The US
- Successful Meth Transformation Stories
- The Pros And Cons Of Breaking Bad And Its Portrayal Of Crystal Meth Addiction And Dealing
The Horrors Of Meth
Methamphetamine is quite possibly one of the riskiest drugs on the planet. It has been known to destroy its users physically and mentally. While you may not realize it, Methamphetamine affects more people than you think. So, let's discuss how dangerous it is to consume Methamphetamine.
The use of Methamphetamine results in severe skin problems. Methamphetamine dehydrates the body and removes all of the fluid from the cells, which is why many people addicted to the drug develop sores on their face, lips, back, and stomach.
Additionally, sores and scars are often seen near the eyes. Other skin problems experienced by people who abuse this drug are rashes, hives, and ulcers. In severe cases, skin tumors can develop on a person's face or neck.
Methamphetamine use is also associated with facial muscles, fat, and other facial features. Methamphetamine users often develop bags under their eyes and lose their cheekbones and jaw strength.
The jaw muscles can weaken and make it difficult for a person to chew food or open his mouth wide enough to speak. People addicted to this drug often develop dry-mouth, making it difficult for them to produce saliva because the primary function of saliva is to moisten the mouth and make speech easier.
Methamphetamine use is also known to cause severe tooth decay and gums damage. The teeth begin to decay and lose their shine, making people look older than they are. Besides this, the teeth may also begin to come loose from their sockets.
The same issue can happen in the case of Methamphetamine users who are pregnant. They might experience toothaches, abscesses, and swelling of their gums, making it difficult for them to eat solid foods.
It is one of the most horrifying effects of Methamphetamine. Since this drug destroys the jaw muscles, people who are addicted look much older than they are. It's because Methamphetamine users often develop sores and scars on their faces and haggard expressions and dull eyes. Meth users have wrinkles on their faces even though they're in their 20s or 30s.
What Is Meth Addiction?
Methamphetamine is a habit-forming stimulant that impacts the nervous system and brain. Methamphetamine is derived from its parent drug, amphetamine, and both drugs have similar effects on the body.
Researchers originally intended to use Methamphetamine as a diet pill. Still, it was never marketed due to its strong ability to cause addiction and the intense side effects of weight loss when taken in large doses.
The effects of Methamphetamine abuse are devastating. The drug produces a massive surge of intense pleasure, euphoria, and energy and lasts anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours before the user needs to take another dose.
Over time, Methamphetamine abuse is hazardous as it leads to severe mental health problems such as paranoia, psychosis, episodes of aggression, and violent mood swings.
Users also experience cognitive impairments and physical health issues such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate, decreased appetite, and sleepiness that lead to exhaustion. Researchers have also reported that Meth can lead to addiction, and abusers often face withdrawal symptoms upon regular use of the drug.
As per the statistics, over 700,000 people have been arrested for Meth use in the United States alone. It has increased the number of drug users and has led to a rise in violence and crime rates in the areas where Methamphetamine is used.
Approximately 80% of meth addicts are in their teens or 20s. The largest group of users is between 18-25 years and a smaller number between 26 and 35 years.
Risk For Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is so addictive that anyone who uses it often will become physically dependent on it. Once an addict becomes dependent, they will want to keep using the drug even if it causes serious health problems.
In addition, an additive effect of Methamphetamine abuse is that the drug tends to make other drugs more potent (e.g., MMJ). During Methamphetamine abuse, the individual may experience physical and mental changes that lead to an overall dependence on the drug.
The behavior will become more and more dependent and violent when Methamphetamine is not taken.
What Are Meth Addiction Symptoms?
The symptoms of Methamphetamine addiction are many and range from mild to extreme. Methamphetamine has a potent effect on the body, and addiction is often seen within a few weeks of first use.
The extreme effects of Methamphetamine abuse can cause life-threatening problems. Symptoms of Methamphetamine addiction include:
Psychological Symptoms
Mood swings are widely reported as a symptom of Meth addiction. The person addicted to the drug develops an intense love-hate relationship with it and will experience euphoria one moment and extreme anger or depression the next. The highs and lows can last for hours or weeks at a time.
