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What Is Methamphetamine Addiction?

Methamphetamine addiction is a serious problem in the United States. Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a powerful stimulant that can have devastating effects on the user. Methamphetamines are made in illegal labs, and they can be very addictive.

Described as a "shadow epidemic" as meth abuse has often been overshadowed by the opioid crisis, methamphetamines are among the most popular illicit drugs abused in the United States. SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and the Mental Health Services Administration, reports nearly 2 million Americans used meth during the past year.

In this web page, we will discuss what methamphetamine is, where it comes from, and the effects of its use. We will also discuss the symptoms of methamphetamine abuse and how methamphetamine addiction is treated.

What Is Methamphetamine Addiction?

Methamphetamine Abuse

Where Does Meth Come From?

Methamphetamine is made in illegal labs. Historically, meth was produced in small labs in rural areas. Meth is a very dangerous drug to produce, and the people who make it often do so without any knowledge of how to do so safely. As a result, many of those rural meth labs exploded or caught fire.

In more recent times, meth is produced in so-called "super labs," many of which are located in Mexico. Transnational criminal organizations traffic either meth ingredients or meth itself across the US border for distribution and sale.

The ingredients used to make methamphetamine can be very toxic and dangerous. Meth labs are a major source of environmental pollution, and the chemicals used to make meth can contaminate water supplies and soil.

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Methamphetamine Abuse

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that can have devastating effects on the user. Methamphetamines are made in illegal labs and are very addictive. Manufactured from a chemical stew of toxic, dangerous ingredients, meth is different from other illicit stimulants such as cocaine: it's cheaper and its effects last far longer.

As is the case with other addictive substances, meth causes the body to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is used in the body's reward system. Normally, our nervous system only releases dopamine a drip at a time. Meth turns that drip into a raging torrent, creating an intense rush that drives meth use.

Meth is a far more potent version of amphetamines. Originally manufactured in Japan during the early 20th century, methamphetamines were used to treat obesity and mood and sleep disorders. Once its addictive nature was understood, however, the drug was gradually made illegal. By the 1970s, methamphetamines became a street drug.

What Are the Signs of Meth Addiction?

Methamphetamine abuse can cause many physical and psychological problems for the abuser. Some of the symptoms of methamphetamine abuse include:

Increased heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Dilated pupils

Sweating

Tremors

Aggression

Paranoia

Methamphetamine can keep users awake for days. Meth's most infamous side effect is the condition popularly known as "meth mouth", severe tooth decay brought on by dry mouth, poor hygiene, teeth grinding, and meth itself.

It is possible to fatally overdose on methamphetamines, particularly when they're combined with other addictive drugs. Signs of meth overdose include:

Chest pain

Rapid breathing

High body temperature

Hallucinations

Unconsciousness

Minutes matter during drug overdoses, and it's important to take action quickly if someone is overdosing on meth. Many states have "Good Samaritan" laws on the books protecting people who intervene in drug overdoses.

Can Inhalant Abuse Be Treated?

Methamphetamine addiction is treated with a combination of behavioral therapies and medications. One common therapy for methamphetamine addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps the abuser understand how their thoughts and behaviors contribute to their drug abuse.

Another common treatment for methamphetamine addiction is contingency management, which uses rewards such as vouchers or cash incentives to encourage abstinence from drugs. Methamphetamine abusers also often receive medication such as bupropion (Zyban) or naltrexone (ReVia) to help them overcome their addiction.

Methamphetamine is a very addictive drug with serious consequences for those who abuse it. It is important for those who are addicted to methamphetamine to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can help the abuser recover from their addiction and live a healthy, productive life.

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We’re here to help you find your way

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.