Methamphetamine, a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Also called ice, glass, crystal meth, speed, crank, or tina, methamphetamine works by increasing dopamine levels, norepinephrine, and serotonin, natural chemicals in the brain, to create an intense euphoric feeling when taken. Methamphetamine can also boost mood, motivation, and attention. How does tweaking is related to Meth and what exactly tweaking is? Find out in our article below and reach out to our meth addiction treatment in Miramar, FL.
Dangers of Methamphetamine Use
Meth can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Some of the short-term effects of methamphetamine include decreased appetite, increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Meth is neurotoxic. The intense euphoria it produces is very short-lived and can lead to mental health issues like depression later. It causes permanent damage to the dopamine neurons in the brain and causes long-term personality changes. It can cause reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning. And can cause severe structural and functional changes to the areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory. It also alters brain structures associated with decision-making and impairs the ability to suppress habitual behaviors.
What Is Tweaking?
Tweaking is a slang term used to describe the compulsive behavior a methamphetamine user exhibits after a long meth binge; it is a physical and psychological state that can occur for several days. After a meth binge, users will continue to use the drug to slow the comedown because the withdrawal symptoms are so terrible. However, after using the drug for so long, the individual can no longer experience a high, so they start “tweaking”. The National Institute of Health Journal of psychoactive drugs “Tweaking and Geeking, Just Having Some Fun”: An Analysis of Methamphetamine Poems”:
Tweaking specifically refers to “stereotype,” which is compulsive, repetitive behavior such as repeatedly disassembling and reassembling (often unsuccessfully) electronic or mechanical equipment (Drug Identification Bible 2008). For example, Cletus stated, “Some people might start [thinking], ‘This here don’t sound quite right,’ and the next thing you know, you’ve torn [tweaked] your radio apart, to fix something.” This behavior may occur while an individual is in his or her “own little world” after being under the influence of MA for an extended period. Geeking can refer to behaviors such as intense cravings for MA, but more often it indicates visual and auditory hallucinations and paranoia that occur from sleep deprivation. (NIH)
More About What Is Tweaking?
Tweaking describes the nervous, repeated physical motions a meth user exhibits along with the unpredictable mood swings and violent outbursts that often accompany a long meth binge. Users can also experience delusions, hallucinations, or altered perceptions at this time. In addition, they can exhibit confusing or irrational patterns of speech or even sudden outbursts of anger. This is caused by the large amounts of dopamine that is released from using meth and is very similar to what someone with Parkinson’s Disease or obsessive-compulsive disorder goes through. The behavioral changes of a person that is tweaking are very noticeable. It is easy to recognize when someone has taken and been on the drug for a long period.
Overcome Meth Misuse at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Meth is a really hard addiction to recover from, but recovery is possible. The quicker you decide enough is enough and enter treatment, the better chance you have of suffering from the long-term effects of the drug. Evoke Wellness at Miramar has a premier medical detox program. Located in beautiful South Florida, we offer cutting-edge addiction treatment. We offer a safe environment and treat our clients with respect. Evoke Wellness at Miramar specializes in making sure our patients have the most comfortable detox process possible. It’s time to get your life back! We are here around the clock and waiting for your call when you are ready. Call 866.931.9312 to speak to our team today.