People addicted to Methamphetamine also develop a pattern of negative thinking during which they think about taking the drug repeatedly. This thinking pattern will become more and more intense over time and cause a high level of anxiety.
People addicted to Methamphetamine are also reported to experience feelings of apathy. They feel that they have no reason to do anything as long as they have their supply of the drug. Sufficiently, once their supply is cut off or running low, they become highly agitated or angry.
Memory problems are often reported by people addicted to Methamphetamine who consume it regularly over some time.
The abuse of the drug can cause an intense feeling of euphoria and happiness, which is a highly addictive factor that can turn the user back to Methamphetamine with no problem.
Aggression is another symptom that is commonly associated with Methamphetamine use. It is particularly noted in long-term users who become very agitated after they stop taking the drug. They will lose their temper frequently, and this aggravation can lead to violence towards others.
Physical symptoms
Methamphetamine users often report feeling sluggish and tired. It can lead to sleepiness and a lack of motivation to do anything in life. Methamphetamine is also a psycho-stimulant, affecting the central nervous system. It leads to physical effects like severe headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Another common symptom of Methamphetamine use is difficulty in speaking. These people will often speak very slowly and with slurred speech and a lack of clarity.
Abusing Methamphetamine can also cause intense nausea and make the user feel physically ill. This symptom can last for a few hours after taking the drug and make it difficult to function normally or carry out daily responsibilities.
However, methamphetamine addiction can be treated. People with an addiction should get help before losing control over their drug use by contacting a professional treatment center or local healthcare provider.
Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications that are used in detoxification programs. Addiction is a chronic problem that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Alternatively, meth addiction can also be treated by yourself.
How To Beat Meth Addiction On Your Own?
It is tough to recover from a meth addiction on your own. It is why you must try and seek help from support groups and family members rather than quitting cold turkey.
Additionally, it is beneficial to have a counselor or rehab mate who can talk to you when cravings hit or when an urge to use hits. You may even need to meet with your counselor or rehab mate daily.
It's tough for anyone to go through withdrawal on their own, and it can lead to serious health problems. The following are some things that you should do if you're trying to recover from a meth addiction:
- Create a list of why you want to quit using the drug.
- Write down what you can do to cope with your cravings for Meth.
- Search for things to do that will take your mind off using the drug.
- Look into treatment centers that can help you recover from meth addiction.
- Look into things that help alleviate withdrawal effects and move on to the next step when you're trying to recover on your own.
- Consult your doctor about the treatments available in your area, and ask them for advice on how you can quit using Meth. Your doctor will help you understand the process of getting clean and sober and help you find the right support groups for quitting Methamphetamine.
- Stay away from other people using drugs or encouraging you to use drugs.
- Exercise regularly to keep yourself occupied and healthy. Exercising will give you something else to do instead of focusing on using methamphetamines.
- Consume healthy foods and get enough sleep to avoid feeling physically and mentally weak.
- Learn to deal with the natural withdrawal symptoms that come along after you succumb to meth addiction.
Disclaimer: The article is intended to be used for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used with any professional treatment or diagnosis.
Top 10 Meth Addiction Centers In The US
There are different places worldwide where Methamphetamine addiction is rampant, especially in the US. The following are some of the most well-known treatment centers in the US that help people recover from methamphetamine addiction:
- All Points North Lodge; Colorado: All points north lodge is a drug treatment center in Colorado that treats those addicted to Methamphetamine and other drugs. All Points North Lodge is not just great for people recovering from meth addiction, but it also helps those who have suffered from alcohol and cocaine addiction.
- Boca Recovery Centers; New Jersey, and Florida: Boca Recovery Centers specialized programs such as faith-based Christian programming, trauma-focused programming, and medication-assisted programming are offered. Its staff includes psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, counselors, and addiction specialists. Its programs are located throughout the United States. Additionally, amenities include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and hypnosis.
