Three Things You Need to Know about Methamphetamines

Methamphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor for a non-refillable prescription, but it has very limited medical uses in the long run. The reason that this drug is abused is due to the fact that it is an extremely addicting stimulant. Most of the methamphetamine used on the streets is produced in clandestine labs throughout Mexico as well as across the U.S.

Very quickly after smoking or injecting the drug, the user will experience a very intense euphoria that fades just as quickly as it came. According to NIDA, it is this quick stimulation and crash that causes individuals to repeat their doses, so that they can feel the effects again and again.

1. Methamphetamine Negatively Affects the Brain

This drug increases the amount of the chemical dopamine within the brain, which is usually associated with reward, pleasure, and positive moods. The quick release of dopamine is the cause of the euphoric rush that Methamphetamine users will feel, and repeated exposure to this drug can quickly lead to addiction.

Some of the symptoms that long-term may feel as a result of the chemical changes in their brain may be insomnia, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, and delusions. Other similar symptoms may also present themselves, and particularly harsh symptoms will occur in cases where severe structural and functional changes have been made to the brain.

2. Use of Methamphetamine Causes Impairment

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should not drive while on such an extreme stimulant. The effects of the drug impair the abilities of the individual to engage in all the required tasks of driving a car and safely maneuvering the roadways. Driving while under the influence of Methamphetamine could lead to inattentiveness, impatience, high speeds, accidents, and other dangerous driving scenarios.

3. Recovery is Possible

With any addiction recovery, there is a long road and a lot of battles against temptations and relapses, but the end result is worth it. Due to the extreme affect that Methamphetamine has on the chemicals of the brain, one goal of recovery is to restore dopamine transmitters to normal function.

Some of the neurobiological damage caused by the drug may not be reversible, but abstinence during recovery can help an individual learn not to rely on the drug any more. A cognitive-behavioral approach may be the best treatment available for a Meth addict, as it teaches the individual how to identify and deal with potential triggers associated with the substance.

One of the goals of this method is to treat the patient new methods of coping with stress or cravings, instead of turning to the drug. Recovery from Meth addiction is often more challenging than other drugs, but it is necessary to ensure a healthier lifestyle and well-being for the patient’s future.

If you or a loved one are facing the struggles of addiction, just call 800-605-6597 Who Answers? to speak with a caring specialist who can answer your questions and walk you through the next steps. It’s important to stop the effects while you can, rather than letting the Methamphetamine continue to do its work on your brain.

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