“Methamphetamine Addiction: How to Break Free from its Effects”

Drugs can be either beneficial or harmful—some can be both. But there are also a few drugs with medical uses that barely make up for its potential harmful side effects. Methamphetamine is a popular example.

While it is infrequently used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity, it is more commonly associated with recreational use, physical dependence, and addiction.

Today we are going to discuss what happens when people abuse this substance, and what an addicted individual can do to get better.

Overview

Methamphetamine may seem like a long name, but it is actually a contracted form of N-methylamphetamine. It is a stimulant that can cause dangerous adverse effects when taken outside of prescription.

Lower doses of meth can elevate a person’s mood—which is why many people like using it. It makes them more alert, sociable, and energized. It can even promote weight loss.

But when high doses are taken, it can cause psychosis, seizures, and even a breakdown of skeletal muscle. In the worst cases, meth users die due to bleeding in the brain.

History

Meth was first synthesized by a Japanese chemist named Nagai Nagayoshi in 1893. Methamphetamine hydrochloride was then synthesized by pharmacologist Akira Ogata in 1919.
It was used as a performance-enhancing drug by militaries during World War II to extend soldiers’ wakefulness during times of combat. However, its side effects forced them to discontinue its usage.

Nowadays, methamphetamine is tightly controlled by governments all over the world, and is produced and trafficked in the black market instead.

Signs of Abuse

There are ways to find out if someone you love is abusing the drug. You can look for a white or light brown crystalline powder hidden in their belongings, though it can also be in liquid form. Finding it in your home is an obvious sign that someone is using it. Most adults will try to hide their drug habits.

There are also physically signs you can watch out for. For example, meth abusers do not sleep for long periods of time. They will rapidly lose their weight and appear malnourished.

On top of this, they will appear euphoric or active. They may also seem anxious or nervous for no reason.

Abuse Effects and Withdrawal

Long term abuse of methamphetamine at high doses can lead to some severe adverse effects, some of which we’ve already mentioned above. But tolerance, dependence, and addiction are also possible. Developing any of these can make it so much harder to get off the drug.

Other effects of meth abuse include rapid mood swings, violent behavior, confusion, delusions, paranoia, insomnia, hallucinations, dental problems, and psychosis.

No doubt that meth is one of the most dangerous drugs on the illicit market.

Quitting the drug abruptly is not recommended, especially if the person is already dependent. They may experience fatal withdrawal. It is better to handle this problem with the help of medical professionals.

Addiction Treatment

An addicted individual won’t be easily convinced that they need help. You, as a loved one, should make sure you’re not enabling them or tolerating inappropriate behavior. They must be able to see for themselves just how damaging this drug could be. Otherwise, they wouldn’t want to get better.

Find a good addiction treatment center near you. They will likely put the patient under a detox program, wherein their drug intake is gradually lowered, until they can live an addiction-free life once again.

Withdrawal symptoms may make this process more difficult, and right now there are no approved medications that can “cure” meth addiction. But well-trained professionals will be able to deal with these problems as well.

Afterwards, they may go through counseling, addiction education, behavioral therapy, and other similar methods that will help them stay sober.

Addiction Free Solutions

Dont be problem focused. Be solution focused! At Addiction Free Solutions, we know that the solution lies within you. You have to commit to living a sober life. We help connect you with a center that can help assist you from detox and rehab to therapy. We want you to get the help that you need so you can go on and inspire others. Looking for in-patient, out-patient or sober living afterwards? We help you with that as well!