- Asana Recovery; Costa Mesa, California: Asana recovery is a treatment center that focuses on treating heroin addiction, methamphetamine addiction, and other drug addictions. It provides a healing environment to help people recover from their addictions.
- TRC Luxury Rehab; Tarzana, CA: A luxurious rehab that provides the most acceptable treatment for drug addiction, including methamphetamine addiction. It is dedicated to helping people get sober and live a free life of drugs and alcohol.
- Recovery Unplugged; Locations in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia: Recovery Unplugged is a drug treatment center that provides excellent drug rehabilitation services and treatments for meth addiction. It provides a safe treatment center for men, women, and adolescents.
- Renaissance Recovery; Fountain Valley, California: Renaissance Recovery provides a sober environment used to recover from meth addiction. It's a great treatment center for men and women who have suffered from heroin, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and many other types of drug addiction.
- United Recovery Project; Hollywood, Florida: United Recovery Project is a drug treatment center that provides quality treatment for people recovering from methamphetamine addiction. It offers a safe, supportive environment to help people recover from drug addiction.
- 1st Step Behavioral Health; Pompano Beach, FL: 1st Step Behavioral Health is a drug rehab center that provides excellent counseling, therapy, and treatment for meth addiction. It's an excellent center for addicts who have suffered from addiction to Meth and other drugs.
- Riverwalk Ranch; Mansfield, Texas: It serves as a drug rehab center to treat people addicted to Methamphetamine, heroin, and other drugs. The center is excellent for providing people with substance abuse treatment.
- Ocean Breeze Recovery; Pompano Beach, Florida: Ocean Breeze Recovery is a drug treatment center that provides other types of drug rehabilitation. It uses holistic and alternative therapies to help people recover from meth addiction.
Successful Meth Transformation Stories
Lisa's Meth Transformation
Lisa's first thoughts of Meth came when she was high during her senior year in high school, and her boyfriend told her about how it would keep her up for days at a time. She consumed it for the first time and was hooked instantly, just like most people do with Meth.
She used it for about four years, which sounds like a short amount of time compared to most people, but her addiction lasted much longer than that. Lisa was always making excuses not to find help, from the fact she was scared to tell her parents, or she thought the people at the methadone clinic in town were judgmental.
In the end, she hit rock bottom when she was arrested and put in jail for six months. It is a very long sentence for someone who has never even been convicted of a crime. Her parents were scared of her dying, and she was arrested for dealing.
After six months of having the time of her life in jail, she decided to get clean, and she entered a methadone clinic at the end of her sentence. She swore all over that this was the last time she would ever use methamphetamines again. After attending treatment, Lisa worked hard every day to stay sober.
Paula's Meth Transformation
Paula was sexually abused as a child, which contributed to her addiction to methamphetamines throughout her adult life. Paula became addicted to Methamphetamine at a very young age when she was only 13-years-old.
She started using methamphetamines because she was looking for comfort and trying to escape from her pain. She started using methamphetamines regularly as a young teenager, and she had been using them for the past 15 years.
She often used methamphetamines every day in large amounts, which caused her to lose her job and forced her to live on the street. She was homeless for six months, which is how long it took the police to catch up with her after discovering she lived on the streets.
After being arrested, Paula was sent to jail and denied bail because of her priors. She was sentenced to a program that forces her to attend counseling, group therapy, and individual therapy for the following year. Paula was finally able to get her life back together and get it on track.
Chris Success Story
Chris was addicted to methamphetamines for nearly eight years. Chris lived with his parents, who were alcoholics. He was raised in a dysfunctional home environment, and he was forced to look after his siblings when they got into trouble.
He often spent a lot of time at the mall and hanging out with friends and neighbors. After being addicted for a long time, he became physically addicted and then mentally addicted.
