Methamphetamine

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, is a drug that has an impact on the central nervous system. It’s considered to be a stimulant and can cause your central nervous system to go into overdrive if used incorrectly. This is an example of a drug that is never prescribed for medical purposes and is often associated with illegal use.  

Can You Overdose on Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine impairs the signals that your body receives from your brain which is one of the reasons why it’s fairly easy to overdose on meth. It’s also important to remember that there is a high probability that a person will suffer tremendously as they work through the methamphetamine withdrawal process, which is another reason why you should reach out for help if you need to go through the withdrawal process or you suspect that a friend or loved one may have overdosed on this drug. 

How to Quit Methamphetamine?

When you’re ready to commit to sobriety, you should always reach out to a trusted and experienced addiction treatment facility that offers personalized programs that can help you to overcome this serious addiction. Keep in mind that recovery is a lifelong process that will continue long after your time at a facility, however, during your inpatient or outpatient program, you will build your foundation of sobriety. 

What are the Effects of Methamphetamine?

A methamphetamine addiction can affect your life in more than just physical ways. For example, there is a high likelihood that you may suffer personal consequences as a result of your addiction. Loss of a job and loss of personal relationships are not uncommon for a person that is combatting this type of addiction. 

How Does Methamphetamine Affect the Brain?

Meth can have a direct and severe impact on your brain. This dangerous drug can trigger a stroke which can leave you paralyzed or even kill you. Methamphetamine triggers the brain to produce large amounts of dopamine which can impact the chemical structure of your brain and increase the possibility of developing Parkinson’s disease or a variety of other cognitive issues. 

How to Tell If Someone is High on Methamphetamine

There are certain telltale signs that can indicate whether or not a person is high on methamphetamine. Extreme euphoria, dilated pupils, lack of appetite, skin sores, drastic weight loss and twitching are all examples of signs that a person may be under the influence of meth. If you have specific concerns about the behavior of someone close to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to talk about your situation.

What is the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine?

Although amphetamine and methamphetamine have the same chemical base, they are very different. Amphetamines are, at times, prescribed by doctors to patients that have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as a way to help them focus or to provide a better sense of mental clarity. Methamphetamine is specifically used recreationally and has no medical value.

How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay in Your Body?

A person can feel the influence of methamphetamine in their body for anywhere between 8 and 24 hours. The fact that the drug can break down so quickly is even more of a reason for you to reach out to the methamphetamine detox when you’re ready to overcome your addiction as you will likely begin to feel the impact of your withdrawal symptoms quickly. 

What Does Methamphetamine Do to Your Body?

Meth seemingly breaks down every function of your body. From the way that your brain operates to the appearance of your teeth to the way that your muscles respond, as your addiction to this drug begins to grow, you will notice that your body can no longer react or appear the way that it once did before.

 

How to Help a Methamphetamine Addict

The best thing that you can do if your friend or family member is struggling with an addiction to methamphetamine is to encourage them to reach out for help from a trusted and experienced addiction treatment facility. A methamphetamine rehab will be able to provide them with the care that they need to work navigate through their methamphetamine withdrawal and the contributing factors of their meth addiction.