What is Meth?
Methamphetamine (meth or crystal meth) is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant. The substance is often seen as bluish-tinted or white rocks or shards of glass. It is most often snorted or smoked, and it is made in private home labs from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine and other ingredients available at drugstores or hardware shops. According to the NIDA and DEA, meth is a highly addictive chemical that may lead to a variety of serious effects.
This guide by experts from Skyward Treatment Center, the best rehab in Houston, TX, entails information regarding the effects of meth on the brain and also the psychological effects of meth addiction. Continue reading for more information.
Effects of Meth on a Brain
Methamphetamines, often known as meth, are central nervous system stimulants. They also have an influence on the body’s dopamine system. Dopamine is a reward molecule produced naturally during activities such as sex and eating. While it is naturally recycled back into the human body after a short time, meth disrupts this normal cycle, increasing production.
Let’s now delve into the short-term and long-term psychological effects of meth addiction.
What Are the Short-Term Psychological Effects of Meth Addiction?
In most cases, those who acquire meth addiction often have pre-existing mental health symptoms or illnesses. Meth usage may exacerbate existing mental health issues. Meth has a stimulating impact on the CNS, increasing blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and temperature. Meth abuse can also lead to erratic behavior. Some people will feel excessively paranoid and may begin to engage in repetitive and meaningless activities. One issue with methamphetamine misuse is that it leads the brain to cease generating dopamine. This can result in a variety of mental health difficulties. Some of the short-term psychological effects of meth addiction include:
- Increased alertness
- Euphoria
- Increased energy
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Hyperactivity
What Are the Long-Term Psychological Effects of Meth Addiction?
As abovementioned, crystal meth, like other drugs, causes alterations to the brain, and continuous use alters the structure and function of the brain, leading to a variety of brain health disorders. Crystal meth carries some of the most devastating long-term health consequences of any drug. The neurological consequences are significant because meth drug usage causes substantial physical changes in the brain and decreases critical neurotransmitters. One of the most serious outcomes of long-term methamphetamine use is the development of a drug use disorder.
Some of the long-term psychological effects of meth addiction include:
- Chronic anxiety
- Severe depression
- Memory loss
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Violent behavior
- Cognitive deficits
- Mood disturbances
- Increased risk of developing other mental health disorders
These meth-related symptoms can last for months or even years after the individual stops using methamphetamine. They can be triggered by stress years after the individual has stopped taking meth.
Meth Addiction Treatment Options
Fortunately, methamphetamine addiction can be treated. Individuals who attend a structured drug use disorder treatment program and successfully maintain sobriety often achieve complete mental recovery. While there are presently no drugs licensed to treat stimulant use disorders, there are evidence-based treatment options that have assisted many individuals in achieving long-term abstinence. Such options include:
- Psychoeducation.
- Behavioral treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), and CM (Contingency Management).
- Peer support, including 12-step programs and SMART Recovery.
Call to talk with a compassionate admissions navigator about meth addiction treatment at our Houston location.
Seek Compassionate Meth Addiction Treatment from Skyward Treatment Center, The Best Rehab in Houston, TX
If this blog resonates with you or makes you worry about a loved one, we want to reassure you that there are numerous high-quality meth addiction treatment programs available to assist. Recovery is always a possibility, regardless of a history of substance abuse, mental health issues, or a mix of the two. There is no ideal time to seek help. Seek help today! Of course, there are reasons why Skyward Treatment Center has one of Houston’s biggest alumni networks. We are committed to assisting you in finding recovery in a program that is most comfortable for you. Call us and get started on this journey to a fulfilling life right away!