If you watch, read, or listen to the news, or are active on social media, then you have had exposure to the epidemic of meth. The unfortunate thing is that the numbers are climbing at alarming rates.
Whether you or someone you love uses methamphetamine, or you want to learn more, here are five things you didn’t know about meth.
Known by many names (speed, crystal, glass, chalk, ice), meth is a synthetic drug. This means it is man-made, instead of derived from a plant. An example of a drug that is not man-made is cocaine, which comes from the coca plant.
Meth is often created in illegal labs or in homes. The production is a mixture of common cold pills and other types of amphetamines.
The person doing the “cooking” may mix dangerous chemicals to make the batch stronger. This includes things like antifreeze, battery acid, lantern fuel, and drain cleaner.
Methamphetamine is addictive and a strong stimulant. It has become a global problem and according to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World:
The United States government reported in 2008 that approximately 13 million people over the age of 12 have used methamphetamine–and 529,000 of those are regular users.
Meth was popular in the early 2000s until a change made it take a temporary nosedive. If you wonder why you have to show identification to buy medicine containing pseudoephedrine, there is a reason. It was part of the congress-enacted act passed in 2005 called the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA).
This kept the meth use down for a while until Mexican cartels starting making it accessible with “ready-made” sales. This made meth use rise to incredible proportions — some of it being due to the low-cost, high-purity of the meth being brought into the country.
As part of a New York Times article:
United States Customs and Border Protection statistics show that in the past five years, the amount of meth seized has tripled, while the seizures for other drugs have declined or had only modest increases.
Meth causes a plethora of desirable effects that include:
Another aspect of its desirability is the numerous ways of use. This allows varying comfort levels for its users. For instance, someone who is not comfortable with needles can take it by mouth. It is also snorted, smoked, and injected — making it accessible no matter the preference.
One of the many dangers of meth is that it affects and changes the brain. It tricks neurons into releasing massive amounts of dopamine, which causes pleasure. Then it destroys the parts of the brain that produce dopamine and serotonin. Both of these cause happiness and pleasure.
According to DrugAbuse.gov:
All this dopamine causes the person to feel an extra sense of pleasure that can last all day. But eventually, these pleasurable effects stop. They are followed by unpleasant feelings called a “crash” that often lead a person to use more of the drug. If a person continues to use Methamphetamine, they will have a difficult time feeling pleasure from anything. Imagine no longer enjoying your favorite food or an afternoon with your friends.
How meth affects the body is detrimental for long-term use. This includes:
If a user shares needles, then there is a high risk of hepatitis.
To get out from under an addiction to meth, professional treatment is a key component.
An effective form of treatment includes two components: detoxification and rehabilitation.
Detoxification works to help you get rid of meth in your system. It also helps you move forward from the effects of withdrawal. Yet, this is not the only treatment necessary. Detoxification is only the first step. It may take care of the initial addiction by ridding the body of the drug, but there is more needed.
Rehabilitation allows the patient to learn coping skills and find a new way to live — without meth. Those suffering from PAWS, which stands for post-acute withdrawal syndrome, will find rehab helpful. It helps to find out the reasons for the addiction and how to move forward without the drugs.
It is possible to overcome meth addiction and lead a drug-free life. Our Transformations Treatment Center addiction professionals can help you overcome your addiction and be on the path to recovery. Contact us now if you or someone you love is struggling with a meth addiction. We are here to help and show you that life is possible without drugs.
“A Worldwide Epidemic of Addiction” Foundation for a Drug-Free World. Retrieved from https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/a-worldwide-epidemic-of-addiction.html
CMEA (Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005). U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/meth/
“Meth, the Forgotten Killer, Is Back. And It’s Everywhere.” Author Francis Robles. Feb 13, 2018. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/us/meth-crystal-drug.html
“Mind Over Matter: The Brain’s Response to Methamphetamine” Printed 2000, 2003. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://teens.drugabuse.gov/teachers/mind-matters/methamphetamine
“How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay in Your System?” Transformations Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. Retrieved from https://www.transformationstreatment.center/meth-addiction-rehab/
