How can you be addicted to meth?
The stimulant effects of methamphetamine (meth) use can rapidly lead
to addiction, as meth delivers a very powerful rush of dopamine to your
brain, creating a highly increased sense of well-being, increased
learning, memory and pleasure – far more so than your brain’s naturally
occuring dopamine production. People who want this stimulant effect
to be ongoing often use it several days in a row to stay high. As meth is
more affordable than many other drugs, it often becomes the drug of
choice for continued use, but it also is known to lead to the use of other
drugs.
Side Effects and Dangers of Meth
When meth wears off, withdrawal symptoms can also present as
rapidly as the effects of meth do, and create extreme levels of
discomfort with symptoms such as depression, anxiety , restlessness
and insomnia. Perhaps the most serious risk of meth use is the
adulteration of meth that drug dealers are increasingly doing – cutting
meth with drugs such as anti-depressants or opioids, increasing the
potential strength of the meth. Considering that most of the meth used
in our country comes in illegally, from questionable sources, it is
potentially the most lethal of the street drugs.
Recovery and Relapse Prevention
Carefully monitored detoxification, the first step of meth addiction
treatment, will safely rid the body of meth and help make it ready for
normal drug-free functioning. Counseling will be needed to help our
clients recognize and avoid the triggers that would lead them back into
meth use. Resisting the temptation of the rush of euphoria from meth,
and learning how to maintain recovery will not happen overnight, but
with help from the Welwynn Outpatient Center expert clinicians and
identified support systems, it can be done. Any meth addiction
treatment plan is client-driven and comprehensive in scope, with
ongoing therapy options to help prevent relapse.