Methamphetamine usually appears as an odorless, bitter-tasting, white crystalline powder, which can be dissolved in liquids like water or alcohol. It is often referred to on the streets as ice, meth, chalk or crystal. Methamphetamine has a more potent effect on the body compared to amphetamines, primarily because it reaches the brain in larger amounts, leading to a higher risk of addiction.

Methamphetamine Use in the United States

In a 2012 survey, it was found that approximately 1.2 million people in the United States, or about 0.4% of the population, had used methamphetamine in the past year. Additionally, 440,000 individuals reported using the drug in the past month. Methamphetamine is particularly popular among adolescents and teenagers; about 1% of 8th, 10th and 12th graders reported using methamphetamine in the past year.

Although methamphetamine use has been declining across the country, there is still a significant need for preventive measures and effective treatment programs to combat this dangerous drug.

What Makes Methamphetamine So Addictive?

Methamphetamine can be consumed in various ways, including injection, snorting or oral ingestion. Users experience a euphoric high due to increased dopamine levels in the brain, which control pleasure and reward. This intense high is followed by a severe crash, leading users to binge on the drug to prolong the euphoric feeling.

The method of consumption affects the duration of the high. Injecting methamphetamine results in a short-lived high, while snorting or orally ingesting it can produce effects lasting up to 12 hours. The addictive nature of methamphetamine stems from its ability to enhance mood, increase wakefulness, decrease appetite and boost physical activity, making it appealing for weight loss or increased productivity.

Risk Factors for Methamphetamine Addiction

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a methamphetamine addiction:

  • Genetics: Addiction can be hereditary. Individuals with a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) who has struggled with substance abuse are at higher risk themselves.

  • Environmental: Growing up in chaotic environments where substance abuse, neglect, crime and violence are present increases the risk of meth addiction.

  • Physical: Prolonged meth use can impair mental functioning, making it difficult to make positive decisions and resist impulses. This altered brain chemistry increases the risk of addiction.

Other risk factors include pre-existing mental health issues, easy access to methamphetamine and peer pressure.

Effects of Methamphetamine on the Body

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant, and even small doses can have significant effects on the body. Short-term effects include increased respiration, hyperthermia, decreased appetite, heightened attention, euphoria and reduced fatigue. However, it also causes dangerous heart-related issues such as irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure.

Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to severe side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, violent behavior, hallucinations, paranoia, convulsions, confusion, cardiovascular problems and suicidal thoughts. Chronic users may experience delusions, particularly the sensation of insects crawling on the skin, leading to self-inflicted wounds.

Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction manifests through various behavioral, physical, psychosocial and cognitive symptoms:

  • Behavioral: Rapid speech, erratic behavior, unwarranted aggression, poor performance at school or work, secretiveness and isolation
  • Cognitive: Memory loss, impaired reasoning and judgment, learning difficulties
  • Psychosocial: Depression, psychosis, manic episodes, extreme mood swings, anxiety, agitation
  • Physical: Facial tics, muscle spasms, appetite changes, weight loss, poor hygiene and hypersomnia

If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, seeking immediate help from a quality meth addiction treatment program is crucial.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment at Bluff Augusta

Bluff Augusta offers comprehensive methamphetamine addiction treatment in Augusta, Georgia. Our program includes various behavioral therapies, such as contingency management interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies encompass family education, individual counseling, group therapy and more. Contingency management interventions provide tangible rewards for abstaining from meth use, helping clients stay motivated.

Our holistic approach includes nature trails, equine-assisted therapy, meditation and yoga to ensure a peaceful and rejuvenating stay. We create individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs, taking into account their personal and family history and current health status.

At Bluff Augusta, we are committed to providing top-rated addiction treatment. Contact our addiction specialists for a free evaluation and begin your journey towards recovery in a compassionate and understanding environment. Our phone lines are open 24/7 to assist you with health coverage and payment options.