Methamphetamine use has become increasingly more popular since 2005. It is now one of the most widely abused drugs in the world. Methamphetamine is cheap and fairly easy to make in clandestine labs. Its effects can last for up to 12 hours versus 1 hour for cocaine, making it sometimes known as “the poor man’s cocaine.” Meth is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is highly addictive. It can be prescribed and is sometimes used to treat obesity and ADHD (Desoxyn). However, the illicit form of the drug is way more common. Illicit methamphetamine or abusing the drug produces an intense euphoric rush followed by increased energy and heightened attention. The pleasurable rush users get due to a flood of dopamine being released when the drug is taken. This is what makes methamphetamines so addictive.
Definition of Methamphetamine Use Disorder?
Methamphetamine use disorder refers to abusing illicit methamphetamines as a drug of choice. The DSM-5 has combined methamphetamine abuse and methamphetamine dependence into this one diagnostic concept ranging from mild to severe. Sometimes called stimulant use disorder, amphetamines, cocaine, and crack also fall under this category.
Signs And Symptoms of Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Methamphetamine abuse can cause various signs and symptoms, including physical, behavioral, psychological, and mood changes. Symptoms can vary depending on the individual, how much they have used, and for how long. It’s not unlikely for a meth user to go on binges where they stay up for days without sleep. In a situation like this, the symptoms would, of course, be more pronounced and severe.Common symptoms can include euphoria, overall sense of well-being, depression and anxiety, trembling, shaking, insomnia, open sores, nervousness, hallucinations, repetitive behaviors, paranoia, disorganized thoughts, and sensation of bugs crawling on the skin. Methamphetamine abuse can also cause severe tooth decay, appetite loss, aggression, impulsiveness, isolation, risky behaviors, violent behaviors, and tweaking (intently focused attention). Some patients state that LSD addiction is similar to meth addiction; which means Evoke Wellness Miramar would be able to combat these withdrawals as well.
Methamphetamine Overdose Crisis in The United States
The United States is no longer only experiencing an opioid epidemic. Instead, we now have a drug epidemic on our hands, and methamphetamine addiction has nearly surpassed opioid addiction. The National Institutes of Health “Methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths nearly tripled between 2015 to 2019, NIH study finds” says:
We are in the midst of an overdose crisis in the United States, and this tragic trajectory goes far beyond an opioid epidemic. In addition to heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine are becoming more dangerous due to contamination with highly potent fentanyl, and increases in higher-risk use patterns such as multiple substance use and regular use,” said NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D., one of the authors of the study. “Public health approaches must be tailored to address methamphetamine use across the diverse communities at risk, and particularly for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, who have the highest risk for methamphetamine misuse and are too often underserved. (NIH)
As the NIH stated, we are experiencing an overdose crisis. Something has to be done; we are losing lives daily to this drug epidemic. Thankfully we do have good treatment centers available, and studies are being done on potential future treatments. If you are struggling with addiction, get the help you need before it’s too late.
Find Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Evoke Wellness is South Florida’s premier medical detox and residential treatment facility. We offer cutting-edge addiction treatment in South Florida in a safe environment and treat all our clients with respect. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we specialize in ensuring our patients have the most comfortable detox process possible. Our programs promote healing and stability. We want to help you begin your journey to long-lasting recovery. A new life starts now!