Chris slowly developed a meth addiction, and he would always have an ounce of Meth on him at all times. He could not control his cravings, and he would have to have the drugs with him at all times.
Chris wanted to stop using methamphetamines, which had negatively changed his life. He entered treatment and attended group therapy for about a week before realizing he needed to make more progress toward his recovery.
After attending treatment, Chris was diagnosed with ADHD, so he did so many drugs from such a young age. He started consuming medication to help control his ADHD symptoms, and it worked wonders for him.
He then began attending more group sessions at the mental health center instead of the drug rehab center. He was doing so well that he considered getting his GED and college instead of focusing on recovery.
The Pros And Cons Of Breaking Bad And Its Portrayal Of Crystal Meth Addiction And Dealing
Breaking bad is a television series that follows the life of a mild-mannered chemistry teacher named Walter White, who turns into a life of crime. His goal is to make enough money to leave his family behind and change his identity so he can escape from the DEA agents, who are after him.
With this in mind, he teams up with a high school dropout named Jesse, and together, they begin cooking and selling crystal meth to make as much money as possible. Walter discovered that he had a high level of chemistry knowledge and intelligence, and he used these skills to create crystal meth that was of the finest quality.
Breaking Bad became extremely popular, and millions of people watched it every season on AMC. The series finale ended with a record-breaking audience that exceeded 10.3 million viewers.
However, this show had a significant impact on the entire meth industry. Many people around the country started doing crystal meth to get high due to the influence of this fictional show.
Moreover, specific pros and cons of Breaking Bad and its portrayal of crystal meth addiction and dealing are as follows:
Pros:
- Breaking bad puts the viewer in the shoes of Walter White, which is a powerful tool because it allows the audience to be able to relate to his addiction.
- The show portrays the damage to relationships, family problems, the individual's drug dealing, and Meth can cause a lot of job loss.
- The series Breaking Bad was highly realistic. It showed that most people could eventually get into trouble with methamphetamines when they take it too far without knowing how dangerous or damaging it can be to someone's physical health and future.
Cons:
- When this show was first shown, the number of children who use methamphetamines went up by 30%. Breaking bad made the idea of cooking and selling Meth more appealing to young people.
- Drug dealers would sometimes sell their product as "Breaking Bad" because it was a well-known brand. It shows that many people did not know the difference between fiction and reality, which has caused significant problems for many people throughout the country.
- In a way, the show depicts drug sales as a form of business and an excellent way to make money legitimately. It causes drug dealers who sell methamphetamines to gain more money and be motivated to continue selling this addictive, harmful substance.
In other words, Breaking Bad is highly realistic regarding the type of person Walter White was and how he got involved in drug dealing. Its portrayal of the crystal meth addiction and dealing caused many people to become addicted to this substance, and for some people, it may have even encouraged them to engage in certain types of crime.
It was one of the series' most significant impacts, and it is what led a lot of people throughout the country to start doing crystal meth to make a living.
Conclusion
Finally, we can see from this list that drugs affect everyone differently. Meth addiction is a severe issue in our country, and it harms more people than we realize. There has been tremendous growth in the number of people abusing Methamphetamines in recent years, and doctors are searching for new ways to treat Meth addiction every day.
Most people who abuse methamphetamines rely on the physical addiction to cope with their pain, but they often face mental addiction. Methamphetamine affects everyone differently, and it is essential to know that there is help out there.
FAQ
How long does Methamphetamine addiction last?
Methamphetamine addiction can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the person and the severity of the addiction.
What kind of treatment is available to people who are addicted to Methamphetamine?
There are numerous treatment options out there for people who are addicted to Methamphetamine, and they include:
- Treatment facilities
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- 12-step programs
- Mental health treatment centers
- Psychotherapy sessions
- Psychiatric medication treatment plans
What is life after Meth addiction treatment?
Life after treatment is entirely different for every person. Many people can quit using drugs and alcohol without problems, but some require medication treatment plans. If a person has to take medication, it can be dangerous to try and continue using substances while on the drug plan.